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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tyler’s Louie Gohmert joined other Texas House Republicans at a Washington news conference to discuss their opposition to an amendment to H.R. 1586. The bill, passed by the House Tuesday, provides $26.1 billion in new spending, primarily related to education jobs funding and federal matching funds for Medicaid. The congressmen say the proposed amendment singles out only Texas – specifically the Governor – to commit future education spending levels as a requirement to receive funds from this legislation. Gohmert and his colleagues call that a violation of the Texas State Constitution — and Gohmert says it adds unnecessary bureaucracy.

According to Gohmert, “All in all, we keep adding bureaucrats, and you know where the responsibilities end up falling? It’s on the teachers” — who Gohmert says must supply data to the bureaucrats. At least one solution he proposes: “Let’s get rid of a bunch of the bureaucrats here and in Austin and in the school districts, hire lots more teachers, give ’em 50 per cent more pay — then you will help teachers.”

TYLER — Mayor Barbara Bass and other officials will rally Wednesday at noon on the downtown square for support of keeping the Downtown Tyler Post Office open. According to city press materials, the post office is being evaluated for possible closure. The City of Tyler and Heart of Tyler, Inc., will host the rally. Mayor Bass and other public officials will urge the public to take action to help save the downtown post office. There will be petitions to sign and to take for the public to be able to gather additional signatures.

A web page has been created to give the public information on what actions one can take to support keeping the Downtown Post Office open. At http://www.heartoftyler.com visitors can click on the Save the Downtown Tyler Post Office icon and go to a page with tips on what to do. The web page contains an online petition and the addresses of public and Post Office officials.

TYLER — The Literacy Council of Tyler’s Annual Corporate Spelling Bee is set for today at Harvey Convention Center. The public is invited to attend the Bee and celebrate the council’s 20th anniversary. Admission is $20 to the Bee, a major fundraiser for the agency. Staffers say the council’s work targets the one in every four adults in Smith County who are undereducated and functionally illiterate. Tickets to the Bee may be purchased in advance by calling 903-533-0330. Lunch will be catered by Traditions, and coffee will be served compliments of Starbucks. Silent Auction bidding and lunch began at 11:00am with opening ceremonies beginning at 11:45.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Builders Association (TABA) has been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for its “New Home Bonanaza – an Open House Extravaganza” public relations campaign. Tyler-based Krantz PR’s promotion of TABA’s “Bonanza” event in October 2009 received the NAHB Association Excellence Award for Best Public Relations Campaign Conducted. The awards were handed out at the national NAHB conference on Aug. 6 in Santa Fe, NM.

The Bonanza was a five-day open house event that featured new houses and lots in a variety of sizes and price ranges. To further entice buyers, the homebuilders and TABA members offered additional incentives. Krantz PR made use of TABA President Ricky Casey, casting him as a wandering cowboy looking for a good home. Casey donned his cowboy hat, duster and boots for commercials and billboards advertising the event. “We are thrilled to add a national award to our resume’,” said Krantz PR President
Laura Krantz. “It is gratifying to have something that was a fun project turn into such high praise for our creativity. I’m proud of my team.”

TYLER — Leadership Tyler, a non-profit organization established in 1986 to equip leaders to enrich the Tyler community, has selected Colleen Colby as its new executive director. “I feel privileged to be selected for this opportunity to work with people who are so committed to leadership,” said Colby. “I am delighted to be part of this historic organization as we approach Leadership Tyler’s 25th anniversary. My plans are to work with the team to continue to offer insightful programs for leaders in the community.”

Colby said her fondness for Leadership Tyler began when she applied to the program while residing in Maryland. “The first people I met when I moved to Texas were people in my Leadership Tyler class,” says Colby. Joan Andrews, current president of the Leadership Tyler board of directors, said, “We are very excited to have someone with Colleen’s skills and leadership experience to lead our organization.”

Colby has an extensive background in development, training, education and communications with several companies, including her present position with the professional services firm PBS&J. She was a journalist and a second class petty officer in the United States Navy and served on board the USS Puget Sound off the coast of Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. She has an executive MBA from the University of Delaware and a B.A. in mass communications and political science from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, and she attended an international business school in the Netherlands.

Colby has an extensive history of community service including Wilmington, Delaware, Habitat for Humanity; Junior Achievement; Wilmington Food Bank; Delaware Children’s Museum; and in East Texas, CASA, Discovery Science Place Museum, South Tyler Rotary, Tyler Executive Women’s Network, Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts of America, and Leadership Tyler class 21. She replaces Cindy Klein, who has served Leadership Tyler since 2004 and recently accepted a new position with Mentoring Minds.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview has begun the process to search for and hire a new fire chief. As the head of the Longview Fire Department, the Fire Chief is responsible for 167 staff members, 8 fire stations, and a $15.9 million budget. Officials say the City is utilizing Strategic Government Resources, Inc. (SGR) to help broaden the scope of the search and to assist with initial evaluation. During the search process, according to officials, SGR will identify and evaluate a variety of highly qualified prospects; provide a recommended list of five qualified candidates for interview; and design an assessment process for top candidates.

The City of Longview will conduct the interviews of the top candidates. As with all of the City’s director-level positions, the City Manager is responsible for selecting the final candidate, which is subject to approval by City Council. You can go to http://www.LongviewTexas.gov to view the fire chief job announcement. City officials add that you’re encouraged to contact SGR at http://www.GovernmentResource.com if you’re an interested, qualified candidate. Resumes should be submitted to SGR by Friday, August 20. It is anticipated that the hiring process will be completed within two to three months.

TYLER — The date has been set for the annual Texans Against Crime (T.A.C.) night out. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 12th , 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. T.A.C. celebrations are held throughout East Texas on the second Tuesday in October. Last year the City of Tyler had approximately 90 block parties throughout the City to promote the program. Tyler police say it’s time to register your block party by registering online at http://www.tylerpolice.com or calling the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1096.

Police say the Texans Against Crime program is an annual event designed to unite neighbors and communities to encourage neighborhood communication, community involvement and crime prevention to create safer neighborhoods. According to police, the T.A.C. program encourages neighborhoods to host block parties as an opportunity to get to know your neighbor and fight crime. Police say the program promotes neighborhood alliances to strengthen local communities and preserve the quality of life in East Texas. Police add that the program helps to educate families, friends and neighbors about crime prevention and inform residents that communities are safer when neighbors work together. According to police, getting to know your neighbors is an important step in keeping your community safe.

WHITE OAK — Another East Texas city will soon decide whether or not they’ll allow alcohol sales in their town come November. A petition by some White Oak citizens was approved and confirmed during Monday’s Gregg County County Commissioner’s meeting, meaning that it will go on the upcoming November ballot. According to KETK, more than 400 residents of White Oak signed the petition.

TYLER (AP) – A Tyler campus where a teacher was fatally stabbed in 2009 will be more secure when classes begin Aug. 23. A teen accused in the attack on special education teacher Todd Henry, at John Tyler High School, remained in juvenile custody Tuesday. The boy was 16 last September when authorities say he stabbed Henry. A wrought iron fence, surrounding nearly 90 acres, is nearly finished. The fencing is part of $247,000 in security improvements for John Tyler and for Robert E. Lee High School. Tyler Independent School District spokeswoman Angela Jenkins says the goal is to provide a perimeter for the school and prevent students who are unauthorized pedestrians to enter or exit the grounds. Portable metal detectors will be used for random checks at both high schools.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Commissioners battled out their thoughts on job cuts and raised taxes last week. This week, however, they are just going to listen. As the county tries to scrape up $7 million in budget cuts, County Judge Joel Baker proposes a tax increase. Now, taxpayers get a chance to voice their thoughts on the matter. A public hearing was held today. According to KETK, the increase would bring in an extra $4 million for the county.

Commissioner Terry Phillips says they have to build a reserve back up that they spent last year. He says there will probably be some kind of tax, because it’s the only way to get the county budget where it needs to be. Since sales tax is down, the county is not taking in as much money as last year. Phillips says, “To balance the budget, we either have to raise taxes or reduce the budget.” Another public hearing will be held on August 17th.

TYLER — Tyler Police investigate an early morning robbery. It happened around 3:25 a.m. Tuesday near the area of North Tenneha and M.L. King Blvd. Authorities say two black male victims advised they had given a ride to a black male, to an unknown address on Tenneha. The suspect exited the vehicle and went to the front porch of a residence. The suspect returned, displayed a handgun at the victims and told them to get out of the car. The suspect took some money from one of the victims, got in the victim’s car and left the area. No injuries were reported.

LONGVIEW — Mayors from throughout the East Texas region are meeting at Longview’s Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center today to discuss regional issues in light of the upcoming Texas legislative session. According to Longview Mayor Jay Dean, “These types of discussions are absolutely critical for the East Texas region. Even though we each work in different cities and counties, we often have similar goals to help move our communities forward. We know that what is helpful for one city is usually beneficial for the entire region.” The group has been coordinated through the efforts of Marshall Mayor William “Buddy” Power.

EAST TEXAS — Federal school ratings are released — and for some East Texas school districts, the news isn’t good. According to KETK, Longview ISD is one of many East Texas school districts that did not meet the requirements. Longview High school and Forest Park Middle School missed the standards in math and reading performance along with graduation rates. But district officials say it’s because of a federal rule. that puts a cap on the number of special education students that can take a modified TAKS test. Still, they say, they believe the cap is a good thing. The Tyler Independent School District also has a list of schools that failed to meet the federal standards for education this year. There are four: Bell Elementary School, Boulter Middle School, John Tyler High school, and Robert E. Lee High School.

SMITH COUNTY — Just six months ago, Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church was the 11th church to burn down during a string of church arsons. On Sunday, according to KETK, the church reopened its doors. The devastating arson fire in February engulfed what the congregation knew to be home. But now, the structure’s rebuilt, and the doors are once again open for services. Pastor Brandon Owens says it was faith that got them through. Clear Springs was the last church to fall victim to the rash of arsons.

TYLER — The investigation involving an 18-year-old female victim who reported getting sick after purchasing a drink from Sonic is now complete. According to authorities, on Sunday, July 18, the victim reportedly went to Sonic, located at 5611 S. Broadway and purchased a Cranberry Lime Slush drink. She said the drink had a strange taste to it and told officers that she began to vomit about an hour after drinking the drink and went to Mother Frances Hospital ER for medical treatment.

The Northeast Texas Public Health District was notified of the incident and conducted their own investigation. The Tyler Police Department investigation found no evidence that any criminal intent by the restaurant or victim occurred involving this incident.

LONGVIEW — Authorities in Longview say a stand-off is resolved. Officers responded to a call of an armed subject in the 1100 block of Rosedale Drive around 11:55 Sunday night. The caller told dispatchers that a man was in his yard in the 400 block of Sycamore and was firing a gun. When the caller went outside and told the man to stop, he pointed the gun at the caller and threatened to kill her. Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect at 404 West Sycamore Street, but he refused to answer the door. While officers were on-scene, the suspect pointed a laser at an officer’s vehicle and later fired additional shots.

The Longview Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene and attempted to establish communications with the suspect, but he did not respond. Around 6:10 Monday morning, the SWAT team made entry into the residence and took Brandon Biddle, 28, into custody. No one was shot or injured during the incident. Biddle has been booked into the Gregg County Jail for aggravated assault.

KEATCHIE, LA. (AP/STAFF) — A Kilgore woman and her sister have been stabbed to death and a suspect was arrested in eastern Panola County. Virginia Lee Knight, 24, of Kilgore was stabbed to death following the death of her sister, Diana Knight Rivers, 22. The stabbing occurred at Diana’s home in Keatchie, Louisiana, about 15 miles south of Shreveport.

Diana’s estranged husband, Stephen Rivers, 35, is in custody in connection with the deaths. He was transported to LSU Hospital in Shreveport for non-life threatening injuries. Cpl. Dusty Herring of the DeSoto Parish sheriff’s office says Rivers apparently stabbed himself three times in the torso with a pocketknife. After he’s released, Herring says he’ll be booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center. A judge has signed an arrest warrant charging Rivers with first degree murder.

The Longview News Journal quotes Herring, who is leading the investigation for the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Department as saying the couple had a scheduled court appearance tomorrow. It involved a custody hearing over their only child.

NACOGDOCHES – Nacogdoches fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a home on the Old Tyler Road Sunday afternoon. The only person at home at the time of the fire was Jeronenoford Scott Sr., despite being blind, he was able to escape the burning home unharmed. While they are still trying to find out what caused the fire, it appears to have been an accidental electrical fire.

TYLER — Breckenridge Village of Tyler wins the heart of one young woman who wanted to be a physical therapist, and found her true calling working with Breckenridge VIllage’s mentally challenged residents. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Morgan Glenn said she ended up with the agency on a mission trip. “And I remember the first week I was here, I was almost in tears every day because my heart was touched by these residents,” Morgan remarked. “I couldn’t ask for a better job or a better place to be. It’s not a job for me, it’s somewhere I get to go to be enriched daily.” Now Morgan’s been hired to a full time position at Breckenridge Village. The agency’s been in business since 1998. You can go to http://www.bcfs.net/bvt to learn more. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to hear the “Staff Meeting” show online.

TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District is spotlighting the month of August for a couple of reasons. NETPHD is joining a worldwide campaign during August to increase public awareness of the many benefits of immunization. NETPHD is celebrating National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) by encouraging residents of Smith County of all ages to make sure they are fully vaccinated.

As families prepare for the new school year, officials say, they need to take a moment to ensure their vaccinations are all up to date to avoid any delays in getting their children enrolled. “We have the power to prevent many diseases with a simple vaccine,” said Sylvia Warren, RN, Director of Immunization for NETPHD. “Vaccines aren’t just for babies. From a child getting vaccinated against measles and whooping cough, to an adolescent being protected from meningitis, to an older adult avoiding the pain of shingles, there are good reasons for all of us to discuss vaccines with our health care providers.”

Health officials say vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. According to NETPHD press materials, they not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Immunization services are available at the Northeast Texas Public Health District’s newly renovated facility at 815 N. Broadway, Tyler. For more information about National Immunization Awareness Month, contact the Northeast Texas Public Health District Immunizations Department at 903-535-0030 or visit http://www.healthyeasttx.org for vaccinations.

NETPHD is also joining a worldwide campaign this month to increase public awareness of the many benefits of breastfeeding. Health officials say when it comes to breastfeeding, every single ounce counts towards the health of mom and baby. That is why this year’s Texas WIC Program World Breastfeeding Month theme is Every Ounce Counts: Supporting Moms beyond the First Weeks. NETPHD officials say Texas is exceeding the Healthy People 2010 objective for a 75% breastfeeding initiation rate.

But the officials note the state is not on target to reach the objectives of 40% exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months, 17% exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months, 50% any breastfeeding at 6 months, or 25% any breastfeeding at 12 months. The Health District says this indicates a great need to support breastfeeding women beyond the first few weeks to help them reach their personal breastfeeding goals.

According to NETHPHD staffers, moms are faced with new challenges as their breastfed infants grow older. The staffers say helping breastfeeding moms overcome different challenges will help improve breastfeeding duration rates in Texas. Often, say health officials, it is the compassion provided by family, friends, health care providers, and communities that supports a lasting duration of the breastfeeding relationship. Tecora Smith, NETPHD WIC Director, stated that “health professionals will agree: breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for babies. Breast milk costs absolutely nothing, decreases the chance of breast cancer, fights against obesity, and creates an amazing bond between mother and baby.”

You can Join the Northeast Texas Public Health District in the celebration of World Breastfeeding Month on August 21, 2010 at the Salvation Army, 633 N. Broadway Tyler, Texas 75702. The event will be from 8:30am to 1:00pm. For more information about the celebration of World Breastfeeding Month or breastfeeding, visit http://www.healthyeasttx.org or call the Northeast Texas Public Health District WIC Department at 903-535-0030.

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

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on Interstate Highway 20 service roads across Smith County. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal-coat operations on State Highway 149 between State Highway 322 in Lakeport and Farm Road 2906 (Easton Road). Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

Also this week in Longview, after a last-minute delay, the newly-installed traffic signals on State Highway 300 at George Richie Road and Cheryl Street are scheduled to be activated as early as Wednesday. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in and around newly signalized intersections.

VAN — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin resurfacing efforts on the westbound Interstate Highway 20 exit at Farm Road 314 in Van. The exit ramp is being extended back to the east to allow for greater deceleration in advance of the FM 314 intersection. The outside lane of IH 20 will be closed for roughly one mile leading up to the FM 314 exit, but the exit itself will be open to traffic. Motorists should expect delays on westbound IH 20 while the work is in progress.

Elsewhere in Van Zandt County, crews will also be performing base and pavement repairs in various locations on Farm Road 773 between Farm Road 16 and State highway 64, and on Farm Road 857 south of Silver Lake between Farm Road 1255 and Farm Road 1253 in Smith County. 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 continue resurfacing operations on Stat Highway 64 between State Highway 42 in Turnertown and Loop 571 in Henderson. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Farm Road 3062 between Malakoff and the end of state maintenance near Star Harbor. Daytime lane closures will be in effect 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 continue resurfacing operations on U.S. Highway 175 between Jacksonville and Farm Road 855 in Cuney. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on Farm Road 515 near Winnsboro, and ditch maintenance on Farm Road 2710 west of Farm Road 14. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HIDEAWAY Three persons have been killed and two injured in a one vehicle accident on Interstate Highway 20 in Smith County. The accident, around 7:45 Saturday morning, occurred just east of State Highway 110 when a car left the roadway following a blown tire and hit a tree. The Department of Public Safety reports that two of the victims were not wearing their seat belts. Those killed in the wreck have been identified as Michael Sanchez, 20, of Kennedale; Ruban MicasVargas, 18, of Fort Worth; and Emilio Banda-Hernandez, a Mexican national living in Fort Worth. Another passenger, Jermaine Bailey, 37, of Fort Worth, is in critical condition at Tylers East Texas Medical Center. The cars driver, Enrique Martinez, 28, of Fort Worth, suffered minor injuries.

WINONA — A home in northern Smith County has been destroyed by fire. It was reported just after 11:00 Saturday morning on Farm Road 16 just east of Farm Road 14. KETK-TV reports the family saw smoke coming from a water heater in a bedroom. Fire fighters report the home was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. No injuries were reported and the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

TYLER – A man who is accused of trying to break into his wife’s house is in custody today. KETK-TV reports the man’s wife had a restraining order against him and he wasn’t suppose near the woman or her house.

She called law officers and when they arrived, the man ran. Sheriff’s deputies finally arrested him after a chase that lasted around an hour. Before the incident, the suspect had been accused of assaulting his wife. No word on what additional charges may be filed.

ATHENS (AP) — Authorities say the Texas Rangers are investigating whether a suspected check forger was beaten after his arrest by officers who were injured and stabbed while taking him into custody. Henderson County Sheriff Ray Nutt says his officers showed restraint and praised them for saving the suspect’s life.

Donald Ray Huback Jr., 19, is in the Smith County Jail facing five counts of aggravated assault on a public servant and forgery of a check charge following his Tuesday arrest. His bonds total more than $2 million.

Officials say four officers were stabbed while trying to arrest Huback and a fifth was struck on the head with a soda bottle. Huback’s mug shot shows his face covered in bruises and cuts.

PALESTINE — Palestine police continue looking for a man who used a baseball bat to rob the Family Dollar Store on West Oak Street. The robbery occurred shortly before 9:15 Thursday night. The man was wearing a blue toboggan with eye holes cut into the material, and socks covering his hands. The suspect forced one of the clerks to the rear of the store, hitting her in the stomach with the baseball bat. A second clerk, who was elsewhere in the store, called 911. The suspect grabbed some money from the cash register and fled south on Oak Street. The injured employee was taken to Palestine Regional Medical Center for treatment. Palestine police describe the suspect as a black male about six feet tall.

TEXARKANA, ARK. (AP) — A former Northeast Texas state trooper, who is a registered sex offender, has pleaded not guilty to a variety of charges in Arkansas, including sexual indecency with a child. Travis McCrae, 45, entered the plea Thursday in Miller County Circuit Court in Texarkana. He’s charged in connection with a string of crimes on May 14. Police say he’s suspected of breaking into several homes – including one where he awoke a sleeping 14-year-old girl and molested her.

The Texas Department of Public Safety’s sex offender registry says McRae served two months in prison after he was convicted in 1991 of indecency with a 13-year-old girl. DPS officials say McRae was a DPS trooper in Bowie County for four years before resigning in 1990.

MANGUM, OKLA. (AP) — A trial for a warden’s wife accused of helping an inmate escape from prison remains on schedule to start September 20 after a pretrial hearing in the case. Greer County Assistant District Attorney David Thomas says a judge on Thursday set an August 20 deadline for attorneys to file pre-trial motions in the case of Bobbi Parker. He says arguments on those motions likely will be held in early September. Defense attorney Garvin Isaacs says several motions will be heard. He declined further comment other than to say he is preparing his witness list and will be ready for trial. Parker is accused of helping convicted killer Randolph Dial escape in 1994 – then living with him on the run. The two were discovered living on a chicken ranch near Center, Texas, in 2005. Dial has since died.

TYLER — Tyler’s First Church of Christ, Scientist plans to return its sanctuary to its mint condition after it was destroyed by arsonists in January. KETK reports the Historical Preservation Board Wednesday allowed the church to renovate the building. The congregation has been meeting at the First Presbyterian Church of Tyler. The congregation hopes to start reconstruction within weeks.

TYLER — Vandals are leaving their calling card across Tyler — and graffiti marring new bathrooms, parks, and trails is causing the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department to spend unnecessary cash. According to KETK, that’s money they say they don’t need to spend at a time when the city is dealing with a tight budget. The latest rash of vandalism happened at the Rose Garden, where 30 nozzles were stolen from the fountain at a cost of more than $5,000. Parks and Recreation Director Stephanie Rollings says money they’re using to clean up the mess could have been used elsewhere. According to Rollings, “The vandals doing this I don’t think really know the massive effect they’re having on the city’s budget as well as the citizens of Tyler.” Rollings says every citizen who uses those parks is affected. So far, all the graffiti has been cleaned up, and stolen items have been replaced.