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EAST TEXAS — A 29-year-old Rusk man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for threatening President Barack Obama. Robert Lee Berkley Jr. was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison on July 12 by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis. Berkley, who was imprisoned in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice center in Rusk, wrote a letter June 16, 2010, saying he planned to travel to Washington to kill Obama and his family after he was released from prison. Berkley confirmed his plan during at least two interviews with law enforcement officers. He pleaded guilty on Feb. 23.

ALTO — Fourteen days after the Alto City Council sent its police force on a six-month furlough in June, the Wall Street Journal got wind of the story and ran an article entitled “The Day the Law Left Town.” The next day, Forbes and the Business Insider caught onto the story. By July 7, Alto had attracted the attention of the CBS News Morning Show. A cursory Google search of “Alto Texas police” yields ten of eleven first-page results about the potential for increased crime rates in Alto since the council furloughed the police force. The national coverage of the issue has left some Alto citizens perplexed and some outraged.

The Corner Market convenient store, robbed at gunpoint July 19, was one of the latest locations hit in Alto. Minister Frederick Shaw said he thinks coverage doesn’t help the crime situation. According to Sheriff Campbell, several towns in East Texas have disbanded their police forces before. “Several times before New Summerfield, Wells and Cuney have furloughed their police forces. Though this is the largest town to do away with their police department that I can remember.”

The Cherokee County sheriff’s department tries to keep a patrol car in the area at all times, yet some citizens are concerned the national coverage will cause an influx of crime from out-of-town offenders. Sheriff Campbell said national coverage has not yet greatly increased the number of crimes committed by outsiders. He said most of the crimes committed in Alto are done by locals.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department’s non-emergency telephone lines have now been restored and are fully functioning once again. The department began experiencing telephone problems around 7:00 Saturday night. All 911 calls to the Tyler Police Department were being routed through the Smith County 911 Center. Officials said the department is still received all emergency 911 calls and there was no delay in response times for emergency calls for service.

HENDERSON — Henderson ISD trustees froze teacher pay and took actions on a construction model to move them one step closer to a November bond election. Director of Human Resources Stacey Sullivan said Thursday the 2010-11 salary schedule will be in effect for teachers in the 2011-12 academic year, as approved by the school board Wednesday night. “The schedule reflects no increase in salary whatsoever,” Sullivan said. Trustees also selected a construction method for a possible November bond election. The school board chose the construction manager at-risk model, which calls for a construction manager to complete the project within a guaranteed maximum price. Trustees also selected Claycomb Associates as the architect firm to represent the district on the bond.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Police Department officers Christopher Bell and Jonathan Shobert arrested seven women Sunday afternoon who descended upon Nu Time Truck Stop at 729 Frankston St. to brawl about a man. Soni Brooks (pictured), Terrie Dirck, Brittany Spink, Elizabeth Cova, Skyla Singleton, and Christina Thornton, ranging from ages 20 to 38, were each charged with riot participation and bail was set at $1,000. Shana Darty, age 19, incurred additional charges for threatening to injure nearby witnesses and failure to provide accurate information to authorities. Authorities set Darty’s bail at $10,000 for threatening retaliation, and $1,000 for falsifying information, according to police reports. JPD Detective James Oden said the feud began earlier in the afternoon when Thornton and Brooks exchanged threatening text messages. “Soni had been bragging about sleeping with Christina’s ‘baby daddy,’ as they call it in Jacksonville,” Oden said.

The altercation began around 4 p.m. when a white car pulled into the first pump, said Nu Time Truck Stop worker Javed Ahmed. A woman dressed in black emerged from the car and began stirring up controversy with another customer. Ahmed said shortly thereafter another car pulled up to the gas station, and more women emerged to join the fight. The fighting subsided when the police arrived, but re-ignited after a few minutes. “You’ve got to know this crowd. They’re frequent flyers. We get a report on one of them every week. Common sense is not their strong suit,” Oden said. Ahmed said the altercation lasted approximately 10 minutes, and within 25 minutes, it was over. “They were all regular customers,” Ahmed said.

LONGVIEW — A 37-year-old Longview woman is accused of trying to pass a forged check from a Judson-area church. Longview police arrested Natalie Kristi Midler shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday, after security noticed that she tried to cash a check made out to her from Northwood Baptist Church on Tryon Road, according to arrest reports. A teller at Texas Bank and Trust contacted church personnel, who said that several checks had recently been stolen from the church and that no check had been issued to Midler, reports showed. Furthermore, Midler had not authority to cash a check. She remained in the Gregg County Jail on $2,500 bond Friday.

HALLSVILLE — West Harrison Fire and Hallsville Fire responded to a grass fire on Normal Lee Lane Friday afternoon. When the fire crews arrived five acres were involved. Two unoccupied mobile homes were destroyed. The fire is currently under control and crews are working to put out a few hot spots. No injuries have been reported at this time. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.

ANGELINA COUNTY — An alleged Moffett methamphetamine cook was released from jail last week only to be arrested again Thursday after the federal government indicted him on his existing charges. David Arthur Dunman Jr., 52, was taken into custody Thursday by Angelina County investigator Mark McLin on three federal charges, according to jail records. Dunman had been in jail since December, after his second methamphetamine arrest inside a three-month window, without the option to bond, but on July 12 was released on a $100,000 bond, jail records state.

The federal charges Dunman faces include manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance; possession of certain chemicals with the intent to manufacture; and maintaining a place for the manufacture, distribution and use of methamphetamine. While not commenting directly on Dunman’s case, McLin said the charge of “maintaining a place for the manufacture, distribution and use of methamphetamine” is a charge specific only to the federal government. According to the federal penal code, it carries a sentence of up to 20 years and/or a fine of up to $500,000.

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Louie Gohmert expressed his disappointment after the Senate voted 51-46 to reject the Cut, Cap and Balance Act. Gohmert said, “It is apparent the Senate Democrats have turned their backs on the desire of the vast majority of the American people. Not only has it been 814 days since the Senate last passed a budget, it seems as if they are trying to stifle job growth and the U.S economy all together. By refusing to even allow the Cut, Cap and Balance Act to come to the floor for a debate today, they have simply refused to address the major issues we so desperately need to tackle – real spending cuts, caps on future spending and a balanced budget. The House Republicans offered a proposal centered on true, solution-based principles, that itself was a compromise, because we realize the urgency to resolve this debt crisis in America.

Gohmert said that America’s true strength is from the foundation of our principles and the people willing to stand and defend them. It’s time to stand firm on principles to build a better nation. It’s time to implement ideas that will notably rein in our federal spending and reduce the trillion dollar deficit spending. It’s time to stop playing party politics and reassure all Americans that the United States is still the place of opportunity for our children and grandchildren.”

Congressman Louie Gohmert is the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime,
Terrorism and Homeland Security.

GILMER — Former Gilmer Fire Chief Mike Melton on Friday pleaded guilty, and accepted an agreement that puts him on 10 years of probation and requires him to pay about $16,000 in restitution, attorney David Griffith said. Melton, 53, was indicted in December on charges of misappropriation of fiduciary property ranging from $1,500 to $20,000. He resigned his position as Gilmer fire chief in October amid the investigation.

Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd has said the indictments stem from January 2008 and included abuse of checks and credit cards belonging to the Gilmer Volunteer Fire Department. Melton became Gilmer’s fire chief in 2005. The fire department elected Jerry Taylor to serve as its new chief in January.

LUFKIN — The Zavalla police chief fired after two months on the job spoke out Thursday about his termination, expressing indifference. According to KETK, in a phone interview, 69-year-old Jim Hodges maintained his reputation of being a man of few words in saying he didn’t have a lot to say about being let go earlier this week by the Zavalla City Council and Mayor Greg Fletcher. “They can do what they want to do and there’s not a whole lot I can do about it,” Hodges said. “If they had something on me, they should have told me. They’ve got it like they want it now and God bless ’em.”

Hodges was put on paid suspension last week while Fletcher launched an in-house investigation of alleged complaints against the chief. Monday night a special meeting was called with 72-hour notice given to the community via a memo posted on the front door of city hall. Hodges, who lives in Lufkin, said 72-hour notice had been given to everyone but him. “I had been on suspension, and I’m not going down there to look at the door when I’m on suspension,” he said.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Fletcher said he called Hodges and left a message for him Monday morning about the meeting. Hodges, who said he was out of town at the time, said that wasn’t the case.

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Rangerettes announced new freshman members Friday after a week of pre-training and tryouts. The new Rangerettes were chosen by outside judges, director Dana Blair and assistant director Shelley Wayne. The Rangerettes are returning 36 sophomores to the line. The new freshman members of the 2011-12 Rangerettes, listed by hometown:

Austin – Stephanie Arino, Ashley Bonner, Sheridan McDowell, Kristin Page and Sarah Treptow
Beaumont – Stephanie Aumiller, Rebecca Fertitta and Bethany Metreyeon
Corpus Christi – Lesly Powell
Dallas – Katy Hunter, Carly Marston
Carrollton – Mary Alice Van Natta
Cypress – Alexandra Genest
Flint – Arlin Busano
Flower Mound – Shelby Holly and Ria Romano
Garland – Whitney Robertson and Jessica Wright
Keller – Whitney Early
Longview – Brianna Hines
Lufkin – Morgan Berger, Leslie Clothier and Jessica Stovall
Marshall – Caitlyn Glorioso
Nederland – Mackenzie Jardell
Orange – Jordyn Ewing
Pasadena – Bethany Phelps
Pearland – Julia Harkness
Richardson – Allison Lindsteadt
Spring – Briana McLaughlin
Texarkana – Haleigh Wright
Troup – Nikki Fulps
Tyler – Abigail Massey, Hannah Price and Brittany Rodriguez
Wylie – Kathar

The Rangerettes were the first of their kind when they began in 1940 as a vision of the late Gussie Nell Davis. The organization created a unique combination of dance moves and precision drills that quickly earned them the reputation not only as the originators of dance/drill teams, but as the best in the world. Known for their high kicks and the jump splits, the organization has traveled around the world and entertained millions.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A Van Alstyne man dies after a one-vehicle motorcycle crash in Henderson County. According to Department of Public Safety officials, Bradford Martin Boyd, 53, was pronounced dead around 8:30 Wednesday morning. Troopers say the wreck happened around 1:00 after Boyd failed to yield at a stop sign near the intersection of Lazy Launch and Shady Shores Drive. They say he ran into a dry lake bed.

FLINT – Officials say a toddler found unresponsive Wednesday and rushed to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center has died. The Noonday Volunteer Fire Department was called out shortly after 6:30 last night at the Villages Resort in Flint after the boy was found in the pool. The boy is identified as Jaquion Grant, 4, of Jacksonville. An autopsy has been ordered.

CANTON — Van Zandt County Sheriff R. P. “Pat” Burnett, Jr., was elected Sergeant-At-Arms of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas at their 133rd Annual Training Conference held in Houston. Sheriff Burnett has served as Sheriff of Van Zandt County since November 2000. The Sheriffs’ Association of Texas is one of the oldest law enforcement associations in the nation. The Sheriffs of Texas met for the first time on August 14th, 1874, in the courthouse in Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas.

AUSTIN – A couple of East Texans have received awards at the state’s Public Safety Commission meeting. Director Steven C. McCraw thanked all of the award winners and said, “Your exceptional service and sacrifice is in keeping with the proud tradition of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the State of Texas.”

The Purple Heart was presented to Trooper Larry Michael Vaughn, Quitman (pictured here). He received the award for injuries sustained when he served a warrant on a dangerous fugitive. The suspect discharged a shotgun through a closed window, striking Trooper Vaughn and causing serious bodily injury. Trooper Vaughn was temporarily disabled, but has now made a full recovery and has been able to return to work.

A Director’s Award was presented to Kyle Evans of Canton. Evans received the award for his bravery and heroism when he entered a vehicle that crashed and was engulfed in flames in order to pull out the driver. Mr. Evans’ actions saved the life of the vehicle’s driver.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A poultry giant has recalled more than five tons of ready-to-eat chicken made in Texas because the products could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., was recalling two products.

The first is 390 pounds of Fully-Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Fillets with Rib Meat. Made at Pilgrim’s Waco plant, it was distributed through a foodservice distribution center in Columbus, Ohio.

And about 10,850 pounds of Sweet Georgia Brand Fully-Cooked Breaded White Chicken Nuggets Shaped Patties was recalled. It was Produced at Pilgrim’s Mt. Pleasant plant, it was sent to foodservice distribution centers in New Jersey and Texas.

The problem was discovered during on-site internal testing at each plant.

TYLER – A young Tyler boy rushed to a Dallas hospital after being pulled from a back yard swimming pool is said to be in “stable” condition. Officials say he is currently on a ventilator. Noah Weisberg, 2, was found floating in an above the ground pool at 628 South Kennedy around 4:45 Thursday afternoon. The boy’s mother is employed by the Tyler Police Department as a Dispatcher. She lives at the residence with her parents and her two children.

Family members told police that they were in the process of grilling outside. They were unaware that Noah had got out into the backyard and into the pool. The grandfather who owns the residence found his grandson floating in the pool and immediately pulled him out. It’s unknown how long the youngster was in the pool when he was discovered.

Family members started CPR on the child until emergency personnel arrived on the scene and took over. The child was transported to East Texas Medical Center Hospital and was flown to Children’s Hospital in Dallas.

TYLER — A public flag-raising at 8:00 this morning dedicates Smith County’s new Armed Forces Reserve Center, part of the military’s Base Realignment and Closure project. The facility, basically a training center, puts local Army Reserve and National Guard functions all under one roof. First Sgt. Christopher Cassano of the 141st Quartermaster Company says it’ll be a big benefit to the local military. Cassano says features include up-to-date classrooms with projection screens, a gymnasium a big motor park, and a big maintenance facility. The location is Highway 31 across from the old Kelly-Springfield, or Goodyear, plant.

LONGVIEW — Longview resident Johnny A. Mumphrey, 37, has pleaded guilty to having sexual contact with a minor. He received ten years deferred adjudication probation. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Mumphrey could face up to 20 years in prison if he violates his probation. Mumphrey was accused of five counts of sexually assaulting a youth for a decade between the ages of 8 and 18. The man is now 20. The guilty plea ended a Gregg County district court trial in which the jury was having trouble reaching a verdict.

TYLER — In an effort to educate residents about the Tyler Municipal Court’s ability to put a hold on the renewal of driver’s licenses for people who have fines and/or warrants pending in the court, the Municipal Court will hold a “Keep Driving” sweep beginning Friday and continuing through August 6. To help residents “keep driving,” the court will remove the warrant fee(s) from residents who pay their fines in full; officials say this can result in a savings of up to $50 per violation. Once a resident has paid his or her fines in full, the Municipal Court will remove the hold on the driver’s license renewal so the individual can “keep driving.” Holds on driver’s license renewals cannot be removed until all of a driver’s fines are paid in full.

“We frequently hear that residents were not aware of the court’s ability to place a hold on their driver’s license and that they need to renew their license right away,” said Court Administrator Cam McCabe. “This program will make it easier for them to pay their fines and renew their license.”

While all courts in the State of Texas have the ability to place holds on driver’s licenses, this program applies only to fines that are due to the Tyler Municipal Court and does not apply to parking violations or fines totaling less than $200. Drivers can call 1-800-686-0570 to find out if any court in the state has placed a hold on their license. “Even when paid in full, it can take from seven to 30 days for the hold on the driver’s license to be removed,” added McCabe. “So those who wait until the last minute may face several weeks of not being able to renew their license.”

As part of the “Keep Driving” sweep, the Municipal Court will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. The Tyler Municipal Court is at 813 N. Broadway Ave., and its regular business hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

TROUP — Homeowners in Troup are not too happy about a new store that could move into the middle of their neighborhood. It’s happening along the 100 block of South Georgia. Homeowners tell KETK the former gas station’s been vacant for years. But after the city approved alcohol sales, the landowner’s looking to turn the building into a new package store. Homeowners say they’re fighting the move every step of the way.

NACOGDOCHES (AP) – A Nacogdoches man convicted of murdering his estranged wife and sentenced to life in prison agrees to terminate the parental rights of his two daughters. Kyle Barnhill, 47, worked out an agreement on a settlement to terminate his rights Wednesday in a Nacogdoches courtroom. A family not related to Barnhill has cared for the girls and has been seeking to adopt them. The girls were ages 10 and 3 at the time of the slaying. Melissa Barnhill was shot through a kitchen window in March 2009. The girls were in the house but not injured. Kyle Barnhill was caught 500 miles away, in the Eagle Pass area. A jury in October 2009 convicted Barnhill of murder and sentenced him to life behind bars.

NOONDAY — The controversy surrounding a new gun range in Noonday continues. KETK told you last week about the neighborhood association trying to shut it down over noise and safety issues. The pursuers have lawyers and an expert. The gun range is less than a thousand feet from an upscale subdivision, and the residents want it shut down. They have sent photos of the range to the man who wrote the original safety guidelines for gun ranges for the National Rifle Association, Richard Whiting, though he hasn’t worked there since 1994. Don Layton, the co-owner of the property has an NRA certification for the range and carry NRA insurance. Layton says they’ve met the state standards and will wait on any action from the Smith County DA.

MARSHALL – Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a Marshall home. It was reported around 10:30 Tuesday morning at the Robie Haggerty residence at 415 Sanford Street. The couple was able to escape the burning house without being injured. The fire is thought to have started in a bedroom of the home.

NEW YORK (AP) — East Texas-based Lufkin Industries says that second-quarter profit jumped 74% as higher oil prices boosted demand for the company’s services. Lufkin President and CEO John Glick said yesterday orders for company services are on the rise in both its oil field and power transmission divisions.

WHITEHOUSE (AP/Staff) – More information has emerged about what apparently prompted a stabbing incident in Whitehouse. Shaun Lawler, 32, of Whitehouse remains jailed on $300,000 bond in Smith County after authorities say he stabbed his fiancee as she returned an engagement ring. Lawler turned himself in to authorities Monday night after an argument turned violent. It happened around 10:45 Monday morning at a business at the intersection of Highway 110 and Hagan Road in Whitehouse. Police say Lawler attacked the victim, stabbing her multiple times. The woman, Jessica Wimpee, 23, remained hospitalized following emergency surgery.

TYLER — Tyler Police Investigators have identified and arrested the suspect in a hit-and-run incident involving alleged unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The incident occurred at Southtown and S. Broadway Tuesday around 11:15 p.m. The suspect is identified as Jeremy David Turner, 32, of Tyler. Turner has been arrested for unauthorized use of motor vehicle, along with felony and misdemeanor hit and run. Turner is now in Smith County Jail on a $60,000 bond set by Judge Tom Dunn.

The owner of the vehicle works at Buffalo Wild Wings. She told officers Tuesday night that Turner had taken her vehicle without her permission. While officers were heading to the scene they were advised that the vehicle the suspect was in had been stolen in the 7900 block of South Broadway prior to the accident.

Investigators say a black 2002 Honda Civic had been struck from the rear causing that vehicle to strike a white 2011 Ford Focus. The 31-year-old male driver of the Honda Civic was not injured. The 51-year-old female driver of the Ford Focus was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The stolen vehicle, a black 2009 Nissan Altima was recovered in the roadway in the 6200 block of Hollytree Drive. The vehicle had extensive damage to the front end. The driver had fled the scene.

TYLER — The 96th East Texas State Fair is weeks away, opening on Thursday, September 22 and running through October 2. Of course, there’ll be carnival rides, exhibits, fair food, and animals — along with the third annual concert series. “The East Texas State Fair is a fun, family tradition. We created a concert series in 2009 and have watched it grow in popularity ever since,” said Heather Pickett, director of presentation and development. “The 2011 concert line-up features many local and almost-local favorites. We look forward to great crowds at each of the concerts. As always, the concerts are free with your Fair admission!”

The 2011 concert series kicks off Friday, September 23rd, with 13-year-old blues guitar virtuoso and Shreveport native Matthew Davidson. On Saturday, September 24th, says Pickett, East Texas’ own JB and the Moonshine Band will have the crowds on their feet. Feliz Cumpleanos to La Invasora on Sunday, September 25th, as the fair celebrates the 10th birthday of La Invasora with an all-day music festival of Tejano and Latino bands. The Monday Gospel tradition continues on Monday, September 26th, with The Sounds of Smith County, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Gospel Choir.

Pickett says This Day Forth will rock the stage on Tuesday, September 27th. Alternative band Truffula Tree performs Wednesday, September 28th. It’s “more than blues,” says Pickett, with Something Blue on stage Thursday, September 29th. Austin’s Brad Dunn and Ellis County take the stage Friday, September 30th. Oklahoma boy and former Cross Canadian Ragweed front man Cody Canada and his new venture Cody Canada and The Departed wrap up the concert series as the headliner on Saturday, October 1st.

LONGVIEW — Fire department officials said a Tuesday night fire that displaced a Longview family was started from a 5-year-old playing with fire. Longview firefighters were dispatched to the 500 block of West Broadway Street at about 8:00 Tuesday night after authorities were notified about the fire, according to Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary. Zackary said the blaze started after a 5-year-old was playing with matches or a lighter. He said the blaze destroyed the living room and a hallway in the home.