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HENDERSON — A 2-year-old is dead, and a grandfather may be charged. But when a dog fatally attacks someone, what kind of charges can they face? There have been several dog attacks in East Texas in the last couple of years, and most involved pit bulls. According to KETK, the job of the Rusk County Grand Jury is not going to be an easy one. The death of 2-year-old Kaden Muckleroy involves at least two guilty parties. One is obvious. A pit bull tied to a tree in his grandfather’s yard mauled the toddler to death November 10th. It has been euthanized.

Pit bulls are responsible for anywhere from 47-62% of the fatal dog attacks in this country in the last 5 years. But the grand jury has to decide on charges against the grandfather, Kelvin, who owned the dog along with over 30 others. Half of the animals confiscated were pit bull breeds and many were destroyed. The family claims they were just accumulated over the years.

The Rusk County Grand Jury will meet after the first of the year to look at charges based on the Sheriff’s investigation. But absent a civil suit, the charges will likely involve variations on negligence or child endangerment.

TYLER — One man is dead, one in custody after a police chase and stand-off ends all because of a kiss on the cheek. In the late Sunday night incident, Chad Otis Jones, 39, Arlington, was shot to death. The suspect, Ricky Jay Reynolds, 45, is said to have shot Jones after he saw his wife kiss the victim on the cheek. After the shooting Reynolds is said to have driven off in his truck.

Smith County Deputies, State Troopers and Troup Police forced the driver to stop at County Road 230 and 345, near the Omen community. The suspect refused to come out of his car and told officers he had a gun. After a short time, deputies say they were able to get the man out of his truck and into custody. Authorities searched the vehicle and found a handgun.

WINONA — A fireman is injured fighting a mobile home blaze. KETK-TV reports the fire was around 6:30 Monday evening near Highway 155 and Fannin Parkway south of Winona. The fireman had to be rescued when he fell through the living room floor and became trapped in the burning home. He is listed in good condition this morning. Two other firefighters had to be treated for smoke inhalation. The mobile home was destroyed. The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.

TYLER — Lacks Furniture stores has announced they plan to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. They plan to shut down their stores. Lacks Stores Incorporated plans to hold closing sales their remaining 27 locations across state, including the stores in Tyler, Longview and Lufkin. Lacks blames lenders, who will no longer lend money and are demanding repayments of loans.

NACOGDOCHES — A one vehicle accident on a wet Nacogdoches County Road has killed a Bryan man. The crash on Highway 6 in eastern Nacogdoches County occurred shortly after 6:00 Monday morning. The Department of Public Safety identified the victim as Michael Gaylon Heatly, 24. The report said his east bound pickup hydroplaned on State Highway 7, left the road and hit a tree.

LUFKIN — The Timothy Hamilton home just south of Lufkin has been destroyed by fire. The blaze, which was reported around 10:30 Monday morning, was extinguished by firemen from the Diboll and Fuller Springs Fire Departments. No one was at home when the fire started and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

TYLER — Police say Colcord, Oklahoma, resident Bill Crum was released Monday from East Texas Medical Center and was taken into custody by Tyler Police. Police say Crum was the driver of a tractor trailer involved in a hit-and-run and police chase last week. He was charged with Hit and Run and Evading Arrest and placed into Smith County Jail on a $180,000 dollar bond.

Police say they deployed stop sticks to stop Crum’s 18-wheeler miles away from the accident. Police were notified of the hit and run at Old Bullard Road and WSW Loop 323 around 8:10 a.m. Thursday involving the tractor trailer and a Cadillac. The Cadillac, driven by Patricia D. Williams of Tyler, was traveling south on Old Bullard through a green light. The 18-wheeler was westbound on Loop 323. Witnesses indicated that Crum ran the red light, striking the Cadillac in the intersection and failed to stop at the scene of the accident. Williams suffered minor injuries from the crash.

Witnesses followed the 18-wheeler around the Loop and kept officers posted on its location until they could catch up to the vehicle. Officers caught up to the 18-wheeler at Van Highway and Loop 323 and attempted to pull it over near 69 North and Loop 323. Police say Crum failed to pull over for officers, who now had their emergency lights and siren activated. Crum continued to travel east on Loop 323 at normal speeds, but police say he would not pull over for emergency vehicles. Crum traveled to the 271 North extension and headed north on 271, then turned left onto 271 and was now heading back towards Loop 323 and 271.

Officers deployed tire deflation devices at 271 and Loop 323 as Crum entered the intersection with officers still following. A second set of spike strips was deployed at Hillsboro and E. Gentry. Police say Crum finally pulled the 18-Wheeler over near the intersection of Beckham and E. Gentry after the tires were flat and he was driving on his rims.

Crum’s wife was asleep in the cab of the truck at the time of the incident. Police say when officers interviewed Crum, he was extremely confused and was not aware of his surroundings. Officers did not detect any signs of alcohol on Crum, and no narcotics were present on or about his person. Crum was transported to East Texas Medical Center by EMS for medical observation. Police say they believe that by getting the vehicle stopped, they prevented further injury and property damage. The case remains under investigation.

TYLER — The City of Tyler announced Monday that the R.W. Fair Foundation and the Fair estate have gifted two Downtown buildings and several other parcels of land to the City for use in future public private partnerships that will help with revitalization efforts. “We are very thankful to the R.W. Fair Foundation for making this generous gift that has the best interests of the entire community at heart,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Having assets that can be used to attract private reinvestment is a major advantage, particularly in these tougher financial markets.”

Of the two buildings located at 121 and 123 S. Broadway, one is currently vacant (the Lindsey Building), and one is occupied (The Fair Foundation Building). City officials say the City will continue the tenant relationships, as well as the existing property management contract, and intends to recognize and continue to promote the building as an energy center in support of recent industry growth initiatives. “This change in ownership should be transparent to the tenants in the Fair Foundation Building,” commented City Manager Mark McDaniel. “The Lindsey Building will be land banked for long-term future projects. Our efforts will be to look for opportunities to attract an investor to adaptively reuse the building that has been vacant for many years.”

Also gifted are parking lots located at the corners of Elm and Broadway/College. “Parking is a hot commodity in downtown,” added McDaniel. “Owning these lots, protecting this parking asset, and possibly leveraging it for additional parking are critical for the future development of downtown.”

“We are pleased to gift these properties to the City in honor of the entire Fair family,” said Barbara Fair, President of the R.W. Fair Foundation. “I would like to believe that Mr. R.W. and his late sons Wilton and James and daughter Martha would be proud to see their legacy live on and helping the revitalization of Downtown.” You can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org to learn more.

GRAND SALINE — Grand Saline is now home to the world’s largest peanut butter and jelly sandwich. According to KETK, the sandwich was made as part of the Great American Peanut Butter Festival. The event was held to collect jars of peanut butter for the East Texas Food Bank and to attempt to build the world’s largest P-B-and-J. The sandwich needed to weigh more than 950 pounds to beat the record from Oklahoma City in 2002. It tips the scales at 1,342 pounds.

TYLER — Bishop T.K. Gorman Regional Catholic High School is one of only five Catholic high schools in the United States to be selected for the sixth year to the Catholic High School Honor Roll. The announcement includes Gorman as one of the top 50 Catholic high schools in America by the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty. Selection criteria included demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, Catholic identity, and civic education. Nearly 1,300 Catholic high schools were invited to apply to the Honor Roll by completing measurement surveys. Acton indicates, “With this high level of competition, inclusion on the Honor Roll indicates outstanding success in each of the disciplines examined.” Msgr. Joseph Strickland, JCL, Vicar General for the Diocese of Tyler, says “We are blessed to have a Catholic high school in Tyler with a tradition of excellence for more than fifty years.”

LONGVIEW — A Kilgore woman is killed in a hit and run accident in Longview. It happened around 7:00 Sunday night in the 700 block of South Green Street. Police say 29-year-old Tracey Turk was struck by a car while crossing the street. She was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead. The motorist that struck Turk fled the scene without stopping. According to KETK, the vehicle is a 1992-1994 Mercury Grand Marquis, goldish-pewter in color, and had damage to the front end as a result of the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.com or 903-236-STOP.

CHAPEL HILL — Eight weeks ago, 19-year-old T-J-C student, Amanda Anderson was found shot to death in her Chapel Hill home, allegedly killed by her brother, Nathaniel. The 15-year-old is reportedly being held in the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center for another 10 days. According to KETK, the prosecution says his detainment is recommended because he may present a danger to himself and could be a danger to the public’s safety. Anderson’s attorney, Jeff Haas, asked for a mental evaluation of Anderson last Friday. He was arrested Wednesday. His family still claims his innocence. His next hearing is scheduled for November 22nd.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin High Schooler wins $10,000 in an online skateboarding contest. Jonah Campbell, 15, is a self-proclaimed skateboarding buff. He lined up his fantasy skateboarding team and found out he won while at a skate park lock-in. Campbell says his mom accepted the money on his behalf. She says she hopes he makes some wise decisions with the money. Jonah says he’ll buy a video game and a new skateboard right away.

EAST TEXAS — One man is dead, one in custody after a police chase and stand-off ends. According to KETK, officers found one man dead where the shooting took place. Smith County Deputies, State Troopers and Troup Police forced the driver to stop at CR 230 and 345, near the Omen community. The suspect refused to come out of his car and told officers he had a gun. After a short time, deputies say they were able to get the man out of his truck and into custody. Authorities searched the vehicle and found a handgun. The name of the victim and the suspect have not been released.

TYLER — East Texans got a chance on Sunday to meet Oliver North. A member of the National Security Council staff during the Reagan administration, North received national attention for his involvement in the Iran-Contra affair in the 80’s. He currently can be seen on the Fox News Channel where he hosts the documentary series “War Stories.”

North was at Barnes and Noble in Tyler to sign copies of his new book, “American Heroes in Special Operations.” KETK-TV reports North said a nation without heroes couldn’t stay around very long.

According to North, “The classical definition of a hero is a person not wearing spandex, suit and cape – TV show or a movie. A classical definition of a hero is someone who puts themselves at risk for the benefit of others.”

North was asked some of the unfavorable views of the military published on sites like Wiki-Leaks, North was quick to defend his country. “I find it to be interesting that Wiki-Leaks only has bad things to say about our military. Well if nothing else, this is a counterpoise to all that crap that’s out there, and that’s why I write these books,” North said.

TYLER – A heavily traveled Smith County road has re-opened. A driver had a seizure Sunday and lost control of his vehicle, and it hit a railroad crossing arm on the loop extension between Loop 323 and U.S. Highway 271. KETK-TV reported that prompted the railroad crossing to be closed until Union Pacific could repair the damaged equipment. That mission was accomplished Monday afternoon.

TYLER — Organizer Christina Fulsom says the weekend’s “One Night Without A Home” in Tyler was a “great event.” The 13-hour activity at the Salvation Army Community Center was designed to educate people about homeless issues. About 100 attended, with some 50 spending the rainy night at the center. Fulsom says when it was all over, everyone agreed “that they have greater awareness; that because of that awareness they have now a better understanding.”

TJC and UT Tyler students made up a significant part of the group. Among other things, they heard from people who have experienced homelessness. Fulsom says participants agreed that they’ll view the issue differently from now on — for example, “that if they encountered a homeless person, or someone made derogatory comments about a homeless person, that they would speak up.” The event was a project of Gateway to Hope, formerly the Smith County Coalition for the Homeless.

TYLER — Tyler’s League of Women Voters and American Association of University Women present “Solving the Health Care Puzzle,” a seminar on the new health care reform law, Monday night at 6:30 at Robert E. Lee High School’s Little Theater. Spokesperson Dee Brock says seminar leader Anne Dunkelberg of the Austin-based Center for Public Policy Priorities is an expert on the law — “an outstanding researcher with a long history in public health and human services.”

According to Brock, Dunkelberg will bypass the politics of the hot-button issue. “What she’s going to do,” says Brock, “is just tell people the facts of what is in the health care law…when each facet of the law is going to take place, what needs it’s supposed to fill, and what it will mean to Texas and to individual Texans and their families.” For more information, you can e-mail [email protected] or leave a voice mail message at (903) 597-9111.

HALLSVILLE (AP) – Dozens of wealthy Texas school districts, including one in East Texas, held onto more than $40 million in tax dollars that should have gone to poorer districts until this year, when the state demanded they pay up. The districts owed the money under the state’s so-called “Robin Hood” law of education revenue sharing. The Texas Education Agency discovered the delinquencies during an unprecedented review last summer. Records relating to the review were obtained by The Associated Press under the Texas Public Information Act. The review found that the Hallsville school district went more than a year without paying. The East Texas district used the $8.5 million it withheld from the state to help pay for improvements that helped it to its first exemplary state rating. The district has since had to obtain a bank loan to pay what it owed. Other East Texas school districts on the list are Tatum and Carthage.

TYLER — Saturday marked the last day of Smith County’s first-ever Veterans Appreciation Week. KETK reports that troop supporters ended the festivities with live music and a chilly walk. Despite the cold, East Texans broke out their running shoes for a downtown Tyler 5k in support of veterans and those who serve. Activities, under the heading of “Celebrating Our Hometown Heroes,” got underway November 6 with Bullard’s Red, White, and Blue Celebration. Other events included a fish fry and awards ceremony, a sponsor dinner, an employment fair, Veterans Day celebrations at schools around the area — and the 5k, accompanied by a Freedom Walk. Many organizations banded together for the series of activities.

CHAPEL HILL – A mobile home goes up in flames late Friday evening. According to KETK, it happened on the 4600 block of Tatum Drive in Chapel Hill. A family of four was living there at the time, but fortunately they were not hurt. However, three family pets, two dogs and a cat, were killed in the blaze. The house is also a total loss.

TYLER — On Friday, the Tyler Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the order canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the November 2 Special Bond Election. With the election results showing 12,774 votes in favor and 12,840 votes against the bond, the Board of Trustees acknowledged the results as presented by the Smith County election officials. The order canvassing the returns is a step required by law after all elections. “We are very thankful for all who participated in the election and those that worked on behalf of the school district,” said Trustee Brad Spradlin. “We live in a wonderful country that has a process and the process works even though we may not exactly like the outcome.”

WHITEHOUSE – Police issue a warning for Whitehouse residents. According to KETK, officers say they arrested two men who allegedly stole mail throughout the city Friday. If you had outgoing mail in your residential box, police say you should check with the recipients to make sure they got it. If they do not receive your mail, you can report it to the Whitehouse Police Department.

GRAND SALINE – Grand Saline hopes to add a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to the record books. As part of National Peanut Butter Lovers Month, on November 13, Grand Saline Main Street and Nutty’s Gourmet Peanut Butter will attempt to break the world record for the world’s largest PB&J. The endeavor will coincide with the city’s first annual Great American Peanut Butter Festival and is in conjunction with a peanut butter food drive for the East Texas Food Bank.

“We’re so excited,” said Grand Saline Main Street Director Jamie Ollive. “We get to have a really fun festival and collect thousands of jars of peanut butter to help feed area families over the holidays.” The world record sandwich attempt will have to top 950 lbs. to break the current record, set in Oklahoma City on September 7, 2002. The PB&J construction process is scheduled to begin early Saturday morning since the bread actually has to be baked on the day of the attempt to comply with world record rules.

“We expect the process to take most of the day,” said Nutty’s owner and sandwich builder Keith Parsons. “We’ll have to wait for the dough to rise, bake the bread in a large commercial oven, and then finally we’ll transport the bread to a stage at the festival where we’ll spread on the peanut butter and jelly with long boat oars.”

“We are thrilled to be included in this event and attempt to break the record,” said Dennis Cullinane, executive director of the East Texas Food Bank. “Peanut butter is a very desirable food and a great source of protein. We rarely receive items for our East Texas children, seniors and adults that are both highly nutritious and as popular as peanut butter.”

Following Friday evening’s Great American Peanut Butter Pageant to name the festival’s first peanut butter queen, the festival begins Saturday morning at 7:00 with a peanut butter pancake breakfast — followed by the Great American Peanut Butter Parade at 10:00 am. There will be a carnival with rides and midway games, a music stage that will showcase regional talent throughout the day and nearly 100 vendors from as far away as Connecticut. “We actually have someone who’ll be selling Elvis’ favorite fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches,” said Ollive.

For further information you can e-mail [email protected] or contact Ollive at (903) 962-3122. Sponsors for the event include the East Texas Food Bank, Brookshire Grocery Company, Grand Saline Main Street, and Nutty’s Gourmet Peanut Butter.

HENDERSON — Two drug suspects are in custody in Henderson, according to KETK. On Wednesday at 8:50 p.m., officers of the Henderson Police Department, Henderson Narcotics Unit, and the Henderson PD TACT Team — in conjunction with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the RCSO TACT Team — served a narcotics related search warrant at 401 Overton St. in Henderson. Seized in the search was a quantity of crack cocaine, marijuana and several weapons. Two Henderson men, ages 19 and 30, were arrested and are currently in the Rusk County Jail. Charges filed were Manufacture/ Delivery of Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone (1st Degree Felony) and Possession of Marijuana in a Drug Free Zone (State Jail Felony). Bond has not been set.

TYLER — Don’t come to the Tyler Public Library if you are looking for a quiet place to study or read this weekend. During “Art Around Every Corner” Saturday and Sunday, you will find the library, located at 201 South College, awash in music, dance, painting, sculpture and theatre. There’ll be hip-hop dancers in the Story Room, Queen Elizabeth in the Lobby, sculptures next to the computers, pottery in the Reading Room and paintings amongst the reference books. For two days, the Library is opening its doors and floors to visual and performing artists exhibiting, demonstrating and talking about their work. Admission is free. Artists will be on hand throughout the event during regular Library hours: Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from noon to 4:00pm.

RUSK COUNTY — Questions are still being raised in the mauling death of a 2-year-old Kaden Muckleroy outside Henderson. The pit bull, one of 38 dogs found on the property, was said to have been tied to a tree. The dog reportedly got loose and attacked the child. The Rusk County Sheriff says owner Kelvin Muckleroy has since turned over the dog and about 29 others to authorities. At the time of the attack, Muckleroy, Kaden’s grandfather, was at work. Authorities are investigating why the toddler was left unsupervised. Kaden died at a local hospital Wednesday morning. According to KETK, so far, no charges have been filed.

SMITH COUNTY — Evidence is stacked against Nathaniel Anderson, 15, accused of shooting his sister Amanda back in September. Deputies say they are confident in Anderson’s guilt. According to KETK, there were several items that led them to believe Anderson is guilty. Anderson reportedly told investigators that he saw his sister had been shot and was dead by looking into her room from the door. Authorities say that would have been impossible. In addition there was blood found on Anderson’s clothing matching his sisters. Authorities also say, the .22 caliber bullets matched the gun found in the house. No trial date has been set yet. Authorities are not saying whether Anderson will be tried as a minor or adult.

TYLER — Joe Straus, Speaker of the Texas House, faces more criticism, this time from Tea Partiers in East Texas and across the state. They say he’s not conservative enough. According to KETK, Tea Party officials in Tyler say Joe Straus has ignored and buried issues that are important to them like immigration and gun laws. They say they’ve worked too hard getting conservative representatives elected and they don’t want a liberal Speaker of the House.

LONGVIEW — Funeral services will be held on Monday for former Longview Mayor D.A. Benton. Benton, who was 96, died Wednesday evening. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2:00 at the First Baptist Church of Longview. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Benton served on the Longview City Council from 1952 to 1970. That includes three terms as mayor starting in 1962.

According to the Rader Funeral Home obituary, He served in every office of the Knights of Pythias including 31 years as financial secretary. He was a member of the Dramatic Order of Knights of Khorassen and a 32nd degree Mason with more than 54 years of service. He was a Shriner, a 55-year member of the Longview Lion’s Club, and a member and past president of the Longview Jaycees. For more than 39 years Mr. Benton served with integrity and dedication on the board of directors of Texas Bank and Trust Company, formerly Longview Bank and Trust.