KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — It’s now illegal to sell or possess K-2 in another East Texas community. The ban on the synthetic marijuana started Monday in Longview. According to KETK, the city passed an ordinance banning K-2 during last week’s city council meeting after citizens voiced concerns about the substance. Officials say they passed the ordinance for the safety of the residents. Authorities say they spent the weekend notifying gas stations and smoke shops that sell K-2. Police say if you’re caught selling or possessing K-2, you could be fined up to $2,000.

ARP — More developments on the case of a man who allegedly killed his father. KETK has learned the man reportedly stabbed to death by his autistic son was in jail at least twice before. David Wayne Wilson was at his home near Arp when witnesses say his son, David Adam Wilson, charged at him with a knife, stabbing him several times in the chest. The Wilson family tells police the 21-year-old had behavioral problems in recent weeks. They say he started a fight with his dad Monday night, after threatening several family members that day.

When deputies got to the house off FM 2089 near Arp, David Adam Wilson was hiding in a storage area. His father was already dead. The younger Wilson was taken into custody without incident. Investigators aren’t sure if David Adam Wilson was on his medication when it happened. He’s being held on a $500,000 bond. Authorities expect an autopsy report Wednesday.

TYLER — Thanks to the military, Tyler’s economy will be getting a boost. The reserve center on State Highway 110 is expanding. KETK-TV reports the over $24 million expansion is about 40% complete. The new installation is estimated to bring more than $150,000 to the local economy and about 300 armed forces every week starting in Next June. Officials say the reservists who will be flocking to Tyler to drill and take classes, will boost businesses such as hotels restaurants and dry cleaners. Tyler was selected for the facility because of its location, midway between Dallas and Shreveport. The project is said to be coming in ahead of schedule and under budget.

TYLER — Smith County commissioners offer you another chance to voice your views on the county’s proposed financial package for the coming fiscal year. At 5:30 p.m., there’s a public hearing on the proposed budget. Earlier today, commissioners held a public hearing on the tax rate. KETK reports there’s an increase in that figure currently on the table. Like the morning session, the afternoon gathering will be in the Commissioners’ Courtroom in the Courthouse Annex.

TYLER — The new school year is just around the corner and that may mean a change in your drive time routine. The City of Tyler notes that the Tyler Independent School District has adopted a new bell schedule for middle and high schools. Middle schools now will start at 8:25 a.m. and release at 3:40 p.m.; high schools begin at 8:40 a.m. and end at 4:10 p.m. All elementary schools will still begin at 8 a.m. and release at 3 p.m. You’re asked to please keep this information in mind when planning local trips.

School flashers will be in operation in marked school speed zones beginning Monday, August 23, 2010, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with the following exceptions:
* West Loop 323 near John Tyler High School – This school speed zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
* South Donnybrook near Robert E. Lee High School – This school speed zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
* Copeland Road at Hubbard Drive – This school speed zone will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, a new school speed zone with a speed limit of 35 mph has been added on West Front Street just east of West Loop 323 for the new Jones Boshears Elementary School.

School crossing guards will be on duty in designated locations during the hours of the school flasher operations. Crossing guards will raise a hand-held stop paddle and enter the crosswalk in preparation for allowing pedestrians to cross safely. Motorists are required to stop at pedestrian crossing locations while the school crossing guard is in the street; all vehicles should wait until the crossing guard returns to the curb before continuing through the crossing. Citizens are asked to review their commute route to avoid unnecessary delays.

“The first three weeks of a new school year are always very hectic as everyone adjusts to their new routines, especially when we have new schools opening,” commented City of Tyler Traffic Engineer Peter Eng. “Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and be patient with other drivers. Safety is more important that anything else. Each school has developed a traffic flow plan available to all parents to provide for the safe loading and unloading of students and also to get cars in and out of the school property as efficiently possible.” Drivers are also asked to please remember that the use of hand-held communication devices like cell phones is prohibited in school speed zones.

You can go to http://www.tylerisd.org for more information about Tyler ISD schools and school schedules. A list of designated school speed zones is located at http://www.cityoftyler.org in the City of Tyler’s code of ordinances.

TYLER — In an effort to assist citizens who have been unable to pay past due court fines because of economic conditions, the Tyler Municipal Court is launching a Second Chance Program. The program enables persons who have had warrants issued for non-payment of fines to reestablish a payment plan and bring their accounts current.

“We have seen an increase in the number of people who have warrants issued for their arrest due to the economy,” said Court Administrator Cam McCabe. “This program provides a second chance for violators to become current and take care of their fines.”

A $300 down payment is required to reestablish the payment plan. Warrants will be removed once the $300 is received and a payment plan is signed. To take advantage of this Second Chance Program, defendants must visit the cashier’s window at the Municipal Court to make the down payment and sign the payment agreement no later than Sept. 9.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview say they’re investigating the suspicious death of Lloyd Johnson Sr., 67. Around 12:32 p.m. Monday, Longview Officers responded to a check welfare call at 1404 Booker Street. According to a news release, officers arrived to find Johnson dead inside the location, apparently due to foul play. Detectives, crime scene personnel and Gregg County Justice of the Peace Sam Lawson responded to the scene. His body has been sent to the Southeast Texas Forensics Center in Tyler for autopsy.

HALLSVILLE — Two persons have been killed and two injured in a Harrison County accident. It was reported around 8:30 Sunday morning on Interstate Highway 20, near the 607 mile marker, between Longview and Hallsville. Initial reports are two teenagers from Azle, near Fort Worth, were killed. Their names had not been released pending notification of their next of kin. The accident remains under investigation.

GILMER — One person has been killed and two injured in an Upshur County accident. The accident happened around 9:00 Saturday night on State Highway 300. Marcey Robertson, 40, of Mount Pleasant, died after being airlifted to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. Injured was Oliver Palmer, 74, of Houston and his wife, Delores Palmer, 64. She is listed in serious condition at Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center. Her Husband was treated and released. The Department of Public Safety report said Robertson’s car, which was north bound, drifted into the south bound lane of traffic and collided with the Palmer vehicle.

LONGVIEW — Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a Longview fire that extensively damaged a home. KETK-TV reports the Sunday morning fire occurred near the intersection of Idylwood and Clover. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District:

TYLER — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform ditch and pavement repairs on Farm Road 756 (Paluxy Drive) between Jeff Davis and Cumberland Road. Once the work is complete, the crew will begin shoulder repairs in various locations on Farm Road 346 and Farm Road 344.

Also in Smith County, crews are scheduled to perform edge and base repairs on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 and Farm Road 16 northwest of Winona. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews on Monday are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on eastbound Interstate Highway 20 in various locations between the Joy-Wright Mountain Road and Farm Road 3053 (Liberty City) exits. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on State Highway 64 between State Highway 42 in Turnertown and Loop 571 in Henderson. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal coat operations on Farm Road 1255 between Interstate Highway 20 and Farm Road 773. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and a pilot vehicle will control traffic. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.

MINEOLA — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on SE Loop 564 between U.S. Highway 69 south of Mineola and U.S. Highway 80. A second crew will also be at work performing ditch maintenance on Farm Road 1804 south of US 80. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

TYLER — The NAACP remains as relevant today as ever, according to Marlin, Texas, City Manager William McDonald. The Tyler native keynoted his hometown’s NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet over the weekend. One key area, says McDonald: economic empowerment. McDonald said there’s a “new Jim Crow” at work in America, in which too many young African-Americans are told they can’t succeed. McDonald commented that in order for young people to compete in a truly global marketplace, “we have an important role to lay…during these difficult economic times to try to help individuals gain a quality education.” He added, “If we have an opportunity to work together and become entrepreneurs, there’s certainly a benefit to the entire community.” McDonald also says it’s important to look to the future while remembering civil rights gains of the past.

TYLER — Some new programs are getting underway at Tyler’s Parent Services Center as it seeks to increase its educational efforts by forty per cent this year. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Executive Director Shelley Judd pointed to “Parent University,” a new partnership with TJC on the college’s West Campus consisting of five two-hour classes. According to Judd, it begins with early child development, continuing through the teenage years and family communication. Judd says another new effort provides affordable counseling. She remarks that there’s a real need for that, observing, “Sometimes it’s hard to solve a problem that your family is facing until you can get your own attitude sort of in the right direction.”

The Parent Services Center seeks to improve the quality of life for families through various programs. You can go to http://www.parentservicescenter.com for more information. And you can log on to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to hear the “Staff Meeting” show online.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a stabbing at Lake Tyler. It was reported around 2:45 Sunday morning after officers were called to the hospital. The victim was identified as Ronnie Melton, 24, Van. Police say Melton told them he was stabbed multiple times by an unknown black male while talking with some people in the parking lot area of Hillcreek Park. Authorities say Melton was unable to provide any information regarding the suspect’s identity or the reason for the attack. Melton’s injuries were said to be serious, but non life-threatening.

Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case, or any, felony case.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will hold a public meeting tonight at 6:00 at the UT Tyler Ornelas Activity Center to present the preliminary outcomes of the UT Tyler Area Development Plan. Participants will have the opportunity to hear conclusions on the Area Development Plan including the planning team’s findings and recommendations. The City of Tyler initiated the plan study last October to build upon recommendations set forth in the Tyler 21 Comprehensive Plan. City officials say the purpose of the Area Development Plan is to further develop UT Tyler, neighborhoods and surrounding areas as a vibrant district. Officials say the findings and recommendations cover long term growth, pedestrian friendly corridors, and ideas to enhance the UT Tyler area.

TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) announces that Harold Higgins, Senior Deputy Director, received the 2010 Janet Emerson Public Health Servant Award at a dinner Wednesday evening in Austin. This award is the Texas Association of Local Health Officials’ (TALHO) highest accolade for demonstrated extraordinary performance with an exemplary commitment to local public health. Health officials say the Emerson award is a means of expressing gratitude, recognition and encouragement of professional accomplishment in public health at the local level. As nominator and NETPHD CEO George Roberts noted, “Harold’s steady ‘can do’ spirit and willingness to work with many people and many different organizations has enabled NETPHD to grow, sustain and be recognized as experts in public health.”

Higgins serves as the Senior Deputy Director of Public Health Preparedness, Immunization and Tuberculosis Control Departments at NETPHD. Local health officials say Higgins has contributed outstanding service and dedication to protect and promote the health of the community for more than 30 years. During his public health career, Higgins has worked at the state, regional and local levels. In 2009, the Immunization Department, in which he serves as Director, had a record year by giving almost 17,000 immunizations in Smith County, as well as leading the vaccination of over 20,000 area citizens with the H1N1 vaccine.

Officials say due to Higgins’s actions, NETPHD received a Model Practice Award from the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) for establishing a partnership with UT Tyler for Medical Special Needs Sheltering. He was also deemed instrumental in the sheltering of thousands of special needs evacuees during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. “Mr. Higgins has been a rock solid, reliable public health worker for over three decades now, and I am sure Mr. Higgins will continue to make great contributions in the field of public health for years to come,” says Dr. Paul McGaha, Regional Director, Texas Department of State Health Services.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has named Scott Fossey as the new senior director of development, responsible for managing the university’s fundraising staff and reporting to the vice president for development. In recent years, Fossey has served as a president and chief development officer in private education and as morning meteorologist at Tyler CBS affiliate KYTX-TV. His plans are to continue his role as a weatherman at the TV station.

“Scott Fossey is one of the most familiar faces in East Texas,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “I have had the pleasure of working with both Scott and (his wife) Leslie in the past and look forward to the years ahead. LeTourneau University is one of the most significant Christian universities in the nation and Scott will be effective at sharing our vision with others.”

“We are excited and humbled to be a part of the LeTourneau University family and to share in the university’s mission to equip students to impact every workplace in every nation for Christ,” Fossey said. “We look forward to forming new relationships throughout East Texas and around the country as we meet those who have also been touched by LETU and are looking for a way to give back to the university through a number of opportunities.”

KILGORE — Questions about the Senior Nutrition Program around East Texas cause the state to audit the program. The senior nutrition program for 14 local counties is run by the East Texas Council of Governments. Director David Cleveland says recently, the program was struggling and was down to just three contractors. KETK says after six months, the state auditor found no wrong doing. The agency says they will keep better records in the future.

TYLER — Smith County will extend its two-week warrant amnesty campaign through the entire month of August due to the early success of the program, according to county officials. The Smith County Collections Department, Justice Courts, and Sheriff’s and Constables’ Offices originally declared an amnesty period for August 1 – 15. That was to allow anyone with outstanding fines or warrants for Class C Misdemeanors in Smith County to contact the County Collections Department (903-590-4624) and make arrangements to pay the fine without fear of arrest.

A Warrant Round-Up will begin on September 1, 2010, and all remaining cases will be moved into active warrant status with additional costs and fees added. Once the Warrant Round-Up begins, defendants will be actively pursued at home and their places of work and arrested. Anyone operating a motor vehicle at the time of their arrest will have the vehicle towed.

The Smith County Collections Department and the Smith County Justice Courts will be available to take payments, workout payment plans and in some cases offer discounts during normal business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday – Friday during the amnesty period. To find out if you have a warrant in Smith County visit http://www.smith-county.com and select “Do you owe a court fine?” at the top of the home page. This site will allow you to search for your name in Smith County database.

WASHINGTON — East Texas Regional Airport will receive a federal grant worth $500,000 for airport improvements, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Thursday. The funding comes through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). “These funds will be used to address needed maintenance and safety improvements at East Texas Regional Airport,” Sen. Cornyn said. “In addition, quality transportation services are important for boosting local economic growth. I commend the area leaders who worked to secure this funding.” This grant will provide Federal funding for several rehabilitative projects at East Texas Regional Airport including airport terminal entrance road and parking lot construction, both deemed important to improving passenger safety.

TROUP – Tuesday night the Troup city council voted unanimously to permanently ban the sale and use of K2 within city limits. However, KETK reports water pipes can still be sold for tobacco use. Troup Police Chief Pat Hendrix says K2 is 100 times more potent than THC, the active component in marijuana.

SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County homicide is under investigation. It happened around 6:00 Wednesday evening on CR 1295. 50-year-old Richard Rico Ramos was found dead at the scene from multiple stab wounds. 17-year-old Alejandro Silva, Tyler, is charged with murder. According to authorities, Silva was at the home visiting his girlfriend when he heard Ramos fighting with his girlfriend’s mom. Smith County Sheriff’s Lt. Tony Dana said Silva took a kitchen knife to the back bedroom where the two were fighting and confronted Ramos. Dana said Ramos reportedly took a swing at Silva, when Silva stabbed him multiple times. Bond has been set at $1,000,000.

Authorities say the original call that came in was regarding a sexual assault that had allegedly happened and the murder was in response to the reported assault. Lt. Dana said there was no evidence that any sexual assault ever happened or was attempted.

RUSK COUNTY — A Henderson man pleads guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. 21-year-old Trenton Ferguson was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in prison for the felony. He will have to serve 1/4 of the sentence before being eligible for parole.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is sharing its memories of a retired Tyler police officer killed in a one vehicle accident in Wood County. Pronounced dead at the scene were Dan Ross, 54, and Southern Trace Glaspif, 7. The accident happened around 12:45 Wednesday afternoon on Farm Road 14, about a mile north of State Highway 154. Their bodies have been sent to Dallas for autopsy. According to the Department of Public Safety, the victim’s truck left the road and hit a dirt embankment and then caught fire.

According to a statement from the Tyler Police Department, Ross began his career in law enforcement on January 23, 1978, with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. On July 1, 1979, he was hired by the Tyler Police Department. Ross served with the Tyler Police Department for 23 years and retired on June 24, 2002. During his tenure with the department he received his Advanced Peace Officer License, TCLEOSE Instructors License, Commendation Bar, and Certificate of Merit Bar, and was named Officer of the Year in 1993.

Ross was a Field Training Officer and a member of the Hostage Negotiation Unit. He was assigned to the Narcotics Unit for a good portion of his career, and during that assignment he was appointed to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Task Force for a period of time.

The statement adds, “The Tyler Police Department personnel were saddened at the news of Dan and his grandson’s death from yesterday’s vehicle accident. Dan was well liked by police personnel who worked with him and knew him. Even though Dan retired several years ago, he is still part of the Tyler Police family and will be missed.”

TYLER – The Tyler square was crowded as citizens gathered to hold a rally in support of the downtown Tyler Post Office. The postal service is conducting a study to see which of its facilities can be closed or consolidated in an effort to cut its losses. They are discussing closing the downtown facility. The Postal service recently reported a loss of $3.5 million.

KETK-TV reports those who gathered at the rally gave a variety of reasons why the postal facility should remain open. Several businesses say they rely on the office, and most agree that having a post office downtown is convenient. One person says the other post offices are already congested enough.

Among those on hand for the rally was Mayor Barbara Bass. She told the crowd, “We have a huge group, and a huge momentum. It’s going to build as we support this initiative to keep our downtown post office.” She said keeping the post office is environmentally friendly since some people can walk to the post office instead of driving.

CARTHAGE — They’re gearing up for production of a movie in East Texas, but the plans have some residents feeling a little uneasy. In 1997, Carthage resident Bernie Tiede was charged with the murder of Marjorie Nugent, an elderly woman with whom he was involved. Tiede was the heir to Nugent’s estate, worth millions of dollars. For many months he hid her body in a deep freeze while spending her money. Her body was discovered in August of that year. She had been shot with a 22-caliber weapon. Many Carthage residents are afraid the release of the movie might present the city in a negative light. The movie, called “Bernie,” is set to be a dark comedy. Filming is set to begin in September.