KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SULPHUR SPRINGS – A construction accident has killed a Sulphur Springs man. It happened around 10:00 Wednesday morning at Coleman Lake Park. Killed was Francisco Melendiz. Investigators say he had gone into a manhole in an effort to retrieve a plug. As water rapidly filled up the manhole, his foot became caught in a drain. He was trapped under water where he drowned.

GLADEWATER – A suspect is in custody in Gladewater in an attempted robbery. It happened around 6:30 Wednesday night when a man approached a couple in a pharmacy’s parking lot on East Broadway. The man is said to have tried to grab a woman’s purse. He is said to have punched the woman’s husband when he came to her aid. The suspect, who fled the scene on foot, was arrested a short time later. He has been identified as Adam Grzelczyk, 27. Formal charges are pending.

JACKSONVILLE — Fire crews in Cherokee County have discovered remains of a person following a house fire near Jacksonville. Wednesday morning around 7:45, Cherokee County 911 operators began receiving calls from several neighbors and passers-by about a house fire on County Road 3306 in the Churchill community west of Jacksonville. According to KETK, Earle’s Chapel VFD, North Cherokee VFD and ETMC EMS responded to the scene along with Cherokee County deputies. According to authorities, when crews arrived on the scene, smoke and flames were seen coming from the southwest corner of the house, which was later determined to be a bedroom, and were quickly beginning to spread. Officials say as firefighters were able to gain control of the blaze, they found the remains of a person in the doorway of the bedroom where the fire is believed to have started.

According to authorities, initial investigation appears to point to two heaters in the bedroom, a wood burning stove and a gas heater, as the possible origin of the fire, but the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation by Cherokee County constables. The body was sent to Dallas for autopsy. After officials interviewed witnesses and those believed to be family members of the victim, no foul play is suspected at this time. The name of the person found has not yet been released.

WASHINGTON — Tyler’s Louie Gohmert is among members of Congress who joined a political activist in speaking out Wednesday against the federal health care plan. Others on hand included Reps. Steve King (IA-05), Michele Bachmann (MN-06), Tom Price (GA-06), Joe Barton (TX-06), Phil Gingrey (GA-11), Paul Gosar (AZ-01) and Tea Party Patriots founder Jenny Beth Martin. The group addressed what they termed “Obamacare’s broken promises, new taxes, increased costs and expanded bureaucracy” in a Capitol Hill press conference.

According to KETK, Rep. Gohmert delivered the following remarks:

“President Obama’s health care bill was not a bill that needed to be passed. Simply stated, it allows any President to tread on the religious freedom expressly promised to us in the Constitution. It is my hope that liberal friends, across the country, who originally bought into the lies about how good this piece of legislation was going to be, will rise up and demand repeal upon realizing the power that this gives a President to trample on their favorite written and unwritten rights.

“If the President can overstep and tread on your First Amendment rights, then he can certainly overstep all kinds of other rights — all for the greatest good to the new federal health care system. This is such a devastating blow to our liberties for which so much has been sacrificed. As Dennis Miller said, ‘If our original founders would go to war over a tax on their breakfast drink,” they would certainly never stand for this massive usurpation of people’s choices in how to live.’

“ObamaCare was a situation where a minority of Americans dictated the life decisions to a large majority of Americans without their consent and, in fact, with their frequently stated opposition. Some want to nip around the edges and repeal small parts, but the entire monstrous cancer needs to be destroyed. Then, we can move on and get real health care reform that the people deserve.”

TYLER — The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce is asking residents along the Azalea Trail to take down their political yard signs until after the Trail concludes April 8. Chamber officials say the city will be welcoming thousands of tourists. In 2011, the estimated economic impact for Tyler was over $2 million. According to Chamber CEO Henry Bell, “This is one of the most beautiful times of year in Tyler and we really want the Trail route to look its very best.” The annual event officially kicks off tomorrow morning with a ribbon cutting and opening ceremony beginning at 10:00 at the Pyron Home located at 212 West Dobbs.

LINDALE — While all the businesses on the 400 block of S. Main in Lindale have been boarded up, each has been affected differently by the results of Tuesday morning’s fire and water damage, according to the Lindale Chamber of Commerce. According to KETK, Innovative Pest Control is open for business; MCS Technology is closed, but is due to reopen for business Thursday morning. Glenn’s Jewelry Repairs and Collectibles will be closed for 2-3 weeks for repairs but plans to open again “better than ever” and will have a grand opening celebration at that time. Anyone wishing to contact the scorched business can call 903-920-3313.

Glenn’s went up in flames around 5:00 Tuesday morning. The owner says he has insurance on most of the items inside the store, but several personal items were lost or damaged. No word on the cause, but the owner speculates the weather may be responsible, with power surges or lightning as possible culprits.

CHAPEL HILL — An alleged moonshine operation is busted and one man is arrested in Smith County. KETK reports it happened yesterday morning in the 9300 block of County Road 2301. Authorities say three different homes in the Chapel Hill area were raided and two active stills were found. Officials with the Constable Precinct 5 office say they found several jars of moonshine as well as the items needed for its manufacture. According to authorities, the moonshine found is corn liquor. Law officers arrested Donald S. Clark, the owner of the property on which the material was found, Wednesday afternoon at his home. Smith County authorities say they were tipped off to the moonshine by a young Lindale man.

HENDERSON — A Rusk County constable arrested on weapons and drug charges last week is still a candidate for re-election in the May primary. According to KETK, Precinct 2 Constable Benjamin Thomas Ferrell, who’s served in the office since 2004, was indicted earlier this month. Legally, Ferrell’s name will be left on the ballot because of the deadline to withdraw was March 12, and his arrest was days later.

LUFKIN — A suspected drunk driver reportedly ran his Cadillac Escalade sports utility vehicle into the back of a Lufkin school bus Monday morning. The bus driver and eight children on the bus were not injured, according to a school official. According to KETK, the bus was stopped in the 800 block of Abney Avenue when the SUV driven by Richard Flores, 25, failed to stop and crashed into the back of the bus. Flores has been charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain financial responsibility, driving without a license and failure to stop for a school bus.

GREGG COUNTY — The trial for a former 911 supervisor accused of killing his police officer wife two years ago was moved on Monday to May 21, online records show. Harry Goodan, 41, was arrested in December 2010 when he summoned police to the Tryon Road apartment he shared with his wife, Jamie Ellyn Goodan, and son, Nicholas, now 9.

According to KETK, a police report of the incident said Goodan told officers he had shot his wife, a Longview police officer since 1998. The report, partially released under an open records request, says the couple had been fighting and that the husband struck his wife to the ground. It also says he didn’t recall shooting her. Goodan faces up to life in prison on the murder charge.

ALTO (AP) – The mayor of an embattled East Texas town has quit with just a few words. Monty Collins says he went to the city secretary in Alto, wrote a note that said, “I quit on this date,” and left. He tells the Jacksonville Daily Progress that his departure is effective immediately. Alto, a town of about 1,200 people, laid off all five police officers last year during a budget crunch over Collins’ objections. The city council voted to reinstate its police department months later. City council members have accused Collins of talking to reporters without their permission and ignoring other requests. Collins says he’s leaving to avoid a fight and calls his move a separation, not a divorce.

LUFKIN (AP) – A former co-worker of an East Texas dialysis nurse on trial for killing five patients is backing up a defense theory that syringes were used to measure bleach for cleaning. Prosecutors say Kimberly Saenz killed five patients in Lufkin by injecting bleach into their dialysis lines. Saenz’s attorney, Ryan Deaton, says his client was spotted measuring bleach into a syringe because she wanted to put the right amount into cleaning water.

The Lufkin Daily News reports that defense witness Nick Luker said Tuesday that he saw workers at the DaVita Dialysis clinic use both cups and syringes for bleach. Other DaVita employees who testified for the prosecution said they never used syringes that way. Saenz could get the death penalty if convicted. Her trial entered its 13th day Wednesday.

FLINT – A home in southern Smith County has been damaged by fire. It is believed to have been started by lightening. The blaze was reported around 11:00 Tuesday morning in the 3000 block of Yasmeen Circle in Flint. No injuries were reported.

MELROSE – A car hydroplaning on a road in Nacogdoches County is responsible for a wreck that killed one person and injured one. Killed when she lost control of her car was Ruby Scroggins, 44, San Augustine. Injured was the other driver, Glen Morton, 60, also from San Augustine. The accident occurred around 9:00 Tuesday morning on State Highway 21 East just over a mile from Melrose.

EAST TEXAS — The Texas Department of Transportation reports several East Texas roadways are either closed or under observation for high water following Tuesday’s rain event. Travel is discouraged on each of the listed roadways, and not allowed on roadways listed as closed:

Henderson County
FM 2636 between FM 3441 and the end of state maintenance, closed to thru-traffic

Van Zandt County
FM 47 between IH 20 and FM 1651;
FM 857 between US 80 in Grand Saline and FM 1253, closed to thru-traffic;
FM 859 between US 80 in Edgewood and FM 1395;
FM 1652 between FM 17 south of Grand Saline and FM 1255;
FM 1861 between SH 19 south of Canton and FM 2339;
SH 110 between US 80 in Grand Saline and FM 1255, closed to thru-traffic

Wood County
FM 69 between SH 37 in Quitman and FM 515, closed to thru-traffic

Counties not listed in this report have no closed roadways or roadways under travel advisories.For a list of statewide highway conditions, click here http://www.dot.state.tx.us/travel/road_conditions.htm or call TxDOT’s 24-hour travel hotline at 1-800-453-9292.

SMITH COUNTY — Officials say a motor home caught fire while driving on I-20 Tuesday afternoon just west of Highway 110. According to KETK, all of the passengers were able to escape the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames. All westbound lanes were closed for a time, but the accident was cleared and those lanes reopened by late afternoon.

TYLER — Tyler and Longview are among 12 Texas cities on the March National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI). The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement in housing permits, employment, and house prices for at least six consecutive months. The IMI listed more improving markets in Texas than any other state. “The point is that economic conditions have been consistently strengthening in a diverse array of individual markets nationwide,” said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg. Other markets in Texas that made the list included Austin, San Antonio, Amarillo, Dallas, Laredo, McAllen, Midland, Odessa and Victoria.

“As the economy is improving, our builders are seeing more and more clients who may have been watching and waiting for the last few years,” said Libby Simmons, executive vice-president of the Tyler Area Builders Association (TABA). “These numbers are a continuing sign that things are improving.” In fact, the number of houses in TABA’s upcoming 59th Annual Parade of Homes has increased significantly over last year. TABA officials say that signals additional strength in the Tyler area.

WOODLAWN — Authorities have arrested one person in connection with a fire that destroyed the Woodlawn Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Harrison County on February 22. The blaze burned down the building, located near the intersection of U.S. Highway 59 and Farm Road 1997, late that night. Information related to several fires in the Woodlawn area led authorities to the arrest of 17-year old Dylan Morgan, of the Chaparral Ranch subdivision just west of Highway 59. According to KETK, Morgan is currently charged with arson, and additional offenses could be added.

MARSHALL — Harrison County deputies are investigating an incident in which a 9-year old allegedly stabbed a man. According to KETK, it happened Monday night shortly after 8:00 in the 6200 block of Farm Road 9 South. Harrison County 911 operators received a call regarding a stabbing victim needing assistance as he was driving himself to a hospital. He was told to stop until deputies and medical personnel arrived at his location. When authorities made it to him, it was discovered that the person had a stab wound to his back. The victim was identified as 24-year old J.V. Wilkins III.

Wilkins told deputies the incident had happened about 15-20 minutes earlier at a house on FM 9 South. Deputies released the victim to medical personnel and returned to the address given and found several people at the scene. During interviews, law enforcement learned the victim had come to the residence seeking his ex-girlfriend, 26-year old Stephanie Powell, and her new boyfriend, Joe Lewis. Authorities say when he arrived, an argument started after the victim allegedly jumped on the hood of the car belonging to Ms. Powell and made a statement about getting a gun and “shooting you”. The remark was believed to have been made to the ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. Ms. Powell told deputies Wilkins had been texting her repeatedly making threats, and she knew the victim carried a gun.

According to authorities, the 9-year old son of Ms. Powell came into the house after the victim left and admitted to his mother that he had just stabbed Wilkins before he drove away. The mother says she did not see the stabbing and never saw her son with a knife. Wilkins was flown to a Shreveport hospital. His condition is unknown. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Cherokee County Sheriff officials tell KETK, Deputy Frank Lindsey was involved in a wreck Tuesday morning. Officials say it happened around 7:00 about a mile west of Maydelle on Hwy. 84. Deputy Lindsey reportedly hit a patch of water and hydroplaned off the road into a patch of trees. Cherokee County officials say Lindsey was injured in the accident but was able to stand up while emergency crews were on scene. He was taken to a Jacksonville hospital with possible broken bones but is expected to be released shortly.

SMITH COUNTY — The investigation into the Smith County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office has taken a new turn. And that turn involves the appointment of a Special Prosecutor. Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham confirmed to KETK that he will ask Longview attorney Lance Larison to take over the investigation of Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust. Bingham says he wants to avoid any hint of favoritism in the case, but Constable Rust had a different view.

The case revolves around private security patrols that were provided by the Precinct 3 office for the Woods subdivision. Peace officers are allowed to do private security work, within certain limits. Rust says it ties to County Commissioner Cary Nix and his investigation into wrongdoing in Whitehouse. Bingham says three of the deputies have cooperated with the probe and admitted their guilt. Rust is seeking reelection and his father Donn Rust is running for Sheriff.

EAST TEXAS — Leverett’s Chapel ISD class time has been delayed until 10:00 Tuesday morning due to a power outage. School officials tell KETK, unless they get power back the school can not start.

JACKSONVILLE (AP) – Dallas chose brightly painted winged horses. San Angelo opted for decorated images of sheep. Backers of an East Texas city hope artwork shaped like a big vegetable will help promote the community’s 28th annual Tomato Fest. More than 30 of the unpainted tomato-shaped hunks of concrete arrived Monday in Jacksonville. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reports the 665-pound tomatoes were moved from the Corpus Christi area to GME Inc. The business will store the tomato likenesses until they are purchased by individuals or companies for decorating. No price has been set for the tomatoes, which are available through the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. Organizer Randy Gorham says the goal is to inspire community pride.

LINDALE – The sanctuary of the Hideaway Community Church near Lindale has been destroyed by fire. The fire on the 1100 block of Lake Cross Road was reported around 3:30 yesterday morning. While the fire was contained to the sanctuary, the church’s Family Life Center suffered smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — A Hughes Springs man died Monday after he wrecked during a medical emergency. KETK reports it happened at around 2:15 p.m. on Airline Drive. Officials say the driver veered onto the Longview High School campus, and then back onto Airline and into the woods. Robert Reynolds, 86, was found dead in his car. It is unclear what the medical emergency was at this time, and officials have not determined if his death was caused by the wreck or the medical emergency.

CHAPEL HILL – One person has been killed and two injured in a two vehicle accident east of Chapel Hill. The wreck was reported shortly after 4:45 Tuesday morning on Highway 64 at Farm Road 2607. Killed was Billy Donahue Norman, 46 of Troup. He was a passenger in a car driven by Lindsey Jean Barton of Troup. She is listed in critical condition at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. The driver of the other vehicle, Jesus Alvarado of Tyler, is in stable condition at ETMC. The Department of Public Safety reports Barton’s car was south bound on Farm road 2607 and pulled out into the path of Alvarado’s pickup.

TYLER – An abandoned building north of Tyler has been damaged by fire. It was reported at the intersection of U.S. Highway 271 and Laney Road. It was said to have started from a trash fire outside the building. High winds blew debris inside the structure, catching the building on fire.

TYLER — A long-time banker in the Tyler area, Gay L. Smith, has been chosen as President-Elect of the Tyler Independent School District Foundation, Inc. Smith, who is the President for Austin Bank’s Old Bullard Road location, has served as Vice President-Development; Treasurer, and member of the Grants Committee, Nominations, Committee, and Events Committee. Smith began her volunteer work with the Foundation as a Junior League of Tyler, Inc. placement volunteer along with the Junior League’s grant for teacher incentive grants.

According to Smith, “The reason I volunteer for the Tyler ISD Foundation is because my Mom was a teacher. I know how hard teachers work; and how many times they spend their own money to make sure the students get to do the special projects that normal funding does not allow.”

HENDERSON – Counterfeit money has been turning up in the Henderson area in large numbers. So far, authorities have recovered around $10,000 worth of fake $100 bills. Lieutenant Craig Sweeney with the Henderson Police Department tells KETK many of the fake bills came from a 79 year old man. He said he claimed he didn’t know the bills were counterfeit, which Sweeny says is possible since the elderly are often victims of such schemes. The Henderson Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service are investigating.

TYLER — Last summer’s historic drought is still causing a lot of damage. According to KETK, foundations of many houses in East Texas are having to be repaired because of the heavy toll the sun took on the soil last year. Along with that, people are starting to see their lawns taken over by weeds because of the drought.