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TYLER — The Tyler City Council has adopted a resolution urging the Texas Legislature to support the continuation of the high-cost gas investment tax credit. In 1989, the Legislature created the credit to encourage natural gas exploration and production in areas that are difficult and expensive to develop. The credit was extended several times and made permanent in 2003. Under the current credit, natural gas producers receive a partial tax reduction for each qualifying gas well, certified as “high-cost” by the Texas Railroad Commission, based on the actual drilling and completion costs for that well. “The Oil & Gas industry is important to Tyler’s economic future,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “We have a vested interest in ensuring we are proactive in supporting its success because it means jobs and revenue for our community.”

It is estimated that the high-cost gas tax credit currently generates $4 of economic growth for every dollar invested and generates nearly 40,000 jobs a year. City officials say the investment tax credit is critical to the state’s position as a national energy leader. They say it has encouraged the development of important new sources of Texas natural gas. Between 1990 and 2009, high-cost gas production, as a percentage of statewide gas production, increased from 5.5 percent to 56 percent. During this time, according to city officials, Texas was the only major producing state to increase natural gas production.

In early 2010, the Tyler City Council and several other community boards and elected bodies came together to jointly adopt a measure to support the Industry Growth Initiative (IGI). The IGI is a twenty-year plan that contains strategic tactics focused on achieving an Innovation Economy which brings higher paying jobs, economic growth, job creation and a higher standard of living. One of the IGI’s ten building blocks is 21st Century Energy.

“For generations, the Oil & Gas sector has been a mainstay in the Tyler economy; it has provided jobs and stability when other areas of the country have struggled in tough economic times,” added Mayor Bass. “This legacy industry still has so much more in store for us. With the development of horizontal drilling and the discovery of the Haynesville Shale, the Oil & Gas sector will play an important role in Tyler’s economic future.”

City officials say discontinuing the investment tax credit would increase taxes on natural gas – termed one of the state’s most vital economic engines – and have what officials call negative consequences. Officials say it would discourage investment in new production and expansion of natural gas operations and would put Texas at a competitive disadvantage with states like Louisiana and Arkansas that have substantial high-cost gas incentives.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has voted unanimously to authorize the City Manager to award a $5,125,344 contract to S.J. Louis Construction of Texas, Ltd. for the construction of the Highway 69 /Interstate 20 Corridor Sanitary Sewerage System improvements. “It is gratifying to see Tyler move forward with economic development projects that are designed to spur private investment,” commented Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Development follows the path of infrastructure and this project will pave the way for growth in this area. Tyler is taking an important step to ensuring we are prepared for future growth and fulfilling the vision outlined in Tyler 21.”

A total of 10 proposals were received during this competitive sealed process. S.J. Louis was recommended for award of the contract based upon the following criteria:
· Proposal price;
· Experience with projects of this specific type and magnitude;
· Experience and references of key personnel;
· Company profile and general experience;
· Ability/commitment to respond to City needs in a timely fashion; and
· Safety record and financial profile.

Funding for the project was allocated from the 2008 Tyler Water Utilities Revenue Bond Fund and will be paid for from revenues collected from the sale of water and sewer services – not from property taxes. The City paid off all general obligation (tax supported) debt in 2008. “We are pleased with how competitive the pricing on this project came in,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “It will allow the project to come in well under budget.” The project was first identified during the Tyler 21 planning process, which called for the revitalization of North Tyler as well as balanced growth in all areas of the community.

TYLER – Officials with Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics broke ground Wednesday on the region’s first freestanding heart hospital. The Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital, named after the Tyler couple that donated $18 million toward the cost of construction, is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2012. It will be located on the campus of Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler.

The Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital is a two-phase project. Phase One, located in the Ornelas Tower, was completed in December. Construction is underway on Phase Two, a freestanding structure located between Saunders Street and South Fleishel Avenue. The hospital will be six stories; include comprehensive cardiac, thoracic, and vascular services; and stand east of and adjacent to Mother Frances Hospital. It will connect to the main hospital and to the Medical Arts Plaza building in several locations, allowing specialists and clinical personnel to easily access both buildings.

“Our administrators, physicians and many others have worked very hard over the last five years to gather the best ideas for delivering cardiac care, and today, construction is underway,” said Lindsey Bradley, FACHE, president, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics. “Building the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital is the crowning achievement of cardiac care, not only for our patients, but for us as proud medical providers.”

Hospital officials say Phase Two will include:

• Three floors with 72 ICU-capable patient rooms dedicated exclusively to cardiac patients and designed to provide all levels of care, from admission through discharge
• New dedicated cardiac and thoracic OR suites, with ability to expand to more rooms as technology changes
• On-site Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
• Inpatient and Outpatient Cardiac Diagnostics
• Conference Center for community events and heart screenings
• Separate entry and driveway accessible from East Dawson Street with valet parking and patient assistance available
• Connectivity at all times to the Ornelas Tower of Mother Frances Hospital to allow for access to other hospital based services
• Spacious multi-level lobby with amenities including gift shop and dining
• Meditation Room/Chapel to meet spiritual needs of patients, families and caregivers
• Patient and Family Education Center and Resource Center
• A single one-stop registration using a new electronic medical record that supports all in and out patient offices
• Room Service dining

WOOD COUNTY — A former Mineola teacher, JoAnn Stephens, has been sentenced for having an improper relationship with a student. Stephens received 180 days in the Wood County Jail and 10 years probation. If Stephens were to violate her probation, she would receive an additional 5 years confinement.

The 43-year-old was arrested December 16 after a four month investigation into the relationship. Mineola Police say they started the investigation after receiving a complaint from Child Protective Services on August 4. The alleged relationship was between Stephens and a male student who has since graduated. Stephens and the student reportedly were communicating by cell phone calls and text messages on a trac phone that she provided for the student.

Stephens had resigned as an elementary and middle school physical education teacher at Mineola ISD.

TYLER — The Special Meeting of the Tyler Independent School District Board of Trustees that kicked off Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. had to be moved due to a power outage. The meeting was relocated to conference room B at the Tyler ISD Administration building, 1319 New Sunnybrook Drive.

TYLER — Tyler police investigate a stabbing. Police responded to 435 S. Bonner at 10:18 Wednesday morning. Officers located the suspect allegedly involved in the incident at Front and Bonner; they say he had also called police. The suspect was identified as 49-year-old Donald Franklin of Tyler. Franklin was detained and later charged at the scene with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Police say the incident started when Franklin went to 435 S. Bonner, where his baby boy lives with his mother. Franklin got into an argument with the boy’s mother over the child. According to a police report, 45-year-old Marcus Horn, who now lives with the mother, stepped in and got into a physical altercation with Franklin. Franklin allegedly pulled out a knife during the altercation with Horn and stabbed Horn multiple times. Horn was transported to East Texas Medical Center Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

OVERTON — Leverett’s Chapel ISD was closed Wednesday due to a water outage. No official word on the cause or when classes will resume. But according to KETK, the Tuesday storms are considered the likely reason for the outage.

ANGELINA COUNTY — An Angelina County man was arrested Tuesday for reportedly seriously injuring his brother with a baseball bat. According to an arrest affidavit, Gary Wayne Hodges, 52, has been charged with second-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, for the incident which took place Tuesday. Hodges allegedly hit his brother in the head, knocking him to the floor. Hodges’ wife told deputies she and her son tried to pull him away from his brother It is unknown how many times Hodges hit his brother in the head. The son dialed 911 and Hodges fled in his truck, an affidavit stated.

Hodges’ brother was taken initially to Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin but then transferred to Medical Center in Nacogdoches. Hodges remained in the Angelina County Jail Tuesday, as his bond had not yet been set. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

LUFKIN — Lufkin radio station owner Stephen Yates will remain in the Polk County Jail for at least the next three weeks after appearing before Polk County Judge Elizabeth Coker Monday morning. Yates, who is in jail for allegedly violating the terms of his probation a second time, was denied bond by Coker, according to Polk County District Attorney Lee Hon. Yates has been on probation since 2007 for his third DWI conviction, according to court records. Yates has a revocation hearing set for 9:30 a.m. May 16. At that time, Coker could reinstate his probation or sentence Yates to up to 10 years in prison.

A week and a half ago, Yates was arrested in Lufkin after his Angelina County-based probation officer saw him driving a vehicle without the Interlock system, one of the conditions of his probation, according to Angelina County Adult Probation Supervisor Dustin Fore. Although Yates is on probation in Polk County, the court system has allowed Angelina County to supervise him. Yates violated the terms of his probation the first time in June 2007, after failing a mandatory drug screen. At that time, he was sentenced to 90 days in rehab after spending 12 days in jail, the story stated. Yates owns and operates local radio stations Y•100, Super Mix 101.9, Hot 96.3, KRBA 1340 AM and ESPN 1260.

EAST TEXAS (AP-STAFF) – Amid powerful thunderstorms that produced tornadoes and funnel clouds, emergency sirens wailed Tuesday night and residents took cover from mother nature’s fury. Authorities arranged an aerial survey of parts of rural East Texas where at least one tornado damaged homes, knocked down power lines, and caused at least one injury.

The National Weather Service says a moderate tornado that carried winds of 90-100 miles an hour roared through an area between Ben Wheeler and Edom. The agency says more than 100 structures were damaged, and three structures were destroyed. That included the mobile home of a woman who was hospitalized after the storm rolled her home and turned it into a pile of debris. Van Zandt County emergency management spokesman Chuck Allen described a damage track one mile wide and eight miles long extending from Edom to the north. The storm passed through the area about 6:00 p.m.

In Mabank, widespread roof damage was reported after a series of tornadoes struck. Police Chief Kyle McAfee reports widespread tree damage and damage to shingles and other roof features from the Tuesday afternoon twisters. No injuries had been reported, though. There were reports of shoppers at the Brookshire’s supermarket in Mabank seeking shelter in a walk-in freezer until the danger passed.

The storms brought torrential rains and high winds to Tyler. Flooded intersections and power outages were reported. A funnel cloud was reported in the vicinity of the University of Texas at Tyler. Among the storm reports received Tuesday night:
*Several trees and power lines were reported down on County Road 3123 and Morningside Drive near Tyler’s northeast loop. A tree was reported down on a house in the 2600 block of Cecil.
*Shortly before 6:30 a funnel cloud was observed by the Department of Public Safety south of Lindale just south of Interstate Highway 20 near County Road 420.
*Shortly before 6:30 Tuesday night, over 3 inch size hail was reported in the Lindale area.
*Numerous tree limbs were reported down on the campus of Tyler Junior College.
*Home destroyed on Blocker Road, four miles Southeast of Marshall, in Harrison County.
*Four miles south southeast of Marshall, a home was damaged along Farm Road 2625 and Taylor Road.
*Four miles south of Marshall, cars were off the road and trees snapped along U.S. Highway 59.
*One mile north of Tatum in Rusk County, trees were down, and a shed destroyed on County Road 2214. Damage was also reported to a house on County Road 2187.
*West of Tatum, trees snapped, home damaged and a barn was destroyed on County Road 149 and County Road 2187.
*In Wood County around 7:00 Tuesday night, a tornado briefly touched down about a mile north northeast of Hawkins and quickly went back up.
*Trees reported down along Highway 60 near Cuney in Cherokee County.
*Just before 5:00pm, golf ball size hail fell for some ten minutes on Farm Road 2138, about nine miles south of Jacksonville.

CROCKETT — Monday’s thunderstorms are responsible for one East Texas death. In Houston County, a woman was critically injured when her car struck a fallen tree. The accident happened around 11:00 Monday night on State Highway 21, just over 6 miles east of Crockett. Renee Miller, 53, of Cocoa, Florida, died from her injuries early Monday morning in a Crockett hospital.

GRAPELAND – Troubles are growing for a former Grapeland city councilman. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit arrested Aaron Pennington, 30, after allegedly discovering images of the sexual assault of a child. The Cyber Crimes Unit’s investigation of Pennington stemmed from a referral by the Grapeland Police Department; Houston County District Attorney Donna Kaspar will prosecute the cases in court.

Investigators from the Cyber Crimes Unit initially arrested Pennington on April 5 for possession and promotion of child pornography. That investigation led to additional charges when, on April 19, Pennington was arrested for sexual assault of a child. Two days later, on April 21, he was arrested for the third time after the Cyber Crimes Unit allegedly discovered images of the sexual assault of a child. In total, the defendant has been arrested for seven separate felony crimes against children.

After receiving a tip from the Grapeland Police Department, the Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant and examined Pennington’s computer, where they discovered multiple illicit images of child pornography. Later, Cyber Crimes Unit investigators reviewed allegations that Pennington had sexually assaulted children in the Houston County area.

TYLER — An Upshur County woman has pleaded guilty in federal court in Tyler to a firearms violation. Erica Nicole Cook, 29, of Gilmer, At sentencing, Cook faces a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing date has not been set at this time.

According to federal prosecutors, on or about August 7, 2010, at a residence located in Upshur County, Cook possessed a shotgun. She had previously been convicted of a felony offense, specifically, forgery.

BEAUMONT – A 31-year-old Lufkin woman has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in a double homicide which took place in Nacogdoches in August, 2007, and was connected to the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. According to federal authorities, April Flanagan pleaded guilty on Nov. 29, 2010, to violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, to-wit, conspiracy to murder David Mitchamore, and to acting as an accessory after the fact in the murder of Christy Rochelle Brown. On Tuesday, she was sentenced in Beaumont to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.

According to information presented in court, Flanagan had close ties to the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, a race-based state-wide organization which operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons that are located throughout the state of Texas and the United States. Officials say The ABT enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects, and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault, robbery, and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise.

It is believed that David Mitchamore, also known as “Super Dave,” a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, and his girlfriend, Christie Rochelle Brown, were murdered as a result of a “direct order” by members of the Aryan Brotherhood because of Mitchamore’s failure to repay an outstanding debt he owed to a General in the Aryan Brotherhood. The bodies of Mitchamore and Brown were discovered in Nacogdoches County on August 10, 2007. Authorities say Flanagan knew and approved of the plan to murder Mitchamore, and provided members of the Aryan Brotherhood with the shotgun used to murder Mitchamore and Brown. She also loaned her vehicle to them for use during the commission of the murders.

TYLER — The City of Tyler hosted a ceremony Tuesday to unveil a marker in the Reflections Program honoring Butler College. The event was held at the D.C. Brown Heritage Building, 1900 Bellwood Rd., on the old Butler College campus.

In accordance with the Tyler 21 North End Action Plan, in 2009 the City of Tyler launched a three-year program to promote Tyler Historic Landmarks status and the installation of historic markers and plaques at North End locations important to City history, including the history of the African-American community. The Reflections Program encourages citizens or interested organizations to submit nominations for the designation in the North End as Tyler Historic Landmarks, Tyler Historic Subject Markers or Half Mile of History stones.

Reverend Cornelius M. Butler, born in Alabama before the turn of the century, was freed from slavery at the age of 17. He was later taught to read and write by his wife. His strong desire to learn drove him to create educational opportunities for many other blacks. In 1905, Reverend Butler led the East Baptist Association to establish an institution of learning called the East Texas Baptist Academy, where he served as the first principal. In 1924, the Academy was renamed Butler College in honor of Reverend Butler. It achieved accreditation in 1949. In 1971, Butler College closed its doors after sparking success for many of its students throughout the nation.

In 1992, The East Texas District Baptist Association, under the leadership of Reverend D. C. Brown, serving as Moderator, erected the Heritage Building. City materials say that was done so that the legacy of Butler College could continue by providing the opportunity for Christian education and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without regard to race, creed, color or national origin.

TYLER — A suspect being held in the Smith County Jail was allegedly involved in a robbery, attempted robbery, and stabbing. Bond for 24-year-old Laquisha Machelle Brooks of Tyler is $200,000.

On April 23 at approximately 4:06 a.m., Tyler officers were dispatched to the East Texas Medical Center emergency room regarding an individual who had been stabbed. According to medical staff the victim’s injuries were serious, but not life-threatening. While police spoke with the victim he stated that he was stabbed by his live-in girlfriend following an argument at their residence located within the 2300 block of Bellwood Rd. Officers contacted Brooks at the residence and, following what was termed a thorough investigation, placed her under arrest. The scene was processed for evidence and Brooks was transported and booked into the Smith County Jail for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a 1st degree felony.

The attempted robbery involved a female victim who reportedly gave Brookst a ride on April 20. The said she was at the Valero station at Loop 323 and W. Front St. pumping gas when she was allegedly approached by Brooks, who reportedly said she had diabetes and asked for a ride to a restaurant. The victim consented and reportedly allowed Brooks to get into her vehicle.

According to police, Brooks proceeded to give the victim directions all over west Tyler. Police say this confused the victim as to her whereabouts and she became lost. Brooks allegedly asked the victim to give her money and the victim reportedly refused. According to police, Brooks later told the victim she had a gun and demanded money from the victim. Brooks allegedly directed the victim to pull into an unknown bank so the victim could get money from the ATM. The victim stopped her vehicle, grabbed her purse, and exited the vehicle. Police say the victim told Brooks to get out of the car and Brooks complied and walked off. The victim was not injured during this incident, and police say Brooks never produced a firearm.

Police say the first incident occurred when Brooks allegedly approached an employee of UPS in a parking lot and robbed him on December 8, 2010. Along with the aggravated assault charge, Brooks is charged with two counts of robbery.

TYLER — A Chapel Hill teen accused of killing his sister is ordered to remain in custody. Nate Anderson had another hearing Monday at the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center. The judge ordered Anderson held in custody until his May 9th hearing.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches Police are investigating a reported burglary and sexual assault. It happened Saturday along the 1600 block of Cardinal. Police say a woman was followed home by two Hispanic men in a vehicle. Officers say the men reportedly sexually assaulted the woman and fled.

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police respond to an aggravated assault call Monday night. Officers arrested Gabino Alanzo outside of his home after he allegedly stabbed Eduardo Flores, his wife’s new boyfriend. Officials say Alanzo reportedly used a steak knife during the attack. He was booked into the Angelina County Jail charged with aggravated assault and two outstanding warrants.

DALLAS (AP/STAFF) — Strong to severe thunderstorms moved through East Texas Monday afternoon. Twisted and leveled trees and downed power lines were left in their wake. The Department of Public Safety reports a confirmed tornado in the Troup area. Other possible tornadoes were reported in the Palestine area and in Upshur County.

The Crockett area appears to have been hard hit. Houston County Fire Marshal David Lamb says widespread damage was reported countywide, but the severity was unclear because many affected areas were without power. He said many trees had been blown down. He said there were no immediate reports of injury.

A man working for a tree service in Henderson County was struck by lightening. It happened at mid-afternoon Monday at Star Harbor. Euvaldo Dominguez, said to be in mid 20s, was taken to East Texas Medical Center in Athens and later transferred to the burn unit of Dallas’ Parkland Hospital. He is said to be in critical condition.

Hail also accompanied some of the thunderstorms. The largest appeared to be in the Mount Pleasant area which measured 1.25 inches. The largest rainfall was reported at Paris with 4 1/3 inches.

TYLER – A student who took an old gun to Robert E Lee High School has been placed on probation. The gun, which probably wouldn’t have fired, even if had been assembled, was said to have been over 100 years old. Judge Floyd Getz placed the teen on deferred adjudication for 18 months. After that time, if he has abided by the terms of the probation, the case will be dismissed.

KILGORE — The five Kilgore ISD students charged with vandalizing 39 school buses earlier this month have been transferred to an alternate facility to complete their school year. School officials say the students, who are all seniors, will still be able to graduate this year. Kilgore ISD Superintendent Jodi Clementes says the students will also pay for the more than $3,000 in damage to the buses on April 8th, forcing the school to close for the day. The case has been transferred to the Gregg County District Attorney’s office for all criminal charges.

TYLER — More than a year ago, the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Tyler was added to the long list of East Texas churches destroyed by arsonists. The picture shows what it looked like then. But on Easter Sunday, a new chapter began for the congregation. After months of construction, the installation of a brand new roof, and a high tech alarm system, the church officially reopened its doors for services. Members say they’re thrilled with the new building. Says one member, “We’re just so grateful that it worked out this way and everything just fell into place to rebuild. We’re just grateful that the community supported us so, from all over, and not just Texas, but (from all over) the United States, we received donations to help us rebuild this church.”

The church was one out of a string of ten suspected arson cases linked to two East Texas men, Jason Bourque and Daniel McAllister. Both pleaded guilty and will serve life sentences in prison for the crimes. The congregation met in nearby First Presbyterian Church while awaiting repairs.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is hosting a Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Super One Foods located at 3000 WNW Loop 323 in Tyler. Police say there will be “no questions asked.”

According to authorities, the purpose of this National Take Back Day is to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. Police say a prior take back effort was a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from the nation’s medicine cabinets. There were approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation that participated in the event. All told, the American Public turned in more than 121 tons of pills on the first National Take Back Day.

Due to what’s termed the overwhelming success of the first event, DEA has scheduled the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Police say it’s a great opportunity for those who missed the first event, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted or unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them.

Police say the initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

LUFKIN — To raise money for an affliction called osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, a member of the Texas State Guard is marching from Lufkin to Conroe on foot. Captain Allen Rush of the State Guard’s Tyler Medical Response Group says he’s doing it because his great nephew, Jack Wolf IV, died of brittle bone disease at the age of five weeks. The distance between the two cities is 105 miles. Captain rush is trying to make 20 miles a day so he can make it to the Jack Wolf iv Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament Saturday in Conroe. You can go to http://www.jack-wolf.org for more information.

LUFKIN — Angelina County sheriff’s deputies arrest two men on aggravated robbery charges. Brandon Jones, 38, and Jeromy Holt, 19, are accused of the beating and robbing of a 25-year old Pollok man last week. The two men allegedly planned to rob the victim for gas and beer money.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview say a couple of retailers were cited for selling alcohol to minors. On Thursday, April 21, the Longview Police Department, partnering with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and Longview Partners in Prevention, conducted off-premise and on-premise minor stings at area retailers. The purpose was to validate compliance with Texas law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors. 41 alcohol retailers were checked by the undercover teams. Police say the locations that sold to minors were Food Fast #18 at 1316 Alpine Road and Cheddars Casual Cafe at 3074 N Eastman Road.

At these locations, police say, the individuals that sold alcohol to the undercover minor were listed in offense reports for “making alcohol available to a minor.” This offense is a class A misdemeanor, and authorities say the reports will be filed with the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. In addition, the TABC issued administrative citations to each business.

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches man died Sunday evening after the vehicle he was traveling in was run off the road by a vehicle coming from the other direction. Justin Pete Powell, 17, died at 5:06 p.m. Sunday at a Nacogdoches hospital. Jerry Glenn White Jr., 19, is listed in good condition at a Nacogdoches hospital.

According to the Department of Public Safety, White was driving a 1996 Dodge pickup southbound on County Road 817, 19.6 miles north of Nacogdoches. Powell was his passenger. A green Jeep driving southbound failed to give up half the roadway and White took evasive action to avoid hitting the Jeep. White overturned, and Powell, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the Jeep fled the scene.

TYLER — A fire at a Tyler restaurant temporarily shuts the business down. The blaze happened Sunday night around 9:30 at the Taco Bell on 5th Street. Fire officials say someone had discovered a cigarette in the flower bed outside of the fast food restaurant, causing the fire to break out in the mulch underneath the plywood and spread to the inside of the men’s restroom wall. The fire was contained quickly and no injuries were reported. The business re-opened for business at 10:45 Monday morning.

LONGVIEW — Longview Officers went undercover to arrest known prostitutes last Friday. During the sting, which lasted for about six hours, eight people were arrested on prostitution related charges and one was arrested for burglary of a vehicle. The burglary happened in the area where the undercover operation was taking place. Those arrested during the sting included:

Teresa Bean, prostitution, possession of drug paraphernalia,
David Tabor, promotion of prostitution,
Ashley Senate, prostitution, fail to ID fugitive,
Stacey Garcia, prostitution 2nd offense,
Shawntel Wion, prostitution,
Terri Johnson, prostitution 2nd offense,
Shana Mestas, prostitution,
Marsha Craver, prostitution 2nd offense,
Dejuan Cheatham, burglary of vehicle, fail to ID.