KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Mother Frances Hospital observes its 75th anniversary with several events, including a strong nod to the infamous New London School explosion on March 18, 1937. That tragic event resulted in 298 deaths and numerous injuries, and prompted the hospital to open a day earlier than planned. According to hospital spokesman John Moore, “Because of that, we will forever share a kinship with the people of New London and those who were injured and lost.” This afternoon, the hospital scheduled a public signing of “Gone at 3:17,” a book about the New London event. Co-author David Brown was joined at Mother Frances’s Wisenbaker Conference Center by Jimmie (Jordan) Robinson, a student who survived the blast.

TYLER — State Senator Kevin Eltife will have an opponent in November. Northeast Texas native Steve Russell of Tyler will run unopposed in the Democratic Primary for Texas State Senate District 1. Russell says he “believes this sets the stage for an informative campaign that was missing from the 2010 elections,” when Eltife ran unopposed in the general election. One of Russell’s key campaign concerns is education. He says he’ll “work toward educating students for life instead of ‘teaching to the test.’” Other concerns Russell mentions include health care, immigration policy, and elderly care.

Russell, who has a career background in education and insurance, is executive director of “Empowering Texas Youth.” He describes that agency as “a non-profit that educates mentors in ways to help children and youth avoid destructive behaviors and become caring, successful adults.” As a volunteer, among other things, Russell has served as chairman of the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum.

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

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs on South Loop 281 between Farm Road 2205 (Jaycee Drive) and Estes Parkway early in the week, followed by applying a seal coat in the same location later in the week. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 2868 between State Highway 155 in Noonday and Farm Road 346 in Flint. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Daytime lane closures will be in effect on the project while the work is in progress.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on State Highway 294 west of Elkhart between Farm Road 322 and Farm Road 1990, and on U.S. Highway 79 near Westwood High School. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement repairs on Farm Road 3056 between U.S. Highway 80 east of Mineola and Farm Road 778. The work is in preparation for a seal coat application this summer. A second crew is scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 2869 north of Farm Road 49. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 177 and Farm Road 3052 in the Mixon area. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 859 in Edgewood between U.S. Highway 80 and Farm Road 1395, on Farm Road 1395 north of Edgewood, and on Farm Road 47 south of Interstate Highway 20. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement-repair operations on State Highway 31 in Malakoff, followed upon completion by the same work in the curb-and-gutter section of State Highway 198 in Malakoff. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 95 between State Highway 315 and U.S. Highway 84 east of Mount Enterprise. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WHITEHOUSE – One person is in custody in connection with a Smith County death. Sandy Greenhall was found Friday night shot to death on the front porch of a house on County Road 2171. The home owner, Larry Joe Smith, 57, first told sheriff’s deputies he shot Greenhall as she was breaking into his home. Investigators say after Smith changed his story several times about the shooting of his ex-girlfriend, they charged him with murder. His bond has been set at $1 million.

TYLER — The Tyler Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce honored several individuals, organizations, and businesses during its Heritage Business Dinner at the Rose Garden Center. Here’s a list of honorees:
– Henry Miller Morgan “Business of the Year”: S&S Select Choice Vending
– Unity Award: Rev. Charles Faulks, pastor of North Star Missionary Baptist Church
– Ernest Sterling Award: A. Philip Randolph Institute
– Hattie Wright New Business Award: Crimson Door
– Community Re-Investment Award: Lee’s Construction
– Ernest Deckard Community Image Award: (tie) Gamma Omicron Omega
Chapter – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Tyler Alumnae Chapter – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
– Pillar of the Community Business Award — Cole-Brooks Enterprises/Club Skyy Social Club Inc. – James Cole
– Community Ambassador Award — Clifton Roberson
– Sibbie Jones-Waits Community Service Award — LaQueta Timmons

You can go to http://www.tylermetrochamber.com for more information about the Metro Chamber.

CENTER – A Nacogdoches man has been killed and a Shelby county woman arrested in his murder. The man, who was stabbed to death, was found in a home in the 9200 block of State Highway 7 West Thursday night. Dead at the scene was Mark Allen Ray, 39. Charged in the death was Rebecca Gale Fountain, 34. She remains in the Shelby County Jail in lieu of a $40,000 bond.

LONGVIEW — Longview residents are invited to participate in the Citywide Cleanup, Tire Recycling, and Electronics Recycling events today. They run from 8:00am to noon. The events are sponsored by the City of Longview and Keep Longview Beautiful and are in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest community improvement program. All events will be held at or near the Longview Public Library, 222 West Cotton Street.

According to City of Longview Community Relations Coordinator Mary Jane Burnett, “Last April, we had a great turn out for the event with over 300 volunteers working on cleanup projects throughout Longview. This is usually our single largest volunteer cleanup of the year.”

Citywide Cleanup volunteers clean the street or park of their choice. The purpose of the event is to beautify the community by removing litter. Volunteers may register, receive supplies, and enjoy refreshments from 8:00 to 9:30am at the kickoff event at the library. To volunteer in the Citywide Cleanup, please contact the City of Longview at 903-237-1390 or Keep Longview Beautiful at 903-212-4KLB (903-212-4552).

Tire Recycling will also take place from 8:00am to Noon on Saturday. During the event, Longview residents may bring tires to the recycling trailer located across the street from the Longview Public Library at 200 West Cotton Street. Tire Recycling is limited to Longview residents and non-commercial users only. Tires on rims will not be accepted.

The City of Longview Sanitation Department will sponsor Electronics Recycling for Longview residents from 8:00am to noon. The Electronics Recycling trailer will be located outside the north entrance to City Hall, 300 West Cotton Street, which is across the parking lot from the Library. Items accepted for recycling include: computers, CRT monitors, flat screen LCD’s, networking equipment (servers & cabinets), telecommunications equipment, phone systems/cell phones, video and audio equipment, power supply units, connectors, wire, cables, printed circuit boards, computer cards, printers, and ink cartridges. No television sets, business copiers, or industrial material will be accepted.

To participate in Tire Recycling or Electronics Recycling events, please bring proof of Longview residency such as a water bill. For recycling information, contact the Sanitation Department at 903-237-1250. You can go to http://www.LongviewTexas.gov to get more information about these events.

NACOGDOCHES — Authorities say the Nacogdoches County Constable Office Precinct 4 and the Nacogdoches Police Department stopped a burglary in progress Thursday around 11:00 p.m. in the city of Nacogdoches. According to KETK, officials say two men from Nacogdoches were caught inside a building on Hunter Road in the process of stealing copper. David Driver, 19, and Joshua Walker, 21, were arrested and charged with Burglary of a Building, a State Jail Felony. Both were transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail. Constable Jason Bridges stated that his office has been working an ongoing investigation into copper thefts for the last six months.

TYLER — Traffic was partially shut down for a time Friday due to a wreck on SSE Loop 323 in Tyler. The wreck happened during the lunch hour near the intersection of Highway 31 East. KETK reported beer cans were scattered across the roadway after the accident, but police say alcohol was not a factor.

The driver of one of the vehicles, 22-year old Jonathan Sanfelippo of Tyler, says that another vehicle cut him off. In reaction, Sanfelippo says he jerked his vehicle to the right, lost control and flipped it. Sanfelippo claims he and three other passengers, all TCU students, were headed to Florida for spring break. The officer working the accident did not detect any alcohol on the driver; police say it was just being transported for the trip. All four occupants of the flipped vehicle were to be released from the hospital with minor injuries. The driver who cut off the flipped vehicle fled the scene.

GREGG COUNTY — Longview Police have arrested a Kilgore man and charged him with online solicitation of a minor following a cyber sting. Christopher Scott Church, 34, was booked into the Gregg County Jail around 3:00 last Tuesday after officers say he went to the 1500 block of North Eastman Road after exchanging email and text messages with an officer he thought was a 14-year-old. His bond was set at $20,000.

TYLER — Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham weighs in on a matter involving two Whitehouse officials, and Bingham’s not happy with the situation.

Our news partner KETK has learned the investigation into Whitehouse Police Chief Rick Waller has been called off after his resignation. Waller announced that resignation Thursday, and it’s effective today. Waller and Volunteer Fire Chief Ronny Fite had been under investigation for what were termed “financial irregularities.” Waller was accused of using city gasoline for personal use and was placed on paid leave. The two have denied any wrongdoing, and no charges against Fite or Waller have ever been formally filed. But Whitehouse city leaders are asking the investigation to continue for Fite unless he resigns as well.

Bingham (pictured) says if the charges were dismissed against one, they should be for both. Bingham remarked, “The DA’s office is not some kind of pawn for the city of Whitehouse to use to force the resignation of somebody. If there’s a criminal case, fine, take it some where else. Not here.” Bingham says he’s not going to be a hall monitor for small town politics.

RUSK COUNTY — As the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office investigation continues in the search for James “Jimmy” Tidwell, 58, of Mt. Enterprise, a $3,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to his visual location. According to KETK, the Rusk County Crime Stoppers are offering $1,000, while Mr. Tidwell’s brother-in-law and sister, Joe and Lynn Akin have matched that offer with an additional $1,000. Another $1,000 was donated by Mr. Tidwell’s employer and co-workers at Flanders Electric, in Longview, all in a joint effort to possibly help authorities locate him.

Mr. Tidwell’s employer reported him missing on Tuesday, February 28, advising authorities February 15, was the last day he had reported to work. An investigation was initiated and Wednesday, February 29, his abandoned truck was located on FM 95 and Hwy 315, approximately 5 miles from his home located in Rusk County. On March 3, investigators formed search and rescue teams in effort to locate Mr. Tidwell but were unsuccessful.

Any information must be received through the Rusk County Crime Stoppers tip line at 903-655-TIPS(8477). The reward will be paid in full when Mr. Tidwell is visually located. All callers will remain anonymous.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (AP) – Anchorage police say a 34-year-old man in East Texas has been arrested on charges connected to the disappearance of an 18-year-old barista in February. Police say Israel Keyes was arrested Tuesday in Lufkin but that details in a sealed arrest warrant would not be immediately released. Police have revealed few details about the disappearance of Samantha Koenig, who vanished February 1 and remains missing. A surveillance video showed an armed man forcing Koenig away from the coffee stand where she worked. The Anchorage Daily News reports local detectives have been in Texas for several days working on the case. Police say they’re seeking information from anyone who had personal contact with Keyes, or his business, Keyes Construction, since January 1.

TYLER — The costs of gas and vehicle maintenance are given as two big reasons more people are using Tyler Transit buses. Officials tell KETK in 2010, the city had about 4,500 riders per week. That number’s now jumped to about 6,000, and city officials expect that figure to keep going up.

TYLER – Rusk County’s Precinct 2 Constable has been charged with federal drug and firearms violations. Benjamin Thomas Ferrell, 36, of Henderson, was indicted on March 8 and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and delivery of a firearm to a convicted felon. Ferrell was arrested yesterday and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie this afternoon for an initial appearance in federal court.

According to the indictment, Ferrell is alleged to have conspired with an unindicted co-conspirator from December 2001 to January 2012, to possess with intent to distribute phentermine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and marijuana. It also alleges Ferrell sold an SKS assault rifle to a known felon on January of this year.

If convicted, Ferrell faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the drug violations and up to 10 years for the firearms offense.

Meanwhile, Amanda Gayle Ferrell, 32, of Henderson, was arrested at her residence on County Road 2127, by Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Officers. She was charged with two counts of Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substance, a state jail felony. She remains in the Rusk County Jail with bond set at $10,000. The investigation continues.

PLANO – An East Texan is among those named as a federal grand jury in Plano returns multiple indictments this week charging individuals with separate federal crimes in the Eastern District of Texas. Lesa Ann Rasure, 54, of Sulphur Springs, has been indicted for unlawful use of an unauthorized access device. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Johnson.

MARSHALL — Harrison County officials are asking for the public’s help in finding a wanted burglar. According to KETK, investigators have issued a warrant for Anthony Anderson, who is believed to be responsible for numerous daytime burglaries in Harrison and Panola counties. Authorities say Anderson is possibly driving a red pre-2005 Ford Mustang and may be in the Carthage or Deberry area. Any information regarding his whereabouts may be reported to Crimestoppers at 903-935-9965 or Harrison County Investigators at 903-923-4000.

LEVERETT’S CHAPEL — Officials say a blaze at a Leverett’s Chapel ISD concession stand was caused by an electrical problem in the stand. The facility burned to the ground on Tuesday, also destroying all of the high school baseball team’s equipment. It happened around 2:00am at the Leverett’s Chapel ballpark off Highway 42. A witness tells KETK that he heard a loud pop shortly before the building was engulfed in flames. Among the items destroyed were bases, a pitching machine, and several concession stand appliances. School officials plan to rebuild what was lost. No injuries were reported.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin man and his grandchild were life-flighted to a Houston hospital after his log truck sideswiped a white Chevy Colorado on Highway 103 west, just after 5:00 Wednesday afternoon, before running off of the road and crashing into a tree line. James Robertson, 54, was eastbound when he suffered a stroke and his truck collided with the vehicle near Ratcliff Lake, according to Texas Department of Transportation Trooper Rodney Tucker. According to KETK and the Lufkin Daily News, the truck continued on Highway 103 until it ran off the road. Go to http://lufkindailynews.com to read more.

HALLSVILLE — The city of Hallsville has reached a settlement with three police officers who were hired, then quickly found themselves out of work as a disagreement played out between the town’s mayor and City Council. Jose Sanchez, the Longview attorney representing the officers, said Mayor Jerri Medrano signed the settlement agreements Tuesday. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Sanchez commented, “This is great news for both sides because instead of going to the courtroom to get things resolved, everyone can now move on.” The settlement will provide four months’ pay to Lukas Reynolds, who had served as the replacement police chief, Sanchez said. Officers Shane Guthrie and Robert Perkins will receive two months’ pay each. The city also agreed to pay $2,500 in attorney’s fees.

Reached Wednesday, Hallsville City Attorney Joshua Searcy declined to confirm a settlement had been reached. Medrano could not be reached for comment. Early last month, she had suggested a deal would be made within weeks. The settlement package stems from Medrano’s unilateral late December firing, for what she has only defined as policy violations, of Hallsville Police Chief Greg Scott, Sgt. Mack Fuller and officer T.C. Livingston. The move left Hallsville with one officer on duty, but he resigned during his shift after the others were fired.

LUFKIN — A former coworker of nurse Kimberly Saenz testified in her capital murder trial Wednesday that she acted strangely after a patient’s heart stopped beating on April 1, 2008. According to the Lufkin Daily News, patient care technician Cory Smith said he got the crash cart for the cardiac arrests of two patients, including Clara Strange and Thelma Metcalf. They are two of the five people Saenz stands accused of killing by injecting them with bleach.

Smith said that as he was putting the crash cart up from working a code on Strange, Metcalf’s heart stopped beating as well. After getting another breathing device from a closet, Smith said, he handed it to Saenz, who placed the mask on Metcalf and started operating the breathing pump while another nurse did chest compressions. Testimony continued Thursday.

ANGELINA COUNTY — Authorities are searching for a man after he sold marijuana to undercover narcotics investigators. The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office is searching for James Steven Johnson, 39, wanted for a first-degree felony possession of marijuana. According to KETK, when officers raided Johnson’s home at 2090 FM 325, they found 30 pounds of marijuana and $3,600 in cash.

PALESTINE — Palestine Police say a woman was killed while attempting to cross the road. It happened Wednesday night on Loop 256. Investigators said she apparently stepped into the path of a truck. She had been at the VFW that evening. It’s not known if alcohol was a factor in the accident. An autopsy has been ordered. According to KETK, the occupants of the vehicle were treated for minor injuries.

LONGVIEW — State Comptroller Susan Combs spoke at the Citizens National Bank in Longview Wednesday, covering a range of topics and taking questions from residents. According to KETK, topics included Medicaid funding, the effect of endangered species on potential oil production, and funding for women’s health. One subject brought up by the audience was how taxpayer money is being used. Combs remarked that the people on hand really care about their community. She added, “And the point is that your community won’t thrive and expand if you’re not being careful and prudent with your government spending.” She said it was “great to hear from” those on hand.

Combs also announced her strong support of Republican State Representative David Simpson of Longview in his bid for re-election. “Representative David Simpson earned my high regard because of his dedication to fiscal responsibility and transparency, cutting waste, and finding real fiscal solutions for the state of Texas,” said Combs. Simpson faces Tommy Merritt in the Republican primary; Merritt was unseated by Simpson in the 2010 election. Combs made an appearance at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce this morning.

TYLER – A Gregg County woman has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Cathy Dean Massie, 47, of Longview, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine Wednesday in Tyler in an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to prosecutors, from June 2007, Massie acquired methamphetamine from co-defendants who obtained it from sources in the Dallas area for distribution in East Texas. On May 6, 2008, Massie distributed methamphetamine to multiple people from her residence in Longview. She was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 4, 2008. Massie faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — Tyler’s sales tax revenues are up. The state comptroller’s office says Tyler’s sales tax revenues deposited for the month of March have increased 1.75% as compared to March 2011. This has resulted in a modest 1.07% cumulative year-to-date increase. The reported revenue of $2,569,304.39 comprises $1,712,869.59 general sales tax revenue and $856,434.80 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from January 2012 collections as there is a two-month lag before taxes are reported and remitted back to the City from the State.

“It is good to see that there is a slight increase this month after two consecutive months of lower collections,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel (pictured). “However, we had planned for the revenues to grow by three percent this fiscal year.” Therefore, says McDaniel, a soft hiring freeze remains in place “as a precautionary measure to ensure we are keeping our expenses in balance with current revenues and are scrutinizing spending closely.” In addition, McDaniel adds, the city will continue the postponement of any employee pay adjustments.

LONGVIEW — Longview officers Wednesday arrested Brian Andrew Davis, 18, of Longview on four warrants. Three of the warrants were related to a burglary that occurred on March 10 in the 100 Block of Delmar Street. Davis’ warrants included Burglary of a Habitation, Theft of a Firearm, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and an unrelated traffic warrant. Davis was transported to the Gregg County Jail upon his release from the hospital.

On March 10, just before 9:15pm, officers were dispatched to an unknown problem in the 100 Block of Delmar Street. Officers were told that neighbors heard a commotion and one of the neighbors went next door. He found the back door of the residence had been kicked in. He then observed two men inside the residence. One of the suspects reportedly had a handgun. The suspect and the neighbor exchanged gunfire. One of the suspects was hit once in the ankle. When officers arrived they located one of the suspects, since identified as Davis. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the ankle and was transported to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The second suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

TYLER – Smith, Upshur, and Gregg County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Chris Lynn has announced that 16 Texas counties — including Smith, Upshur and Gregg — were approved to accept applications for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to address drought and wildfire damages. EFRP provides payments to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land to enable the owners to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster. EFRP sign-up in all 16 counties will begin on April 9, 2012, and end on April 29, 2012. At this time, Texas has not received a dollar allocation. The allocation will be announced at the end of the sign-up period after applications are received.

“It is important that producers apply for EFRP assistance timely because program funds will be allocated based on the number of applications received as well as by on-site inspections that will determine the extent of the damage,” said Lynn. “I encourage eligible land owners who haven’t participated in FSA programs to contact the Smith County FSA office as soon as possible because FSA records will have to be created for these individuals,” he said.

After applications are received, the Texas Forest Service will provide technical assistance by evaluating the damage and developing a plan to restore the NIPF land. The local FSA county committee will determine land eligibility and approve applications.

In order to meet eligibility requirements, NIPF land must have existing tree cover or had tree cover immediately before the natural disaster occurred and be sustainable for growing trees. The land must also be owned by any nonindustrial private individual, group, association, corporation or other private legal entity that has definitive decision-making authority over the land. The natural disaster must have resulted in damage that if untreated would impair or endanger the natural resources on the land and/or materially affect future use of the land. You can contact the Smith County FSA office at 903 561-2050 X2 for more information. The Smith County FSA Office is located at 4209 Republic Dr., Tyler, Texas 75701.

FORT WORTH (AP/Staff) – More than a dozen Texas communities, including a couple in East Texas, will share nearly $10.5 million in federal grants to support programs for the homeless. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the funds Tuesday afternoon. The HUD money goes to projects in Longview, Mount Pleasant, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Galveston, Georgetown, Houston, Killeen, Richmond, San Antonio, Sherman, Waco, and Wichita Falls. HUD authorities say the money is meant to help provide emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent support for individuals and families. The Texas funds are part of about $201 million in grants awarded nationwide. You can go to http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD for more information.

LEVERETT’S CHAPEL — The Leverett’s Chapel community responds after all of its high school baseball team’s equipment was destroyed by a Tuesday morning fire. It happened in the concession stand at the baseball field on Highway 42 near the high school. School officials tell KETK the equipment was stored in the concession stand, which burned down. Firefighters haven’t determined the cause of the fire, but a witness says he heard a loud pop, then saw the flames. The witness says, “My water hose wasn’t powerful enough to do any good…the flames finally blew all across my fence — that’s how big they were. But because the wind was blowing so hard, there wasn’t much I could do.” Those living near the baseball park say the concession stand had just been renovated. They believe the community will come together to help the baseball team recover from its loss.