KTBB News, Weather, Talk

EAST TEXAS — Primary Election Day rolls on in Texas. The primaries determine November candidates for state, county, and national offices. Of key interest in Smith County is the sheriff’s election. Bobby Garmon, Chris Green, Larry Smith, and Donn Rust are on the GOP ballot; they’re vying to succeed longtime Sheriff J.B. Smith, who is retiring. There are no Democratic candidates. In another Tyler-area race, District 6 Texas House incumbent Leo Berman faces a challenge from Matt Schaefer in the Republican primary. In the District 7 GOP primary, incumbent David Simpson squares off against fellow Longview resident Tommy Merritt, who was defeated by Simpson in 2010. Both of those races also lack Democratic opposition. For more information on the elections, you can go to http://www.sos.state.tx.us or contact your local election office.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — The Nacogdoches County Constable Office Precinct 4 seized a methamphetamine lab and made two arrests late Friday afternoon. Constable Jason Bridges tells KETK his office conducted a search that led to the confiscation of 100 grams of meth. The investigation started on Harris Street in Nacogdoches. Bridges says deputy constables arrived at a residence looking for a wanted fugitive while trying to execute a felony drug warrant roundup that they had been working during the early morning hours. When authorities arrived, they reportedly found drug paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana in clear view. This led deputies to obtain a search warrant of the residence.

Once inside, officers say they found a gallon jar mixed with chemicals inside the bedroom that tested positive for meth. According to authorities, the method being used to manufacture the methamphetamine was different from what the constable’s office had found before. The suspects are said to have been using a gallon jar with chemicals inside that also had a rope tied from the top of the lid to the chemicals. The common street name for this type of cook is “dope on a rope,” and officials say this is the first seizure of its type in Nacogdoches County using this method.

HOUSTON (AP) – A man on death row for an East Texas robbery a decade ago in which three people were shot, one fatally, has lost a federal court appeal. The decision moves Richard Cobb, 28, a step closer to execution. Cobb argued to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that letters from a jailhouse informant to Cherokee County prosecutors improperly were withheld as evidence in Cobb’s trial. The informant also testified against Cobb at his capital murder trial for killing Kenneth Vandever, 37, during the robbery of a store in Rusk in 2002 and abducting, shooting and wounding two female clerks. The New Orleans-based appeals court ruled late Friday the letters were immaterial in the trial outcome. Cobb’s companion in the robbery, Beunka Adams, was executed last month.

LONGVIEW – A Longview home has been damaged by fire. It as reported around 5:00 Sunday afternoon on Miami Drive. Investigators said the fire started when charcoal ignited the wood patio on the rear of the home. It then spread to the house, damaging the kitchen and attic. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — Pine Cove’s original camp, the Woods, is introducing its newest addition, called Cedar Ridge. Monday morning, Pine Cove hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony that officially marked the grand opening of the cabins for the start of summer 2012.

The Woods Camp, formerly known as Pine Cove’s Conference Center, has seen many upgrades over the last 45 years, but none more extensive than this. Consisting of four separate structures, Cedar Ridge can host a total of 16 families. The new state-of-the-art cabins can comfortably sleep seven with room for more. Each building contains a common area and a deck extending off the back. Fun and relaxation will be readily available for campers to enjoy at Cedar Ridge.

The Cedar Ridge cabins will ensure that Pine Cove’s positive presence, both economically and spiritually, will continue to impact the city of Tyler for years to come.

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

GREGG COUNTY – Beginning Tuesday, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews are scheduled to begin several days of pavement repairs on Interstate Highway 20 between State Highway 135 and the Smith County Line. Also this week, in Longview, crews are scheduled to begin several days of seal coat work on South Loop 281 between Farm Road 2205 (Jaycee Drive) and Estes Parkway. Crews will skip over the area near Farm Road 2087 where the overpass is scheduled to be built. Once the work on Loop 281 is complete, crews are scheduled to perform the same work on Farm Road 1845 between Farm Road 2605 and the Upshur County Line, and in various intersections on Spur 63 in Longview. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists should be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 1716 between Farm Road 782 and Farm Road 2011. The work is being done in preparation for a seal coat application later this summer. Also this week, construction crews are scheduled to begin work to build an overpass for Farm Road 1798 to go over U.S. Highway 259 south of Henderson.

Looking ahead, beginning June 4, construction crews are scheduled to begin work to rebuild U.S. Highway 84 between Reklaw and Farm Road 2753. The project will call for US 84 to be closed to all traffic during the work, so marked detours will be in place. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

MOUNT SELMAN — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repair operations on Farm Road 177 in Mount Selman. Also this week in Cherokee County, resurfacing operations are scheduled to continue on U.S. Highway 175 between Farm Road 855 and State Highway 155 in Frankston. The project is scheduled to continue through mid-June.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin base and pavement-repair operations on Farm Road 1653 between State Highway 64 and Farm Road 858 in Martins Mill. A second crew is scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on State Highway 110 north of Van. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Also this week, lane-width restrictions and a 45 mph project speed limit begin this week on the construction project to add shoulders to Farm road 17 north of Canton in the area. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in and around the work zone.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 317 between State Highway 31 just east of Loop 7 in Athens, and Farm Road 607 in Leagueville. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas. Also this week, construction crews on the State Highway 198 bridge project near Gun Barrel City have opened both northbound lanes in the construction zone, and plan to have both southbound lanes open by the end of next week.

TYLER — The City of Tyler’s Main Street Department has announced a new project aimed at raising funding for the operation of Gallery Main Street, as well as involving hundreds of people in the arts. The project, “6×6@110” will take place in September, but now is time for preparatory work, said Main Street Department Leader Beverly Abell. “We will need the support of our entire artist community, our leaders and the public in order for this project to succeed,” Abell said, adding, “It will be great fun to be part of the event.”

The 6×6 part of the project’s title is, of course, due to the use of 6” x 6” canvases. The 110 in the title refers to the gallery’s address, 110 W. Erwin. Artists are being asked to do paintings on 6” x 6” canvases that the gallery supplies. But, Abell said, the request isn’t limited to artists. “We are going to ask leaders and celebrities on local, national and even international levels to join in the fun,” she said. “We’re sending canvases and a request to create art to many, many people.”

The goal is to have 500 canvases to hang in an exhibit that will begin with an opening party on September 6. Each work of art will be sold for a set price. The key is that the purchaser will not know who painted the piece until the purchase is completed, and the canvas is turned over to reveal the artist’s name. Not only will oils and acrylics be part of the event, but watercolors, photography and even 3-D items will be accepted for the exhibit as long as they can be mounted to the gallery-provided canvas and not extend beyond the 6” x 6” dimensions of the canvas.

Since the event is being underwritten by AT&T, 100% of the proceeds of 6×6 will go back to the gallery. “AT&T understands the importance of a healthy, vibrant downtown, and the importance of the arts in the movement in revitalizing downtown,” Abell said. “We are grateful for their support and vision.” Those who would like to participate in 6×6 should call Gallery Main Street at 903-593-6905. Full guidelines on how to participate are available online at http://www.cityoftyler.org on the Main Street Department page. Canvases and guidelines are also available at Gallery Main Street, 110 West Erwin.

TYLER — Tyler’s Mother Frances Hospital makes a prestigious list. It’s one of 12 healthcare facilities in the country winning awards from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Critical Care Societies Collaborative for their efforts to prevent, and eventually eliminate, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs are infections that are acquired while patients are receiving medical treatment for other conditions. Officials say HAIs are a leading cause of death in the United States.

LONGVIEW — As many people take to the roads for the extended Memorial Day weekend, the Longview Police Department wants to remind motorists to use extra caution and keep roadways safe for everyone.

• Wear your seatbelt. In the State of Texas, all occupants of a vehicle regardless of their age must wear their seatbelt, whether in the front or back seat. Seat belts are proven to save lives.

• If you are going to drink, have a designated driver. Longview Officers will be out in force this weekend and officers will be obtaining search warrants to obtain involuntary blood specimens from motorists who operate motor vehicles (including motorcycles) while intoxicated.

• Keep an extra eye out for motorcyclists. With the major motorcycle event this weekend, there will be even more motorcycles on the road. If you are a motorcyclist, please wear a helmet and be extra observant of your surroundings.

TYLER — The public is invited to an annual Memorial Day Service in Smith County. It’s set for this morning at 11:00 at the Tyler Memorial Park Field of Honor, 12053 State Highway 64 West. There will be patriotic songs, a rifle salute, bagpipes, taps, and a U.S. Air Force fly-by. Special guests will be Lt. Commander Matt Schaefer, U.S. Naval Reserve, and Sgt. Fernando Bravo.

LONGVIEW — Richard Manley with R Manley Enterprises has recently been invited to participate on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Council on Small Business. According to a news release from the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Manley “will be a strong advocate for small business and will have a vital role in shaping policy for small businesses through a dedicated commitment and involvement in the political process.”

Manley is a former executive committee member and board member of the Longview Chamber Board of Directors. He’s currently a member of the Longview City Council, representing District 5. According to the Longview Chamber news release, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions.

WHITEHOUSE — Officials say a brush fire was contained Saturday afternoon near Whitehouse after burning about 35 acres. According to KETK, one firefighter received treatment for heat exhaustion. Otherwise, no injuries were reported in the blaze at Farm Roads 346 and 756. Earlier, the fire was said to be threatening multiple structures, but it apparently did not reach them. Officials say they are unsure what caused the fire.

TIMPSON — The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting that a 2.5 magnitude earthquake shook East Texas Saturday morning. According to the USGS, the quake hit about 7 miles southeast of Timpson, near the intersection State Highway 87 and Farm Road 1645. This earthquake was even smaller than the last, which only ranked at 2.7 on the Richter scale. So far, this is the fourth quake to hit the Timpson area in a 16 day period. No injuries were reported.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP/Staff) – A man captured in East Texas and charged in the fatal kidnapping of a barista returned to an Alaska courtroom two days after he broke his leg irons and tried to escape. 34-year-old Israel Keyes wore leg irons and handcuffs when he appeared Friday under heavy guard by U.S. Marshals at U.S. District Court in Anchorage. Keyes is charged with kidnapping resulting in 18-year-old Samantha Koenig’s death. Koenig was abducted Feb. 1 from the Anchorage coffee stand where she worked. Keyes was arrested in Lufkin in March. Koenig’s body was recovered April 2 from a lake.

Friday’s proceeding continued a hearing halted Wednesday when Keyes tried to scale the bar separating the public from the defendant’s table. He was quickly subdued. The dramatic escape attempt was caught by a court audio recording. At Friday’s hearing, Keyes’ trial date was scheduled for March 11, 2013.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department says after a narcotics search warrant was executed Friday night at an area house, they were able to seize crack cocaine and marijuana from inside. Police tell KETK the house is located at 1318 West Fourth Street in Tyler. Police say the case is still under investigation at this time.

TYLER — A suspect in a failed Tyler robbery is in custody. On Saturday at approximately 2:30 a.m., Tyler Police received a 9-1-1 call at the Texaco Gas Station at 1118 W. Gentry Pkwy. Shortly after arriving on scene, Officer Tim Hutson discovered that a 17-year-old, later identified as Alan Michael Rodriguez, had allegedly just attempted to rob the store. According to police, Rodriguez immediately attempted to flee the area on foot but was quickly captured by Officer Hutson. Investigation revealed that Rodriguez allegedly displayed a knife to the store clerk and allegedly demanded cash from the register. Police say Rodriguez did not get any money from the clerk. Rodriguez was later booked into the Smith County Jail for aggravated robbery, evading arrest, and resisting arrest.

TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities has begun construction of a new water main on the east end of Jeb Stuart. Work began Friday and is expected to continue for approximately 10 days from that date. It is anticipated that construction will cross some residential driveways, possibly limiting access. “The City of Tyler appreciates the patience of the residents in the area while we complete this important project,” said Public Works Managing Director Greg Morgan. Officials say the project will enhance fire protection for the citizens in the area. They say by increasing the diameter of the line, more hydrants may be added with greater water pressure. Questions may be directed to Kevin Olson, operations manager, at (903) 531-1285.

CANTON — Two suspects face multiple charges after they were arrested in Van Zandt County. On Thursday, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a burglary in progress on VZCR #4407 in Ben Wheeler. Deputies arrived at the scene and located a man identified as Taylor Leon Davidson, 20, of Tyler, and a woman identified as Amy Renee Orozco, 36, of Ben Wheeler, who had allegedly burglarized the residence by entering through a window.

Van Zandt County investigators responded to the scene. Upon an investigation, according to authorities, it was discovered that the suspects were in possession of a firearm, drug paraphernalia, a stolen trailer, and stolen property that was taken from a burglary of a building in Canton. The investigation led to a search warrant being executed in Canton, where officials say more stolen property was recovered.

Both suspects were booked into the Van Zandt County Jail and arraigned on a charge of theft of property, with bond set at $10,000. According to authorities, it has been discovered that both suspects were found to have committed several other burglaries and thefts throughout the county. Additional charges were pending. The recovered property is valued at approximately $3,500.

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry says the state is investing $1.3 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in Centene Corp. to open its third U.S. claims center in Tyler. KETK reports that contingent upon completion of a local incentive package, Centene will create more than 300 jobs and $15 million in capital investment. “Here in Texas, we’ve fostered an economic environment that allows employers to create jobs and opportunity by keeping taxes low and regulations predictable, and making sure our courts are fair and our workforce is skilled and educated,” Gov. Perry said. “Texas Enterprise Fund investments like this one in Centene help provide jobs for Texans and capital investment across our state.”

Centene provides health care-related services to organizations and individuals. The Tyler facility will be an integral part of the company’s national managed care system, processing claims from physicians, hospitals and other health care providers. “Centene is pleased with the state’s action and continues to progress with due diligence actions aimed at building a new facility in Tyler,” Centene Chairman, President, and CEO Michael F. Neidorff said. “We have already hired almost 60 people and look forward to further enhancing the economic climate in Tyler. We anticipate breaking ground this summer.”

“We are looking forward to having Centene as a new corporate citizen that will bring quality jobs to Tyler,” Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass said. “By having one of the lowest municipal tax rates in Texas, an abundant workforce and a tremendous quality of life, Tyler is an ideal place for a business such as Centene to locate.”

The Legislature created the TEF in 2003 and has re-appropriated funding in every legislative session since then to help ensure the growth of Texas businesses and create more jobs throughout the state. TEF projects must be approved by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House. The fund has since become one of the state’s most competitive tools to recruit and bolster business. To date, the TEF has invested more than $466.8 million and closed the deal on projects generating 63,086 new jobs and more than $21.4 billion in capital investment in the state.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College will send a registration team to Jacksonville to help students of Lon Morris College register for core curriculum classes through TJC while they await word on the restoration of classes at Lon Morris. TJC will also offer discounted, on-campus housing at its Main campus in Tyler for students requiring a residence hall during their studies. Core curriculum courses are basic courses designed to transfer to other state-assisted colleges and universities.

TJC’s move comes after Lon Morris announced the furlough of most of its employees and an interruption in college courses and services earlier this week due to financial constraints. With the exception of distance education courses, Lon Morris cancelled its regular summer course offerings. “We want to help ensure that these students have the opportunity to continue on a smooth pathway toward their educational goals,” said TJC President Dr. Mike Metke. “We know these students will wish to continue at Lon Morris when classes resume, but extending our summer classes to them will help them stay on track.”

Representatives from TJC residential life, the registrar’s office and financial aid will be available in Jacksonville to assist Lon Morris students from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, June 1. Lon Morris students should come to the TJC-Jacksonville site, on the fourth floor of East Texas Medical Center, Jacksonville, 501 S. Ragsdale. Students are asked to bring their Lon Morris identification card and a current printed transcript, if available. Summer I term classes at TJC begin June 4; the Summer II term begins July 9.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview continue seeking people who were on the scene of a crash earlier this month. On May 11 at 6:07 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2500 block of West Marshall Ave. When officers arrived, they located two vehicles that had been involved in a crash. According to a witness, the driver of a 2003 GMC Yukon, Thomas Montgomery of Gladewater, lost control, over-corrected and traveled into the path of a Chevrolet S10 driven by 26-year-old Kevin Blake Gassett of Greenville. Gassett later died from his injuries.

During the course of the investigation police have learned that there may be other witnesses who observed the events that led up to, or actually witnessed, the crash. Police believe several potential witnesses may have posted comments on media and social media websites. Accident investigators are asking for anyone with any information to come forward and contact Officer Jeremy Higginbotham at [email protected] or 903-475-2009.

CANTON — Van Zandt County authorities arrest a felon accused of possessing a firearm. On Thursday, investigators from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office along with the Constable of Pct. #4 received information in reference to stolen items at a location north of Ben Wheeler. When officers arrived, they located a man who was out on bond for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon from the Van Zandt County Justice Center. The man was identified as Timothy Layne Simpson II, 29, of Brownsboro. Officers say they found that Simpson was again in possession of a firearm. Authorities say the property was taken into evidence, to be returned to Henderson County. Simpson was taken into custody and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, a third-degree felony.

LINDALE — Four people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following a crash in Lindale. According to KETK, officials say the Friday morning accident happened in the 1400 block of South Main St., which is also Highway 69. According to Lindale police, the wreck began when a car in the center turning lane was hit from behind. Officials say a service truck had drifted left, hitting the back end of the car and knocking it into a SUV driving in the opposite direction. The SUV then hit the service truck and flipped. The truck’s steering and brakes were broken on impact, shooting the driver off the road and into a business sign’s pole. Traffic was delayed for a short time.

JACKSONVILLE (AP) – The mayor in the East Texas town where Lon Morris College is located says he’s optimistic about the future of the 158-year-old school even though all but 11 of its employees have been furloughed. Mayor Kenneth Melvin told the Tyler Morning Telegraph that the private, two-year institution is “doing everything they can do” to reopen in the fall. Dave Hubbard, executive director of student enrollment, says the school is still working on freshman orientation and is “full speed ahead” despite its ongoing financial woes, including three missed payrolls. The college 110 miles southeast of Dallas furloughed most of its workforce Wednesday. At the same time, Miles McCall resigned as the college’s president. An Austin-based consulting firm is working to help the school reorganize. Enrollment is about 1,000 students.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police said the driver of the SUV who crashed into a Longview church on Thursday fell asleep at the wheel. Officials say drugs or alcohol were not a factor in the accident. Kelly Burk, 20, has been issued two citations for no drivers license and no insurance. He has been released from the hospital.

Five people, including three children and one teacher, were taken to a Longview hospital after an SUV crashed into Spring Hill First Baptist Church’s day care center in the 4000 block of Gilmer Road near Spring Hill Road around noon Thursday. KETK reports emergency crews had to use the “Jaws of Life” to remove the driver from the SUV. The children and teacher, along with 30 other kids, were inside the church for a Parent’s Day Out at the time of the crash.

According to the Longview Police Department, the SUV went through a fence near the intersection of Elmira Drive and Spring Hill road, then cut across a field and hit the back of the church. A utility pole was also knocked down during the wreck.

TYLER (AP/STAFF) — An East Texas woman acquitted by reason of insanity in the 2003 stonings of her three children, two of them fatal, has been released from a state mental hospital.

Court documents obtained by KLTV-TV show Deanna Laney, 47, of New Chapel Hill was released from the Kerrville State Hospital after four psychiatrists testified behind closed doors last week that she no longer posed a threat to others. State attorneys disagreed.

However, she is subject to a list of conditions, including that she have no unsupervised contact with minors and submit to regular drug tests to ensure that she takes required medication.

A Smith County jury acquitted Laney in 2004 of the deaths of two sons, Joshua, 8, and Luke, 6. Son Aaron, then 14 months old, survived but suffered brain damage.

DALLAS (AP) — A 20-year-old man has been charged with driving while impaired after the cattle truck he was driving overturned, closing a major Dallas freeway for about nine hours. Dallas County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Carmen Castro says Marcus Melvin Brownlow of Palestine was booked into the Dallas County jail after the 1:30am Thursday crash of his truck on Interstate 35E northbound at the Trinity River Bridge. Castro says deputies suspect amphetamines were a factor in the crash.

Dr. Tim Holt was a veterinarian called to the scene. He says 16 of the 89 cows in the trailer died in the accident or had to be euthanized, and the others were captured.

TYLER — Congressman Louie Gohmert continues his assault on the federal health care reform plan. During a visit to KTBB, Gohmert criticized the government’s $20 million deal with the public relations firm Porter Novelli to promote the plan. He says the Obama Administration’s spending big money “to tell us how good a bad product is that most Americans know we should not be doing.” A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says, “Section 4004 of the Affordable Care Act directs the Department to conduct this effort as one way to encourage utilization of preventive benefits and services. This public education campaign is part of our ongoing education efforts that will inform the American people about the steps they can take to prevent disease and illness and stay healthy.”

QUITMAN — An East Texas woman is taken into custody for a North Texas slaying that occurred over 28 years ago. KETK reports that on Tuesday, investigators with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office obtained arrest warrants for Alonzo Grayson, Jr., of Dallas, and Tina Ann Taylor of Mineola for first degree murder. Both are accused of murdering Bobby Ray Taylor, the brother of Tina Taylor.

On January 4, 1984, Bobby Taylor was reported missing to the Frisco Police Department. His body was found 3 days later at a rock pit near Preston Road and Eldorado Parkway in Collin County. He had been shot 5 times and hidden behind a large rock. Originally Grayson and Taylor were interviewed and claimed they witnessed Rogelio Elizondo commit the murder. Mr. Elizondo was arrested but no-billed by the grand jury, and the case went cold.

In October of last year the Sheriff’s Office received information about the murder that was not available during the initial investigation. An investigator was assigned the case, and with the new information, obtained additional information that led to the confessions of Grayson and Taylor, according to authorities. Officials say the two also admitted to falsely accusing Rogelio Elizondo. Elizondo died in March of this year. Tina Taylor, 45, is currently in Wood County jail. Grayson, 45, is being held in the Collin County Detention Facility. Both are held on $100,000 bond.

TYLER — One student has been injured in a large fight that took place near a Tyler ISD Campus. Tyler Police tell KETK the student suffered minor injuries in the brawl in the Big Lots parking lot on Loop 323 in Tyler, which is near Robert E. Lee High School. Police say up to 300 teens gathered in the parking lot, but not all participated in the fight; some were reportedly spectators. The teens are believed to be students at Robert E. Lee. Once police arrived on scene, everyone scattered. Nobody was taken into custody. A similar size fight took place toward the end of the school year last year.