KTBB News, Weather, Talk

HEMPHILL (AP/Staff) — One woman is dead after a tornado whipped through rural East Texas. According to KETK, weather officials have determined that the twister was an EF-1. That category includes tornadoes with winds of 86-110 mph. Sabine County Sheriff Tom Maddox says the storm streaked across the southwestern corner of the county on the Louisiana border about 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Maddox says the storm dropped a tree limb onto a mobile home, fatally injuring 74-year-old Louise Pillow Stringer. Maddox says 25 homes were damaged.

EAST TEXAS — Surveys from Monday’s storms have finally been completed, and the official tornado count for East Texas has risen to 13, which brings the total for the week to 14. KETK reports the vast majority of these were small, weak, short-lived EF-0 tornadoes with top winds of only 70-75 mph that only damaged trees. But an EF-1 with winds of 90 mph struck Monday in extreme southeast Rusk County near the community of Caledonia and damaged one mobile home. Seven EF-0s had already been confirmed in the area that day, striking near Kilgore, Backville, Tatum, and Carthage. Monday’s storms caused no injuries.

EAST TEXAS (Staff/AP) — Two East Texas airport managers say their airports could continue to operate if their air traffic control centers closed. That word comes in the wake of a federal announcement that both airports’ control centers are on a list of possible closures if automatic federal spending cuts take effect next week. Roy Miller of East Texas Regional and Davis Dickson of Tyler Pounds Regional Airport both say contingency measures are used at airports when the control centers are not operational. Dickson notes that his airport already closes at night. He says he anticipates that air traffic control duties for Tyler would fall to facilities in Fort Worth and Shreveport if Tyler’s tower were closed due to the spending cuts.

Both men say they have yet to receive any official notification from the FAA. But Miller adds that even if an airport is tabbed for closure, the feds would provide notice and offer a comment period — a process that could take from 3 to 6 months. Dickson agrees that such a process would likely be implemented. And neither manager thinks East Texas Regional or Tyler Pounds would be high on any list of possible control center closures. Dickson adds that he thinks any such closure for Tyler “would be a short-term thing, if at all.”

TYLER — Tyler school trustees have unanimously approved sending to voters in May a $160.5 million bond proposal. The measure was approved at Thursday night’s meeting. The bond proposal would create a career and technology center that offers cosmetology and health science classes. It also calls for the renovation of Dixie and Rice Elementary Schools and building three new middle schools. The last school bond issue went before voters in 2010. The proposal was rejected.

One group, ‘”No More Excuses, Tyler ISD,” opposes the bond. Activist JoAnn Fleming tells KETK the district’s priorities do not make sense, and that Tyler ISD needs to focus on the low academic performance in the district. Cedrick Granberry, a parent and member of the opposition group, says, “New schools don’t teach children, good teachers and stable administration does teach children.” Tyler ISD tells KETK infrasructure and academics go hand- in-hand when it comes to the best learning performance. School officials say they value the safety and security of students as much as academics. Tyler Proud is a citizen group supporting the bond issue. According to the group’s Facebook page, “Great schools make a great community and it’s time for 21st century schools in Tyler!”

TYLER — Fire has destroyed the M&M Beauty Supply and Music Store at 1114 West Bow Street. Five engines and a Ladder company responded to the blaze shortly after 11:00 Thursday morning. No one was at the business when the fire broke out and no injuries were reported. Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire, which may have started from a space heater.

LONGVIEW — Acting on a tip, Longview police have arrested a Louisiana murder suspect. Michael Gregory, 30, of Vivian, Louisiana, was arrested in the 1700 block of Alpine Road because of a tip to the United States Marshals Service. He was taken into custody with out incident. He will remain in the Gregg County Jail until he is transferred to Caddo Parish in Louisiana.

HENDERSON — An update on a fatal shooting last weekend at the American Legion post in Henderson. The victim Roy Lee Moore, 53, and the alleged shooter, Joe Travis Watley, 60, were involved in a previous incident involving a gun. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the incident happened in the 80s. Watley is currently free on bond.

GREGG COUNTY — A Kilgore man has been charged with his third DWI after leading local law enforcement on a chase. According to KETK, a Kilgore Police Department officer pulled over a vehicle with two alleged drunk passengers. When the officer approached the driver, later identified as Nicholas Scott Cline, 23, of Kilgore, and asked him to step out of the automobile, he sped away. The officer pursued Cline until he lost control and crashed into a field. The driver was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and later booked into the Gregg County Jail. Cline was charged with driving while intoxicated, third offense, evading arrest and possession of marijuana.

MT. PLEASANT — Mount Pleasant police are looking for a man who they said attacked a teenage girl in her backyard in January. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, police said the assault took place about 6:00pm on January 17 in the 200 block of Bluebird Street. The girl was cut on her upper body and legs during the assault, but was able to escape and run to her house for help, Mount Pleasant Police Chief Wayne Isbell said. The Mount Pleasant-Titus County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of $750 for the arrest of the attacker. You can call call Crime Stoppers at 903-572-2833, go online at http://mountpleasant.crimestoppersweb.com or text your tip to “CUFF plus your message” at 274637 (CRIMES).

WELLS — The severe storms that passed through parts of East Texas on Thursday caused some damage in the Wells area of Cherokee County. Wells Fire Chief Robert Kalka tells KETK the damage is similar to that caused by a tornado; however, the National Weather Service has not yet confirmed that a tornado passed through the area. Kalka says that most of the damage occurred just after noon on Thursday. He says there were several residential areas affected from FM 1247 to Hwy 69. Several houses were damaged, and trees were knocked down. Some eyewitnesses claimed that they saw a tornado, but authorities must complete their investigation before they can determine whether one occurred.

EAST TEXAS — The U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks public comment on proposed Farm Service Agency community boundaries in East Texas. The Smith and Upshur-Gregg FSA offices combined in 2012 when the Upshur-Gregg county office closed. The combined Smith-Upshur-Gregg County Committee proposes the following area community boundaries for the 2013 county committee election. The proposal decreases the existing eight local administrative areas (LAAs) to the required seven LAAs for the new combined Smith-Upshur-Gregg county office. Eligible voters are encouraged to submit public comments by March 8 to the Smith-Upshur-Gregg county FSA office at 4209 Republic Drive Tyler, TX 75701 or call 903-561-6042 ext. 2.

The proposed local administrative areas are as follows:

Community A Smith Co. (LAA 1) comprises the area of Smith County that is North of US 64 from the Van Zandt County line to Tyler and the area West of a line located West of FM 14 from Tyler to Wood County.

Community B Smith Co. (LAA 2) comprises the area of Smith County that is East of a line located West of FM 14 from the Wood County line South to Tyler and the area North of a line from the East side of Tyler South to the intersection of FM 2964 and CR 2307 and extending East to the Rusk County line.

Community C Smith Co. (LAA 3) comprises the area of Smith County that is South of US 64 East from the Van Zandt County line to the East side of Tyler and South to the intersection of FM 2964 and CR 2307 and extending East to the Rusk County line.

Community D Upshur Co. (LAA 4) comprises the area of Upshur County that is West of SH 155 from the Smith County line to Gilmer then North on US 271 to the Camp County line.

Community E Upshur Co. (LAA 5) comprises the area of Upshur County that is East of US 271 from the Camp County line to Gilmer then the area North of SH 154 East to FM 726 South to FM 1650 East to the Gregg County line.

Community F Upshur Co. (LAA 6) comprises the area of Upshur County that is East of SH 155 from the Smith County line to Gilmer and the area South of SH 154 East to FM 726 South to FM 1650 East to the Gregg County line.

Community G Gregg Co. (LAA 7) comprises the entire area of Gregg County.

For more information, you may contact the Smith-Upshur-Gregg County FSA office at 903-561-6042 or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/tx online.

TYLER — Tyler school trustees tonight are due to consider and possibly call a bond election for this May. Proposed items include construction of a new Career Technology Center; construction of three new middle schools (to replace Boulter and Moore middle schools and to construct a new middle school in the Three Lakes area); and renovation and repair of Rice and Dixie elementary schools. Even in advance of the board meeting, the possible bond issue has already drawn vocal supporters and opponents. The school district’s last bond proposal was narrowly defeated in November 2010.

EAST TEXAS — The National Weather Service has finished its surveys of damage from the thunderstorms that rolled through East Texas Monday. According to KETK, NWS officials concluded that seven tornadoes touched down in our region.

Tornado #1 was reported 7 miles southeast of Kilgore just after 5:00pm. It was rated an EF-0 with peak winds of 70 mph. Several large branches and a hardwood tree were snapped along County Roads 281 and 283. Tornado #2 occurred just after 5:15pm 9 miles east-southeast of Kilgore. It was also rated an EF-0 with peak winds of 70 mph. A brief touch-down snapped the tops out of several pine trees along Highway 322 near Barnes Creek. Tornado #3 was 9 miles west of Tatum just before 5:30pm. Winds peaked at 70 mph and it was also rated an EF-0. A pine tree was uprooted along with several tops of pine trees snapped along County Road 2126 and Farm Road 782.

Tornado #4 was reported just before 6:00pm 4 miles north-northeast of Beckville. Just slightly stronger, this tornado was still rated an EF-0, but had peak winds of 75 mph. Numerous large limbs and a few trees were snapped along Farm Road 1794. Several pictures of the funnel were also captured by witnesses. Tornado #5 occurred just after 6:00pm 9 miles north of Carthage. It was rated an EF-0 with winds peaking at 70 mph. Numerous large limbs and a few pine trees were snapped along FM 1794 just south of the Sabine River.

Tornado #6 touched down 10 miles north-northeast of Carthage. Winds peaked at 70 mph and it was also rated an EF-0. The brief touch-down snapped a small hardwood tree along County Road 307. Tornado #7 was 9 miles northeast of Carthage. Also an EF-0, winds peaked at 75 mph. Two pine trees were snapped along Farm Road 31 near the County Road 316 intersection.

EAST TEXAS — It continues to generate its share of controversy. But KETK reports a lot of people are moving to East Texas to work on the Keystone XL Pipeline. That’s giving our local economy a boost. After working all day, the laborers spend their hard-earned money in local restaurants. Dick’s Cajun Bar and Grill in Mt. Selman is a favorite spot for the pipeline workers to hang out. Also, the area’s drawing positive comments from the newcomers. Laura Grife is from Minnesota, but she’s made East Texas her temporary home; she currently resides in Jacksonville. Grife says, “I love Texas; this winter has been really nice. When you look at all the weather like where I’m from, Minnesota, this has been like a summer.” Another worker says the “people are wonderful; Southern hospitality is awesome.” Yet another is struck by the East Texas scenery.

LONGVIEW — An East Texas family is heartbroken after family members learned their dog was stolen from their backyard in broad daylight. Around 3:00 Tuesday afternoon, the act was caught by a neighbor’s security camera on the 300 block of East Branch and Rodden Street, located in the Pine Tree area of Longview. KETK spoke with family members who plan to put up a reward for their pet. The dog, Zeus, is described as a 5-month-old male English Bull Terrier or “Spuds McKenzie dog.” “We would do anything to get him back,” said Katie Worden, the dog’s owner. The family has already filed a police report and contacted the Humane Society of Northeast Texas.

AUSTIN — Tyler’s state senator addresses the need to find more money for highway funding. Traditionally, according to KETK, the gas tax has been used. Acknowledging that the money has to come from somewhere, Kevin Eltife says, “Choose your poison. None of us like taxes.” But according to Eltife, the state could raise the gas tax a dime, possibly expand the sales tax base, or raise the sales tax rate.

Since the gas tax hasn’t been touched in over 20 years, Eltife says we’ve been financing our roads simply with debt, and as far as he’s concerned, that’s not very conservative. “The answer,” says Eltife, “is to find a dedicated revenue stream and pay cash.” According to Eltife, that’s not a new idea from him; he says he’s been putting it out there since he first joined the Senate and compares it to the city of Tyler’s half-cent sales tax. As to possible political repercussions, he says, “All I know to do is name the problems, tell people how I would solve them, tell the truth, and let the chips fall where they may.”

AUSTIN — The Texas State Railroad has been named by Preservation Texas, Inc. to its tenth anniversary retrospective list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places. Originally named to the 2007 list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places, the railroad is designated as saved on the 2013 list.

Preservation Texas officials announced the selections yesterday on the steps of the Texas State Capitol on Preservation Day. The annual announcement is part of Preservation Day activities organized by Preservation Texas. Advocates from all over the state come to participate in informational sessions, meet with legislators at the Capitol and get an in depth look at lessons to be learned from the sites named to the list.

“Inclusion of lost sites is important because it illustrates some of the very real obstacles communities face in their efforts to preserve the historic resources of Texas,” said Charlene Orr, president of Preservation Texas, Inc. “And by including threatened sites, we hope to generate additional support that will take them to the next level in their preservation process.”

The Texas State Railroad (TSRR), designated the “official railroad of Texas” by the Texas Legislature, is recognized as one of the nation’s largest and most unique steam train operations The Railroad began in the 1880s as a way to deliver pig iron produced by the prison located in Rusk. It was converted to a heritage railroad attraction in 1976 by the Legislature and became a major tourist attraction. However, it was scheduled to become a static display when the Legislature refused to fund its operation, and the local community had almost exhausted its financial resources. In 2007 management of the TSRR was privatized with a contract with American Heritage Railways. In conjunction with this, the state formed the Texas State Railroad Authority, to oversee the railroad and to ensure that this Texas treasure continues to function as it always has.

HENDERSON — The man charged with killing another person at the American Legion post in Henderson has been released from jail. KETK reports that Joe Travis Watley (pictured), 60, who is charged with murder, was released from the Rusk County Jail Tuesday on $150,000 bond. Shortly after 12:15 Sunday morning, in the 600 block of Sand Street, Watley allegedly shot Roy Lee Moore, 53, of Henderson, multiple times in his upper body. The victim later died at a Kilgore hospital from his wounds. Witnesses on scene told police that the victim and the shooter had both been attending a function at the American Legion Hall.

HARLETON — An East Texas man remains hospitalized after he was shot during a heated dispute over vehicle repairs. According to KETK, shortly after 10:00 Sunday night, Harrison County dispatchers received a call for help on the 12,900 block of Highway 154 in Harleton. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Johnny Deskus, 49, suffering from a gunshot wound to his left thigh.

The suspect, Chance Godwin (pictured), 28, had stopped at a house on Highway 154 and told the owner he was going to fix a power steering pump before he could drive. The homeowner, Deskus, told Godwin to go ahead with his plans. Officials say while both men were working on the vehicle, an argument broke out between the two on the work being done to the vehicle. Deskus reportedly showed a stun gun, allegedly prompting Godwin to pull a pistol from the truck and shoot Deskus in his left thigh.

The victim was taken to a Marshall hospital for his wounds. Godwin was arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The gun was later recovered at the scene. Godwin’s bail was set at $50,000.

JACKSONVILLE — A man has been arrested by Jacksonville authorities after he refused to leave a local hotel, then led officers on a foot chase into a creek bed, according to officials. Police say they received a call from management members at the Extend A Suites Motel on the 1400 block of East Rusk Street. According to KETK, hotel employees claimed they asked a guest to leave repeatedly because of “suspicious activity” but that the man would not comply. Management also reported a lot of activity in the room the man was staying in at the time. Workers reported seeing several people people going in and out throughout the evening.

When police arrived at the business, they approached the motel room where the suspect, Orenthal Jay Mallard, 36, was reportedly staying with a woman, Chasidy Sexton, 20. After authorities allegedly smelled a strong marijuana odor, they asked Mallard to step outside and began a probable cause search of the room. Police reportedly found a handgun, marijuana, and other narcotic contraband during the search. Police also searched Mallard’s vehicle, where they allegedly found magazines, ammunition, and additional drug residue. Police also discovered that Mallard was wanted on a probation warrant in Jasper County.

When officers attempted to take Mallard into custody, he struggled and escaped, running eastbound on East Rusk Street, according to authorities. Police say they chased Mallard down the road and into a creek between Catfish King and Jalapeno Tree just east of the Extend A Suites motel. Officials say it took at least three officers to wrangle Mallard into handcuffs.

Both Mallard and Sexton were arrested and booked into the Cherokee County Jail on multiple charges. In addition to his previous probation warrant, Mallard has been charged with evading arrest, assault of a peace officer causing bodily injury, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, and failure to identify himself as a fugitive. Sexton has been charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, and intent to deliver a controlled substance.

LUFKIN — Lufkin police have arrest a man wanted on five counts of aggravated incest. Clarence Sanderson, 74, was arrested and is being held in the Angelina County Jail. Lufkin police say Sanderson has a number of warrants issued in the state of Louisiana.

LUFKIN — Angelina County authorities have been able to catch a man wanted on more than 20 different warrants after he was allegedly enjoying his music a little too much. According to KETK, Police were called to the 1500 block of Briarwood Drive on a noise complaint. When an officer spoke with the suspect, Richard Flores, 26, Lufkin, they learned he was wanted on 23 warrants: driving while intoxicated, display expired license plates, 2 charges of driving while license invalid, seven citations for failure to maintain financial responsibility, two charges of loud/disturbing/unnecessary noise, six warrants for no driver’s license, no seat belt, public intoxication and two warrants for speeding and unrestrained child under five-years-old. Flores was booked into the Angelina County Jail. His bail amounts total $11,360.

ALTO — The city of Alto held a town hall meeting where members of the town discussed their opinions on how the city has handled officer Brandon Smith. After being placed on administrative leave, members of the community say they saw Smith patrolling the city in a police vehicle. Members of the city council tell KETK, Smith was only working in the office, and was not performing any police duties while in the vehicle. He was only working on office duties, but once there was a public outcry, council members tell KETK he was immediately removed from any city occupations.

Members of Griffin’s family and supporters say they were offended by seeing the officer on the streets at all. Council members maintained that officer Smith has not performed any patrolling duties since the January shooting. The Texas Rangers have not released any new information concerning their investigation.

An alleged thief, identified as James Eric Griffin, 48, attempted to rob the Pick N’ Go convenience store of cigarettes. According to the convenience store worker, he called 911 because Griffin had machete. Griffin allegedly charged an the Alto officer in the 200 block of Highway 69 after leaving the store, according to the Department of Public Safety. The officer, Brandon Michael Smith, then shot Griffin, dead as he was being rushed.

SAN ANTONIO — There are plenty of people who claim to have seen a Bigfoot. One East Texas woman is going a step further. Melba Ketchum of Nacogdoches claims to have Sasquatch DNA, and for 30 bucks, you can download her self-published scientific research. But Brian Brown with the Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy says it’s all lies. According to Brown, “When they present themselves in such a bad way, it just casts a negative light on everyone who’s in this field.” He says the DNA research was shown to an expert, and there was no truth to the claims.

TYLER — Heart of Tyler, Inc., Tyler’s only non-profit solely dedicated to the revitalization of downtown Tyler, celebrated its 25th anniversary at its annual meeting Tuesday night. The event was held at Regions Bank, 100 East Ferguson. Activities included a report on 2012 accomplishments and election of board members. Among those accomplishments: a number of new businesses and renovation projects; two statewide awards; and a series of successful special events. Another of the evening’s highlights was presentation of the Brick Award for outstanding support of downtown revitalization. That award went to the late Debbie Johnson Arredondo, a much loved volunteer and Heart of Tyler’s marketing and PR chair, who passed away last year.

TYLER — Tyler Cardiovascular Consultants, P.A. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Tyler Chamber of Commerce Tuesday for the new cardiac catheterization lab and imaging center at its new location, 2401 SSE Loop 323. According to a news release from East Texas Medical Center, the free-standing cardiac catheterization lab and imaging center encompass 17,000 square feet of the new facility. The release says the advanced technology center offers stress testing, research, echocardiograms, nuclear imaging, and PET imaging. Construction continues on additional square footage that will house the business office, clinic space, a sleep lab, exercise classes, and educational classes.

Tyler CVC physicians include Dr. Robert Carney, Dr. Brent Davis, Dr. David Dick, Dr. David Hector, Dr. Daniel Jackman, Dr. Roderick Meese, Dr. Frank Navetta, Dr. Robert Smith and Dr. Thaddeus Tolleson. “Tyler CVC has been a leader in cardiac care in East Texas for more than 25 years,” said Dr. Carney. “We have nine fellowship-trained physicians bringing East Texans the heart care program they deserve in their community. We are pleased to have a new relationship with the East Texas Medical Center Cardiovascular Institute and look forward to new opportunities.”

SAN AUGUSTINE (AP) – An East Texas jury has sentenced two women of kidnapping a Houston boy when he was 8 months old and hiding him for eight years before he was found.

Jurors in San Augustine deliberated for about two hours before finding Krystle Tanner and her mother, Gloria Walker (pictured), guilty Tuesday of kidnapping. Walker also was found guilty of injury to a child, while the jury found Tanner guilty of a lesser charge of reckless injury to a child. Miguel Morin is now 8 and disappeared in 2004. Prosecutors told jurors Tanner and Walker took the boy from his Houston apartment complex and moved him to different homes in Texas. Defense attorneys said Miguel was not kidnapped but was sold by his biological mother to Tanner.

Later, jurors sentenced Walker to 30 years for injury to a child and eight years for kidnapping. The sentences will be served concurrently. Tanner was sentenced to eight years for kidnapping and eight years for reckless injury to a child. Her sentences will also be served concurrently.

AUSTIN – The East Texas Council of Government (ETCOG)has awarded Representative Dan Flynn of Van with their Legislator of the Year award. It was presented yesterday at a reception held at the Mansion on Judges Hill in Austin. Representative Flynn was introduced by Van Zandt County Judge, Rhita Koches, who also served as the Representatives Chief of Staff during his first term in office. “I am truly honored to be recognized by the Council” remarked Representative Flynn as he accepted his award. He quoted past President John Quincy Adams in closing by stating, “Duty is ours. Results are Gods.”

TYLER — Heart of Tyler, Inc., Tyler’s only non-profit solely dedicated to the revitalization of downtown Tyler, will celebrate its 25th anniversary at its annual meeting tonight. The event is set for 6:00 to 8:00pm at Regions Bank, 100 East Ferguson. The event will include a report on 2012 accomplishments and election of board members. Among the evening’s highlights will be presentation of the Brick Award for outstanding support of downtown revitalization. A social hour will begin at 6:00. with live music, hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The program will commence at 7:00pm. The event is free and open to the public, though RSVPs to 903-593-6905 are encouraged.

LONGVIEW — Longview joins the ranks of communities participating in The Great Texas Warrant Round-Up. It’s time for anyone with outstanding city warrants to contact the Longview Municipal Court to make arrangements to pay the warrant. Taking care of the outstanding warrants now could mean not spending the night in the Gregg County Jail and saving the embarrassment of being arrested in the future, according to officials.

According to Longview Municipal Court Director Sally Rees, the day is approaching that officers will be canvassing the city attempting to locate anyone with outstanding city warrants. If these officers locate someone with warrants that person will be arrested and taken to the Gregg County Jail. If you would like to take care of your warrants while you still have time, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Longview Municipal Court clerks at 903-237-1186 or go to 302 West Cotton Street, Longview between 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday.