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BEAUMONT — East Texas is very much part of the picture after Attorney General Eric Holder announced the release of the Department of Justice’s first ever National Strategy to Combat Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction. That’s the word from U.S. Attorney John Bales, who oversees the Eastern District of Texas. As part of the effort, the U.S. Marshals Service announced plans to launch a nationwide operation targeting the top 500 most dangerous, non-compliant sex offenders. Additionally, officials say the Justice department will create a national database to allow federal, state, tribal, local and international law enforcement partners to work more closely together on sex offender cases.

Bales says the department also created 38 additional Assistant U.S. Attorney positions to devote to child exploitation cases, and over the coming months will work to fill the vacancies and train the new assistants. The Eastern District received a position and hired Christopher T. Tortorice in December 2009 to prosecute Project Safe Childhood cases exclusively. “A fair test of the morality of any society is how that society protects its children,” said Bales. “Child pornography, child exploitation, child sex tourism are present cancers in our body politic and they are a direct threat to our children. We will not rest while our children are at risk.”

Since FY 2006, the Department of Justice has filed 8,464 Project Safe Childhood (PSC) cases against 8,637 defendants. In the Eastern District of Texas, some of those cases include:

· Albert Slatter, Jr., a 59-year-old assistant band director for the Longview ISD, was sentenced to federal prison on Apr. 29, 2010, for possessing images of child pornography on his home computer.
· Patrick Sanders, a 52-year-old man, pleaded guilty on Apr. 22, 2010, to possessing child pornography on his computer at the Boys and Girls Club in Lufkin where he was the Director. Sanders faces up to 10 years in federal prison when sentenced.
· Thomas Alvin Boyd, 43, of Tyler, was indicted on July 14, 2010, and charged with using 3 boys to create child pornography from about 2001 to 2005. If convicted, Boyd faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
· Charles Orange, 45, a convicted sex offender from Longview, was indicted on July 14, 2010, and charged with possessing, receiving and distributing child pornography. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison.

As part of its public outreach efforts, the department re-launched http://www.ProjectSafeChildhood.gov, the Project Safe Childhood (PSC) public website. Officials say PSC is a department initiative launched in 2006 that aims to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children.

TYLER — Preparations are in high gear for the East Texas State Fair. Senior Citizens of the Year nomination forms are now available to nominate area adults, “55 or better.” The fair will celebrate the 41st annual Senior Day on opening day. All active adults in that age range are admitted free on Thursday, September 23. The East Texas State Fair Senior Citizens’ Day committee will accept nomination forms and a 500-word essay detailing the nominee’s community service and involvement along with what makes them the “Senior of the Year” until August 20. Nomination forms are now available online and at the East Texas State Fair office located at 2112 West Front Street.

Also, the fair invites area artisans to begin to plan their Creative Arts Competitive Exhibits submissions. Creative Arts catalogs were mailed out last week and are now available online. If local residents are interested in participating but did not receive a catalog in the mail, they are available at the fair office. You can go to http://www.etstatefair.com for senior citizen nomination forms, Creative Arts catalogs and pre-registration forms, and additional information about the fair.

LONGVIEW — A fire in Longview appeared to be intentionally set. It happened Sunday night around 10:22 at the Highland Village Apartments at 5515 W. Loop 281. Authorities say a fire was set to the exterior bedroom wall of one unit and that an ignitable liquid was intentionally used. Evidence was recovered at the scene. No injuries were reported. Fire damage was limited to the exterior and a portion of the wall inside the bedroom. Security is being provided by Highland Village Apartments. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information about this fire they can contact the Longview Fire Marshals’ office 903-237-1119.

HEREFORD (AP/Staff) — Funeral services are scheduled at 10:30 Wednesday at First Baptist Church of Hereford for longtime Panhandle radio broadcaster Clint Formby, who died at age 86. A statement on the Web site of KPAN in Hereford says Formby had been suffering from cancer. He began broadcasting daily commentary as the “Day by Day Philosopher” in October 1955 and was featured on NBC’s “Today Show” in 2007 for hosting more than 16,000 episodes of the six-day-a-week program without missing one. Formby was, at one time, a part owner in KTBB-AM.

TYLER — Patriot Classic volunteers have presented The University of Texas at Tyler with a check for $96,744.45. The presentation came at the home of Tyler City Councilman Mark Whatley and Dr. Sherri Whatley, UT Tyler vice president of technology and chief information officer. The Patriot Classic fundraiser benefits the UT Tyler scholarship program. Each Classic event is staffed by community volunteers and supported by numerous organizations.

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 Farm Road 850 east of Tyler between Farm Road 2607 and Farm Road 3053 in Overton. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

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, 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.

RUSK COUNTY — Beginning as early as Tuesday, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal-coat operations on State Highway 64 between the Henderson Star and State Highway 42. 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 perform 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 and ditch maintenance on Farm Road 1804 (Hoard Road) just south of U.S. Highway 80. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 1255 northeast of Canton between Interstate Highway 20 and Farm Road 773, followed by base and pavement repairs in various locations on FM 773 between Farm Road 16 and State Highway 64, and on Farm Road 1653 between SH 64 east of Canton and Martins Mill. Crews will also be performing base and edge repairs 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.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on U.S. Highway 287 between Farm Road 645 and Bethel. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department, in conjunction with the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, will be hosting the 19th annual Citizen Police Academy beginning Thursday, September 9th, and concluding on Thursday, October 21st. Classes will meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m. each night at the Longview Police Department’s Roy Stone Training Center.

The purpose of the academy is to familiarize citizens with the operations of the police department. Classes will cover topics such as patrol procedures, criminal law, narcotics, search and seizure, tactical operations, criminal investigation, juvenile law, sex offender registration, identity theft, and a SWAT firearms demonstration. Students also have the option to ride with a patrol officer and witness the street activity that officers encounter on a day-to-day basis. Classes are open to the public, and there is no cost — and no exams to take!

Applications can be obtained at the Longview Police Department Records Division, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or you can call the Longview Police Department Administration Office at 903-237-1111. You may also go to http:// http://www.longviewpolice.com to obtain an application. Click on the “Programs” bar at the top of the page and then select the “Citizen Police Academy” link to download an application. The deadline to apply for the academy is September 7th, and class size is limited, so you’re urged to apply soon.

TYLER – Baffled by recycling? Is composting a dirty word? Do you want to learn to live “green” but don’t know where to start? The answers to these questions and much more will be available at the second annual “Living Green: A Sustainability Symposium” to be held Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Harvey Convention Center. Cost for the day-long symposium is $5 for adults; admission is free for children under 12 and anyone with a student ID.

The program is presented by the City of Tyler, Keep Tyler Beautiful and the Texas Conservation Alliance and will include:
· Presentations on recycling, conservation and sustainability issues;
· “Green” vendor displays and exhibits; and,
· Demonstrations on how you can learn to sustain our planet.

“This symposium is the perfect opportunity to learn more about ways that each and every one of us can make a contribution toward making our planet healthier,” said Cheryl Roy, Keep Tyler Beautiful board member and Symposium co-chair. “The symposium will cover a variety of subjects from recycling to green building to energy conservation.”

Presentations and speakers include:
· Where Does My Trash Go by Kristi Boyett, City of Tyler
· What is Sustainability? by Jim Bundscho, Ben Wheeler Development
· Recycling Concrete by Hal Williams, Williams Construction
· Does Your Home Make You Sick? by John Vaselli, UT Tyler TxAire Project
· You CAN Afford to Build Green! by Anwar Khalifa, Pyramid Homes
· Getting Kids Outdoors by Alan Byboth, Camp Tyler Foundation
· Trash to Treasure by Jim Wooldridge, Habitat ReStore
· Lower Your Energy Bill Without Spending a Penny! By Joe Stowe, Stonebridge Heating & Air Conditioning
· Earth Kind by Mark Chamblee, Chamblee Roses
· Clean Living with Natural Gas by Claude Figueroa, CenterPoint Energy
· Practical Ideas for Living Green – A Homeowner’s Experience by Rick Labicki

“The unique thing about this symposium is that you will find ideas, products and companies from right here in East Texas,” said Ms. Roy. “We want to provide a one-stop shop for people to find out how to live green.” Symposium sponsors include: Republic Services, Pyramid Homes, Natural Awakenings Magazine, Stonebridge Heating & Air Conditioning, Brookshire’s and CenterPoint Energy. Vendor booths for green businesses and organizations are available by calling (903) 714-2172. Log onto http://www.LivingGreenInTyler.com for more information.

TYLER — As the award-winning Tyler ISD Foundation moves into its 20th anniversary year, there’s a lot to look back on — but it’s really all about preparing kids for the future. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Executive Director Larry Goddard points to the foundation’s grants to teachers for innovative projects — and the impact those can have on students. “The students don’t know what careers are out there,” says Goddard. “We have health occupation grants that we’ve given, and it just opened a wide world of activity for those students.” And Goddard says that’s just one example. He adds that the classroom project grants can have a critical impact on kids’ lives — starting in kindergarten. Goddard says the teachers are thinking, “What will these students need to know in the year 2023 (when they’re on track to graduate from high school)?”

The foundation funds projects not typically covered by tax dollars. The fall fundraising campaign begins in October. You can go to http://www.tylerisd.org/tisdfoundation to learn more. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to listen to the “Staff Meeting” show online beginning early Monday morning.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation has announced that it plans to break ground on two Tyler District construction projects during the month of August, and that it completed two projects in the district during July. That keeps the number of total projects under construction at 28 across the eight-county district. “We’re seeing a lot of construction activity right now,” said TxDOT public information officer Larry Krantz. “And if the weather keeps cooperating with us throughout the next month to six weeks, we should be able to close the books on several projects during that time.”

In the meantime, TxDOT has plans to begin two projects in the coming week. In Kilgore, TxDOT contractor Knife River Corp., South, is scheduled to begin approximately two months of pavement repairs and resurfacing on SH 31 between SH 42 and Business US 259. The $981,000 project let to contract in May. In Cherokee County, TxDOT contractor Reynolds & Kay is scheduled to begin adding shoulders to FM 855 between US 175 and CCR 3415, and to FM 747 approximately 5 miles south of US 79, west of Jacksonville. The $540,000 project let to contract in June. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

The list of projects completed in July included a $2.3 million repair-and-resurface project on Interstate 20 in western Van Zandt County by Austin Bridge & Road, and a $240,000 project by Simon Traylor and Sons on SH 149 in Gregg County to add a left-turn lane at FM 349. “We’ve done a lot of work on Interstate 20 in the past few years,” Krantz said. “And we’re going to continue to work on it.” In fact, Krantz said TxDOT plans to let four projects to contract worth an estimated $4.3 combined during the second week of August, including a estimated $946,000 project to repair and resurface the westbound lanes of Interstate 20 between SH 110 and the Van Zandt County Line.

The other three projects include an estimated $2.5 million project to add shoulders to and resurface FM 344 in Smith County between US 69 in Bullard and FM 346 in Teaselville; an estimated $800,000 project to add turn lanes on SH 110 on either side of FM 1805 in Van to allow safer access to the Van Sports Complex; and an estimated $75,000 project in to beautify and landscape the traffic islands in the Henderson Star intersection.

TYLER — Patriot Classic volunteers have presented The University of Texas at Tyler with a check for $96,744.45. The presentation came at the home of Tyler City Councilman Mark Whatley and Dr. Sherri Whatley, UT Tyler vice president of technology and chief information officer. The Patriot Classic fundraiser benefits the UT Tyler scholarship program. Each Classic event is staffed by community volunteers and supported by numerous organizations.

LONGVIEW — Officials with the Longview Economic Development Corporation say LEDCO has been busy the last several months. According to press materials, they have 39 prospect projects open and are getting inquiries every week. 25 Longview companies are now using the WorkKeys program. LEDCO is helping the Workforce Solutions Center get new equipment so more job seekers can take the WorkKeys Assessment at the same time. You can log on to http://longviewusa.com/workkeys for more information. Also, the North Business Park is open and ready for business — and LEDCO’s Buy Local program has expanded to include “I Shop Longview” to encourage people to spend locally. Officials say bringing just 5% of out-of-area spending back to Longview can have an impact of $225 million on the local economy.

The LEDCO board of directors voted Wednesday to make Susan Mazarakes, CEcD, the executive director. Mazarakes began work at LEDCO in 2002 and has worked in several areas including workforce development, business retention, business attraction and retail development. She has been serving as interim executive director since December. Go to http://longviewusa.com/ to learn more.

LONGVIEW — Visitors from far and wide spent much of the weekend enjoying the Great Texas Balloon Race at Gregg County’s East Texas Regional Airport. Balloon flights began on Friday morning with a flight over the City of Longview. The various other activities included the popular balloon glows, which entertained crowds Friday and Saturday night. Organizers call the balloon race a world class event attracting the very best competitive pilots from across the United States and the world.

ATHENS – A Henderson County woman’s disappearance is turning into a possible murder investigation according to KETK. Friday, Henderson County authorities arrested 46 year-old Avery Lee Denton in connection with 50-year-old Sandra Gail Anderson’s disappearance. He’s charged with tampering with evidence. Officials say they found what they believe to be Ms. Anderson’s burned remains at Denton’s house. The possible remains are being sent for testing.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview say five local retailers have been cited for selling alcohol to minors. On July 24, the Longview Police Department, partnering with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and Longview Partners in Prevention, conducted off-premise minor stings at area retailers to validate compliance with Texas law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors. 33 different alcohol retailers were checked by the undercover team, and five of them allegedly sold alcohol to the undercover minors. The locations cited were:

1. 3607 S. Eastman Road – DC Shamrock
2. 1929 Hwy 80 East – Tiger Mart of Longview
3. 701 S. Eastman Road – Kwick Food Mart
4. 1001 Young Street – Cowboy’s # 13
5. 701 W. Marshall Avenue – Kroger # 959

At these locations, the individuals who allegedly 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 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.