ETMC Brings High Resolution MRI to Tyler


TYLER — ETMC Tyler announced Wednesday that patients and physicians in the region can now access one of the newest and highest-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scanners available: the Ingenia 1.5T system from Philips Healthcare. Hospital officials say the MRI provides high image quality to aid diagnostic confidence, increase clinical versatility and improve productivity by shortening exam times. In addition, officials say, patients will appreciate its many comfort-related features.

According to a hospital news release, ETMC’s Ingenia 1.5T system facilitates the delivery of crisp image clarity to help clinicians make informed decisions for a wide range of procedures. The elease says Ingenia 1.5T can assist radiologists and physicians in the earlier diagnosis of a variety of medical conditions, including brain and nervous system disorders, cardiovascular disease and organ disease.

Hospital officials say with a simplified pre-exam set-up and a large 70cm bore, the system is more comfortable for patients and operators. “We expect to gain as much as a 30 percent increase in throughput compared to previous generation systems,” said Bill Tobin, director of ETMC radiology. “With both a wide bore and a large field of view, we also expect to do a variety of scanning procedures. For doctors and patients who understand that the latest technology can improve outcomes, the Ingenia 1.5T MR system we have installed represents what they have been looking for: the very latest technology that provides exceptional image quality in the most patient-friendly environment. It is of tremendous diagnostic benefit to the community.” Patient referrals may be made by calling 800-648-8141.

More Indictments for Alleged Deputy Shooter


TYLER — The man accused of shooting a Smith County Sheriff’s deputy in March has been indicted on additional charges. According to KETK and Smith County jail records, 27-year-old Christopher Martin Summerville was indicted on October 14 for aggravated robbery, which is a first degree felony. He was also indicted for failure to register as a sex offender.

In March 2011, Smith County Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Marshals served a warrant on Summerville, then 26, at The Arbors apartments on Chimney Rock in Tyler for failing to register as a sex offender. When officials attempted to enter the apartment, Summerville allegedly shot Smith County Deputy Josh Caulkins in the chest. Luckily, Caulkins was saved by his bulletproof vest. After the shooting, Summerville was taken to a local hospital for a meth overdose. Officials believed at the time that Summerville injected himself with the drug just before they arrived at his apartment complex.

At the time of the shooting, Summerville was not charged with the assault, but in April, Tyler Police investigators secured the evidence to arrest him for aggravated assault of a peace officer, which is a first degree felony. Summerville was also charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and engaging in organized criminal activity, both first degree felonies. Two other people, Kara Hanley and Jeffery Andrysiak, who were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, were also charged for engaging in organized criminal activity.

Disaster Assistance Now Available to More Nonprofits in East Texas

SACRAMENTO, Cal. – Low-interest disaster loans are now available to certain private, nonprofit organizations (PNPs) in six additional Texas counties — mainly in East Texas — following President Obama’s September 21 federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of wildfires beginning August 30. The announcement comes from Karen G. Mills, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Only PNPs that provide essential government services are eligible for assistance.

The disaster declaration now makes SBA assistance available in the additional counties of Anderson, Henderson, Hill, Marion, Smith and Upshur. Previously SBA announced assistance to private, nonprofit organizations in the counties of Bastrop, Cherokee, Colorado, Gregg, Harrison, Houston, Leon, Rusk and Walker.

All interested PNPs should begin the process by registering with FEMA. At the time of registration, FEMA will initially determine if the PNP qualifies to immediately apply for a grant from FEMA’s PA program. All other eligible PNPs will be referred to the SBA for a low-interest disaster loan to cover property damages. If SBA cannot approve a low-interest disaster loan or meet all of the PNP’s needs, SBA may refer the PNP back to FEMA.

SBA may lend PNPs up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For certain private, nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the PNP suffered any property damage. Interest rates are as low as 3 percent with terms up to 30 years.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site. Go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply. Disaster loan information and applications are also available by calling (800) 659-2955, clicking on http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or contacting [email protected] via email. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is November 21, 2011. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 21, 2012.

Part of East Erwin Going Two-Way


TYLER — Part of East Erwin Street in downtown Tyler will soon be switching from one-way to two-way. The city plans to make the change on the stretch running from Spring Avenue to Center Street. It’s seen as a way to help drivers better navigate the downtown area as downtown becomes more of a destination for residents and visitors. Officials hope to make the switch by early next week, but no firm date has been set. Meantime, you’re urged to watch for the signs that will indicate the change.

Tyler Men Arrested for Possible Drug Trafficking

PALESTINE — Anderson County sheriff’s authorities arrested four Tyler men early Monday whom they say were in possession of more than $9,000 cash and believed to be involved in the trafficking of illegal narcotics. Michael V. Cordaro, 22, Sam N. Cordaro, 20, Antonio T. Grahm, 20, and John T. Turman, 20, all of Tyler, were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity-money laundering following their arrests early Monday morning just east of the Palestine city limits.

Around 3:45 a.m. Monday, an Anderson County sheriff’s deputy stopped a 1998 Toyota Avalon for speeding on U.S. 79, just east of the Palestine city limits. The deputy reportedly smelled marijuana and was given permission to search the vehicle. Along with the cash, officers found drug paraphernalia items. All four suspects were released from the Anderson County Jail after posting a $75,000 bond.

East Texas Worker Electrocuted

NACOGDOCHES — A worker for an electric cooperative died while on the job. Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative officials tell KETK Aaron Sullender, 21, of Broaddus, was working between Nacogdoches and Garrison Tuesday when he came in contact with a high voltage line and was electrocuted. DETEC officials are investigating the cause of the accident.

Wanted Lufkin Woman in Custody

LUFKIN — A wanted Lufkin woman has been taken into custody. It happened around 8:30 this morning. Texas Ranger Steven Rayburn, along with Lufkin Police Department Officers Ray Hightower and Stacy Seymore, arrested Karen Haney Renfro at Executive Inn & Suites, located at 103 Harmony Hill Drive, in Lufkin. Local and State law enforcement agencies in Texas and Arkansas were attempting to locate Karen Renfro for outstanding arrest warrants from Nevada County, Arkansas for Failure to Appear – Possession of Cocaine and from the Dallas County, Texas for Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

Assistance from area media outlets in publicizing the information concerning Karen Renfro’s “wanted” status led to an anonymous tip concerning her location, and a rapid reaction to that tip by the officers led to her arrest. Detective JB Smith, Law Enforcement Coordinator for Crime Stoppers of Lufkin, stated, “Crime Stoppers and all involved law enforcement agencies appreciate the assistance received from area media outlets. Without the quick response in publicizing this, there’s no way to know how long it would have taken to locate Mrs. Renfro.”

Lufkin Pastor Indicted


LUFKIN – A Lufkin pastor has been indicted for the sexual assault of a child. The indictment was returned by a Shelby County grand jury against Richard Adams. He is charged with three counts of indecency with a child and one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The complaints date back to 2005. Adams, who was arrested on the charges back in February, is currently free on a $35,000 bond.

Man Pleads Guilty in Shooting Death


LONGVIEW – A man accused of murder at a Gregg County club in January of 2010, has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Jimmy Lee Hall Jr., 31, of Kilgore, yesterday entered a guilty plea to manslaughter in the shooting death of Ilonzo McGregor, 27, of Henderson. The shooting occurred at the Wild Things club on Highway 31 west of Kilgore.

State District Judge David Brabham has ordered a pre-sentence investigation. No date has been set for the punishment hearing.

Longview Parolee Accused of Attacking His Wife


LONGVIEW – Longview police have arrested a parolee after his wife accused him of choking her and pulling out her hair during an argument. Currently being held in the Gregg County Jail, without bond, is Darrin Dexter Taylor, 45, of Greggton. Arriving officers reported seeing red, swollen marks on the woman’s throat and pieces of the victim’s hair with roots still attached. The officers said there were portions of the victim’s scalp that were reddened and bare. At the time of the incident, Taylor was out on parole following a 20-year prison sentence he incurred in 2001 for aggravated robbery in Gregg County.

Roof of Palestine Building Collapses

PALESTINE (AP) — The downtown section of an East Texas city shook during the lunch hour when the roof of a four-story building partially collapsed. No injuries were reported in the fall of much of the roof and street-side wall of the top story of the 98-year-old Ivanhoe No. 15 building fell on the eastern end of downtown Palestine.

Police Sgt. Jeff Powell says the public first reported the collapse just before noon Tuesday. The Ivanhoe No. 15 building was built in 1913 as the meeting place for the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization. The top floors were vacant, while the bottom floor has been used for commercial office space in recent years.

Gohmert Likes GOP Presidential Field


TYLER — As several candidates battle it out for the Republican presidential nomination, Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert says he’s pleased with the field. Gohmert specifically says Michele Bachmann is one of his closest friends in Congress. But he told KETK he considers all the candidates friends and says they’re good people — though he admits he doesn’t know Mitt Romney as well as the rest.

Longview Man Arrested for Bossier City Meth Lab


BOSSIER CITY, La. — Bossier Sheriff Larry Deen says a Longview, Texas, man was arrested Monday afternoon after deputies allegedly found he had been operating a methamphetamine lab in a Bossier City, La., motel room over the past few weeks. According to KETK, Gregory L. Allison, 42, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Unit following an anonymous tip that he had meth in his hotel room.

According to information from the sheriff’s department, deputies contacted Allison at his motel room where they saw several components used in the production of a Red P (Phosphorous) meth lab after Allison invited them into his motel room. Authorities say Allison admitted to deputies he cooked meth in the room at least four times over the past few weeks. Deputies also found a small amount of suspected meth which tested positive for methamphetamine.

Allison was charged with manufacture of Schedule II (meth), four counts of operating a clandestine meth lab, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of Schedule II (meth) and transported to the Bossier Maximum Security Facility; his bond was pending at last report.

No Injuries in Lufkin Industries Fire


LUFKIN (AP) – Emergency officials say an oil vat fire has led to the evacuation of an industrial complex in East Texas. The Lufkin Daily News reports the fire broke out Tuesday morning in a Lufkin Industries heat treatment facility used for cooling and hardening metal. Company vice president Brian Gifford says nobody was hurt and authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Hot spots were being monitored throughout the day. Lufkin Industries supplies oilfield and power transmission products.

Authorities Search for Identity Theft Suspect

LUFKIN — Investigators need your help identifying a female suspect involved in the fraudulent use of a victim’s identifying information.

The victim in this case reported to Lufkin Police Department that she received notification from the Internal Revenue Service warning that she owed taxes for unreported income. The warning letter stated that the victim did not report all of her income when filing her tax return paperwork. Specifically, the IRS claimed that the victim failed to report wages earned while working for Etech during the year 2010.

The victim had not worked for Etech so she called the company’s human resources department seeking an explanation for what was to her an obvious error. The victim learned that her name, date of birth, and social security number were listed in the company’s records for an employee currently working at Etech`s Lufkin Center.

The detective conducting the investigation attempted to make contact with the suspect at Etech’s Lufkin Center but was told that the suspect, upon learning that the victim complained to Etech, left work claiming a sickness and has not returned. The detective obtained the image of the suspect shown here from a copy of the employee identification card for the person claiming to be the victim.

If you can identify this suspect or provide any information concerning this crime, call Crime Stoppers of Lufkin at (936) 639-TIPS or click here to submit an anonymous tip. You never have to give your name and Crime Stoppers may pay a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest related to these crimes.

Canton Man Found Dead


CANTON — Van Zandt County authorities are investigating the death of an East Texas man after he was found dead early Monday morning. Van Zandt County Sheriff Pat Burnett said Derek Shane Hutson, 28, Canton, apparently died as a result of gun shots. Hutson’s body was discovered around 2:00. Burnett said his office and the Texas Rangers continue investigating the death.

Several TISD Students Recognized

TYLER — Three Tyler ISD high school students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Taylor Huckaby and Cole Paxson, both seniors at Robert E. Lee High School, received the National Merit Program Commendation recognition. Andrea Huerta, a senior at John Tyler High School, received special recognition as a National Hispanic Achievement Scholar.

“We are extremely proud of Mr. Huckaby, Mr. Paxson, and Ms. Huerta for earning such high honors,” Randy Reid, Tyler ISD Superintendent, said. “These national recognitions are a testament to their hard work, as well as the work of our dedicated teaching staff.”

National Merit Program Commendation recognitions are bestowed upon roughly 34,000 of the over 1.5 million students nationwide who take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Students who receive this recognition are candidates for special scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

The National Hispanic Achievement Scholar recognition is awarded to high-scoring Hispanic students on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Only the top two percent of Hispanic test takers receive this commendation.

Woman Sought in Two States


LUFKIN – Law enforcement agencies in Texas and Arkansas are looking for Karen Haney Renfro. She is wanted in Texas by Dallas County authorities for possession of dangerous drugs and is wanted in Arkansas for failure to appear-possession of cocaine.

Renfro was last known to be in Lufkin on Sunday. She is believed to be staying in local motels; frequently changing rooms.

Since November 2008, she has been booked into the Angelina County Jail by a variety of city, county and state agencies. If you know where she can be found, you are asked to contact Lufkin Crimestoppers or your local law enforcement agency.

Constable Accused of Sexual Harassment


TYLER — A Smith County constable is accused of sexual harassment. Precinct 5 Constable Dennis Taylor allegedly harassed a deputy and then fired her when his advances were reportedly refused. According to KETK, a 12-page complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in Tyler. Deputy Wendy Savering was hired in 2005 by Taylor and was soon assigned to the post of school resource officer for the Lindale ISD. She was named Officer of the Year in 2007 and was officially recognized by the school district in 2010 for her work.

The complaint alleges that when her divorce was finalized in December 2008, within three days, Taylor asked her out. Savering alleges that when it became clear that she was not interested in a relationship, Taylor began criticizing her work. Savering also claims that when an initial suit for harassment was filed, she was fired. Savering’s attorney claims, “When she refused to date Constable Taylor, he made her life — work life — as miserable as he could and ultimately terminated her. My client is seeking reinstatement; she would like to have her job back.” Repeated phone calls from KETK to Taylor’s lawyer were not returned. The case is set for mediation in November.

Woman Is First in Region To Use Robotics To Treat Renal Tumor


TYLER — Hope Kidwell, 75, of Mt. Pleasant is the first in the region to have a tumor removed from one of her kidneys with the assistance of a robotic system at Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler. Monday, Andrew Kirkpatrick, M.D., Chief of Urology with Trinity Clinic, was the first surgeon to use Trinity Mother Frances’ da Vinci Surgical Robot to use real-time fluorescence imaging technology. The procedure allows surgeons to see and assess anatomy better than the naked eye. According to hospital officials, that further enhances the unmatched vision, precision and control of surgical robotics.

In 2004, Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler was the first in East Texas to add robotic surgery, using it to perform minimally invasive cardiac bypasses and robotic assisted radical prostatectomies. Hospital officials say the newest upgrade is instrumental in the treatment of renal tumors. “We are pleased to be the first in the region to offer this ground-breaking technology to our patients and the community we serve,” said Kirkpatrick, who has used da Vinci to perform over 300 prostatectomies.

Free Crisis Counseling for Wildfire Survivors

AUSTIN — Texans who survived the recent wildfires – or saw neighbors or family experience loss – can be experiencing post-disaster stress that is as real as the destruction itself. Because of this, free crisis counseling is available to Texans in the 23 counties designated for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration. The program, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), is open to any child or adult who is experiencing disaster-related stress.

“FEMA funds this program after major disasters because counseling can help people understand that their emotional reactions to the disaster, such as grief, frustration, anger and fear, are normal,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA. “We know that the right support and coping skills can help most survivors pick up the pieces and go on with their lives.” Trained counselors are provided by the network of state Community Mental Health Centers. Calls to the crisis lines are free of charge, as are face-to-face follow-up sessions for adults and children whose needs cannot be fully served through phone counseling.

Here’s a rundown of services available in East Texas:

· Anderson County, ACCESS Anderson Cherokee Community Enrichment Services, crisis line 800-621-1693
· Cass, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Rusk and Upshur Counties, Community Healthcore, crisis line 800-832-1009
· Henderson and Smith Counties, Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare System, crisis line 877-934-2131
· Houston County, Burke Center, crisis line 800-392-8343

Teacher’s Home Damaged by Fire

SMITH COUNTY — The home of a special needs teacher at Hubbard Middle School has been heavily damaged by a fire that broke out late Monday morning. According to KETK, she had taken the day off to care for a sick grandchild, but was not at home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries. The back portion of the home was destroyed in the blaze. The home is in southern Smith County on the 12000 block of FM 344, about a mile south of Hwy. 110.

East Texas Deputy Killer Lost Appeal


HOUSTON (AP) – An East Texas man sent to death row for a shootout that left two sheriff’s deputies dead and a third wounded has lost an appeal at the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices Monday refused to review a petition from 52-year-old Randall Wayne Mays. The former welder and oilfield worker was condemned for fatally shooting Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputy Tony Ogburn in 2007. Another deputy, Paul Habelt, also was killed.

The deputies responded to a call of gunshots on Mays’ property in Payne Springs. After appearing to cooperate, Mays barricaded himself in his house and opened fire with a high-powered rifle. An attorney argued Mays had poor legal help and was mentally impaired. Mays does not have an execution date and has other appeals.

JISD Considers Joining School Finance Suit

JACKSONVILLE –The Jacksonville ISD Board of Trustees meets this evening to discuss joining a coalition of more than 150 school districts across Texas that has filed a suit against the state. The coalition, led by the Equity Center in Austin, filed suit Monday, claiming the state’s treatment of taxpayers and school children is not equitable. The board will also discuss approving the goods in transit tax. Essentially, the tax would apply to certain goods transported into town and stored in a public warehouse more than 175 days. Jacksonville currently does not have any such taxable goods, but the passage of the act is required by state law if the city ever wants to tax goods in transit in the future.

Road Reopened after SUV Hits Horse

TROUP — Smith County DPS and Troup Police reported an accident involving an SUV and a horse that forced a road to close in the Troup area. FM 346 was shut down while officials cleared the scene but has since reopened. Authorities say the accident happened around 6:20 at the intersection of CR 2142 and FM 346 Monday morning, when the vehicle hit the horse in the roadway. One person was reportedly transported to a local hospital but the extent of injuries is unknown. The horse died.

Tyler Store Robbed

TYLER -– Police are searching for two suspects accused of robbing a Tyler convenience store. It happened around 1:15 Monday morning at the Food Fast at 4725 Troup Highway. The store clerk told officers he was in the cooler when a black male with a handgun, wearing a ski mask ordered him to the front of the store where another black male, wearing a black and gold Halloween mask, was waiting. The clerk reportedly gave the suspects and undisclosed amount of money before they fled on foot. The clerk was not injured.

The suspects were described as 18 and 20 years old, about 5’7”, with a slim build. Both were wearing all black clothing and white gloves.

TxDOT Project Updates


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

TYLER — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs in various locations on State Highway 31 (Front Street) in Tyler including:
* Eastbound SH 31 left-turn lanes and approaches at West Loop 323;
* SH 31 (Front Street) between South Bonner and South Broadway;
* State Highway 110 (Van Highway) between West Loop 323 and (US 69) Gentry Parkway

Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in
progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zones.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin building a left-turn bay on NB US 259/SH 31 for traffic turning onto Post Oak Road, which is located between the U.S. Highway 259 Kilgore Bypass and Interstate Highway 20.The project is scheduled to take several weeks to complete. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists exiting the northbound end of the US 259 Kilgore Bypass will need to merge right once they have transitioned onto US 259/SH 31 to avoid the closure.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs in various locations on State Highway 149 between State Highway 43 in Tatum and the Gregg County Line. 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.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on State Highway 19 north of Canton between Interstate Highway 20 and U.S. Highway 80. Construction crews are also scheduled to be at work making deep pavement repairs in various locations on IH 20 in between Kaufman and Smith counties. Their work will require some overnight lane closures. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zones.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 315 between Farm Road 314 and U.S. Highway 175 in Poynor. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Farm Road 320 between West Loop 256 in Palestine and Farm Road 645. Daytime lane closures will be in effect 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 resurfacing operations on Farm Road 2088 between Farm Road 14 in Oak Grove and the Upshur County Line. Crews will also be at work on U.S. Highway 80 near Farm Road 1799 west of Mineola, and east of Mineola between Farm Road 2422 and Farm Road 3056. 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.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on U.S. Highway 84 east of Rusk. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

National School Bus Safety Week Underway


LONGVIEW — Longview police want to remind drivers about school bus safety.This comes in conjunction with National School Bus Safety Week, October 17-21, 2011. During this week police will step up patrols around bus routes.They are also looking into having officers ride school buses to observe violators.If the officer observes a violation, they will then radio to a patrol unit in the area to make contact with the violator based on what the officer on the bus observed.It is a class C misdemeanor offense to pass a school bus while loading or unloading.Drivers ticketed for this offense may have to pay a minimum fine of $334.10.

Police say drivers also need to be aware of the children when they are getting on and off the bus. Authorities say this is a very dangerous time and drivers need to give buses plenty of room to allow for children to get on and off safely.According to police, a good rule to use is to give at least 10 feet around the school bus.They say this allows for the arm to swing out in front of the bus and the children to safely cross in front of the bus.Once a driver sees the lights and sign on the school bus showing, police say the driver should stop and wait until they both go off.Then the driver can resume travel. According to law officers, this gives the children plenty of time to load and unload safely.

Police say drivers should also be aware of bus stops where children may be congregated waiting for the bus to pick them up. According to authorities, this can be a dangerous area for school children because drivers may not be paying attention to the children standing near the roadway.

East Texan Sentenced in Double Slaying

JACKSONVILLE — A Jacksonville man, Jason Terell Hunt, 25, received 35 years in prison for his role in the January 2010 murders. Drake Dario Blanton, of Cushing, was sentenced to life in prison for each victim. The victims, Rigoberto Tovar Pina, 29, and Steve Abran Parra, 27, both of Center, died from gunshot wounds. Blanton and Hunt were arrested five days after the shooting in a vehicle that belonged to Pina. Sgt. Viki Penny says Blanton’s thumbprint on a spent shell case helped state and local authorities quickly solve the case.

Tyler Man Facing Charges Following Illicit Email


LUFKIN — A Tyler man is booked into the Angelina County Jail on charges that he sent nude photos from his child’s mother’s email account and covertly tried to stop a custody dispute. Brandon Lamar Dunn, 19, is charged with improper photography or visual recording and fraudulent use or possession of identification. According to an arrest affidavit, the mother had been corresponding with a legal assistant regarding the best time to serve Dunn with custody paperwork.

The Lufkin Police Department subpoenaed the IP addresses from the woman’s email account from March 20 through April 1 and found messages sent during that time came from a computer at Dunn’s mother’s home in Tyler. Dunn is being held without bond at the Angelina County Jail.
The Lufkin Police Department subpoenaed the IP addresses from the woman’s email account from March 20 through April 1 and found messages sent during that time came from a computer at Dunn’s mother’s home in Tyler. Dunn is being held without bond at the Angelina County Jail.