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LONGVIEW – A man is arrested in connection with two Longview robberies. The alleged robber, Vincent Lee Hundle, 31, of Longview, was taken to the Gregg County Jail. The robberies occurred in about a ten hour span. The first occurred around 8:00 Saturday night at E-Z Access on Gum Springs Road. Then, about 6:00 Sunday morning, Hundle, allegedly armed with a gun, reportedly robbed the Day Night Texaco convenience store at 3100 Estes Parkway. He was spotted near another Longview business a short time later. His bond was set at $100,000.

CHANDLER — Several injuries were reported in a Monday morning accident. According to KETK, Brownsboro, Coffee City, Westside and Henderson County emergency crews all responded to County Road 317 around 7:30 after a report of a head-on collision in Chandler. Three vehicles were said to be involved, leaving three people injured. Two were flown to a Tyler hospital in critical condition. Another person was taken by ambulance. That person’s condition is unknown.

TYLER — Tyler Police have released the identity of a shooting victim. Authorities said Tarrington Joiner, 21, Tyler (pictured) was injured after an argument at a local club. Investigators were told that Joiner and two friends were at Outlaws on Highway 110 South Saturday night. Joiner reportedly got into an altercation with another man inside the club, then left. A tan Dodge Durango with large rims occupied by several men pulled up next to Joiner’s vehicle on Patriot at University and allegedly fired several rounds into Joiner’s vehicle. Joiner was struck by one round that entered his chest. His friend jumped into the driver’s seat and immediately drove him to the hospital. Joiner remains in stable condition at this time.

Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

CUNEY — Cherokee County fire and emergency crews were called Monday morning to the scene of a fully-involved structure fire on County Road 3502 near Cuney. According to KETK, the house was completely destroyed by the fire, which broke out during the 6:00 hour. The homeowners had left the residence to take their children to school and came back to find the house completely consumed by fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. No injuries were reported.

RUSK – Cherokee County authorities are investigating the theft of some guns near Rusk. A resident on County Road 1626 returned home late Friday afternoon to find his back door open and four guns missing. The rifles are described as follows:
*H & R 12 gauge shotgun, black in color
*Marlin Model 91, 22 caliber rifle with scope and brown wooden stock
*Ruger Model 1022, 22 caliber rifle with brown wooden stock
*Belgian made, Pieper Flobert, 32 caliber, rim fire, single shot rifle with octagon barrel (photo of similar rifle attached)
The total Loss is put at $2,000.

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

SMITH COUNTY — Construction crews on Tuesday are scheduled to begin approximately three weeks of resurfacing work on Segments 1 and 2 of Toll 49, which run between State Highway 155 in Noonday and Farm Road 756 (Paluxy Drive) near Whitehouse. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

Also this week in Smith County, TxDOT maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 2908 between Farm Road 2767 and State Highway 31 east of Tyler, followed mid-week by the same work on Farm Road 848 between Chapel Hill and Whitehouse.

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 continue base and pavement repair operations in various locations on Interstate Highway 20, including pavement repairs in and around the rest area near Van.

Also this week in Van Zandt County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on U.S. Highway 80 in and around Grand Saline.

Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

Finally this week, Farm Road 1861 remains closed between Farm Road 858 in Martins Mill and Farm Road 2339 south of Martins Mill to replace a culvert that collapsed during recent rains. Marked detours are in place. The roadway is scheduled to re-open in early October.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation contractor Clark Construction is scheduled to continue resurfacing operations this week on Interstate Highway 20, including entrance and exit ramps, between Joy Wright Mountain Road at the Smith/Gregg county line, and State Highway 135 in Kilgore. The work is scheduled to be complete by the end of the week. 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 — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs in various locations on U.S. Highway 79 in Henderson between Farm Road 225 and State Highway 322. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists should be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zones.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to resume base and pavement repair operations on Ranch Road 3273 between Farm Road 59 south of Cross Roads and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 1799 near Golden and Farm Road 1801 east of Mineola. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs in various locations on Farm Road 1137 east of Palestine. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

Also of note for motorists using State Highway 294 between Palestine and Alto: beginning Monday, October 1, TxDOT will be closing SH 294 to thru-traffic during daylight hours between Farm Road 23 and State Highway 21 in Cherokee County for tree trimming and removal operations. The closure will be in effect between 8:00am to 3:00pm Monday-Friday for approximately two weeks.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Beginning Monday, October 1, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be closing State Highway 294 to thru-traffic during daylight hours between State Highway 21 in Alto and Farm Road 23 near the Anderson County Line for tree trimming and removal. The closures, which will be in effect between 8:00am to3:00pm, will last approximately two weeks.

TYLER — Goodwill Industries of East Texas is asking for help from the East Texas community. They are in great need of unwanted clothing, housewares, shoes, furniture and electronics.

According to Gail Gray, Director of Donated Goods, “Our donations are at an all-time low right now. Our mission of providing job and skills training and job placement is funded and supported through the sale of these donated goods through our stores. We would like the public to know that their donations are not only tax deductible, but the proceeds stay right here in East Texas and put East Texans to work. In today’s difficult time of finding jobs, we feel this mission takes on an even greater value to support and find jobs for those individuals who have some type of barrier to employment such as a mental or physical disability. We have a critically low supply of donations and our concern is that we will not have the ability to keep our stores stocked to provide for this mission. We are asking for help from our very generous East Texas community.”

Donations can be dropped off at any of Goodwill’s 18 donation sites which include the store locations. You can go to http://www.goodwilleasttexas.com and find a Goodwill donation site near you. You can also email [email protected] if your club or group is in need of community service hours and would be interested in hosting a donation drive.

LAKE PALESTINE – The body of a missing autistic Smith County boy has been found. Authorities say the body of Evan Reed was found by a boater floating in the waters of Lake Palestine near the Villages around 2:00 Saturday afternoon. The body was about three miles from where the Reed’s live. The youngster, who lived in the 17,000 block of Carol Circle, was reported missing around 5:00 Friday afternoon. His mother told officers the last time she saw her son he was sitting on a couch watching cartoons. An autopsy has been ordered and the case remains under investigation.

DOTHAN, ALA. (AP) — FBI agents have safely recovered an abducted Alabama teenager, who was thought to be in East Texas, in Ohio.

Dothan police Sgt. Rachel David said that federal agents found Ailene Mariz Lander, 15, early Saturday. Authorities have taken her stepfather, Charles Dean Partin, 36, and mother, Julie Ann Bethke, into custody. It was not immediately clear whether they will face criminal charges. David said law enforcement officials have also recovered five siblings.

There was a report Thursday that the kidnapped girl and her alleged abductors had been spotted in San Augustine, Texas. Officials say a man believed to be the child’s primary abductor came into the First Baptist Church in San Augustine around 7:30 Thursday morning and asked the pastor for gas money. They were said to have been seen in a green minivan, which matched the description of the vehicle they are believed to be in. Authorities say they’ve determined the van was a stolen 2003 green Toyota Sienna.

Alabama authorities had asked East Texans to be on high alert. According to the Dothan, Ala., Police Department, shortly after 1:00 Monday afternoon, officers were dispatched to reports of a kidnapping in front of the Southeast Alabama Medical Center. When police arrived, an employee with the hospital told them she had taken Lander to the medical center for an appointment. While at the office, the worker and Lander were approached by Partin. Police say Partin grabbed the teen and put her inside a van, then left the parking lot.

EAST TEXAS (AP/STAFF) — Unemployment in Tyler and Longview has fallen while in Texas, it remains steady. The Texas Workforce Commission reports the July jobless rate in Tyler in August was 7.2%. It was 7.4% a month earlier. In Longview, unemployment fell from 6.6% in July to 6.2% last month. Texas’ unemployment rate held steady in August at 7.1%. It was also 7.1% in July. In August 2011, the unemployment rate was 8.1% .

LAKE PALESTINE – Smith County authorities are looking for a missing autistic young boy. Evan Reed, 3, lives in the 17,000 block of Carol Circle. He was reported missing around 5:00 Friday afternoon. The boy is about three feet tall and has blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black shirt with a guitar on it and gray pants.

KILGORE – The Kilgore College Police Department is looking for a man who has been on campus trying to recruit porn actors. According to a posting on their Facebook page, the police department said, “this subject along with another came onto campus today and were passing out cards recruiting for the adult (porn) film industry. While this unto itself is not illegal, they created a disruption on campus and were not registered as guests in accordance to the College Rules of Conduct. If you see this person or any others of suspicious nature please call KCPD immediately.”

As long as the cards were handed to people who were 18 years of age or older, there was no crime. But, if he gave the card to someone under the age of 18, he could be charged with solicitation of a minor. But the man did break campus rules by not registering as a guest. The card the man was handing out said they could earn from $1,000 to $5,000 a day if they had what it takes. He asked students to text their photo to a number listed on the card and to wait to “be contacted for appointment for casting interview.”

MINEOLA — Two people were flown to a Tyler hospital after a tractor reportedly ran over them several times in Wood County Friday. It happened around 3:00 Friday afternoon about a mile north of Mineola on U.S. Highway 69. They were hit by the tractor that was running in a circle in a field. A bystander was able to turn off the tractor.

PALESTINE — Authorities say the body of a missing 33-year-old Smith County man has been located in Anderson County. That’s according to KETK. On September 10th, Amy Palacios reported to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office that her brother, Adam Palacios, had been missing since September 5th. Authorities say it was not uncommon for Adam to leave the area for several days without contacting anyone; however, the woman stated he had been gone longer than usual. A “Region 1″ Welfare Concern was broadcast on Adam Palacios on September 10th, and then subsequently entered as a missing person case. Smith County investigators began an effort to locate the man.

Investigators continued to follow leads, and on September 20th, they discovered Adam Palacios’s body in a remote area in Anderson County. Due to the decomposition of the body, cause of death cannot be determined at this time, according to officials. Smith and Anderson County officials are said to be working together in an effort to apprehend the person or persons responsible for the death.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will be installing a new manhole and six inch sewer service on Fleishel Avenue near Mother Frances Hospital. Because of heavy weekday traffic in the area, Fleishel Avenue will be closed between Dawson Street and east Houston Street from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday to complete the work. Drivers should use an alternate route.

Recommended southbound alternate route:

Drive east to Houston Street, south on Baxter Avenue then west back on Dawson Street to Fleishel Avenue.

Recommended northbound alternate route:
Turn east on Dawson Street, then north on Baxter Avenue, then west on Houston Street back to Fleishel Avenue.

TYLER — The step-grandfather of Jacob Kimbley has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, according to the Smith County Judicial website. KETK reports Leo Daniel Harber, who is a registered sex offender, was arrested last month for violation of his probation when guns were found in his house. Judge Kerry Russell sentenced the 73-year-old to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, the maximum sentence available. He is afforded the right to appeal the ruling within 30 days. Kimbley is the child who was found dead in a septic tank last month. His parents were arrested on August 29 for child endangerment. They’ve also been denied visitation rights to their five other children. Authorities are still awaiting autopsy results.

SAN AUGUSTINE (Staff/AP) — The San Augustine Sheriff’s Department tells our news partner KETK a girl kidnapped in Alabama and her alleged abductors have been spotted in San Augustine. Officials say a man believed to be the child’s primary abductor came into the First Baptist Church in San Augustine around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday and asked the pastor for gas money. They were seen in a green minivan, which matches the description of the vehicle they are believed to be in. Authorities say they’ve determined the van is a stolen 2003 green Toyota Sienna.

San Augustine County Sheriff David Smith says after stopping in the church, the man who’d sought the gas money then gassed up nearby and headed west. The man is believed to be traveling with seven people, including the victim, and a dog. Officials think the alleged abductor is still seeking charitable contributions for food and may be staying at state parks or camp sites.

Alabama authorities have asked East Texans to be on high alert. According to the Dothan, Ala., Police Department, shortly after 1:00 Monday afternoon, officers were dispatched to reports of a kidnapping in front of the Southeast Alabama Medical Center. When police arrived, an employee with the hospital told them she had taken Ailene Lander, 15, seen here in a Facebook photo, to the medical center for an appointment. While at the office, the worker and Lander were approached by Charles Partin, 36, the child’s stepfather. Police say Partin grabbed the teen and put her inside a van, then left the parking lot.

The girl was last seen wearing a white shirt and white/pink shorts. Lander’s hair color may have now been altered to appear blonde. In addition to the immediate danger from her abduction, Landers may also be in medical danger. The suspect, Charles Partin, A.K.A. “Dean”, is described as a white male and was last seen wearing a baseball cap, dark colored shirt and dark jeans. He is a truck driver with carpentry skills. He has also previously been convicted of motor vehicle theft. Both Charles Partin and now Julie Bethke, the girl’s mother, currently have active warrants for arrest for their alleged participation in the abduction. Police say Bethke and the couple’s five other children are likely with Partin and Lander.

Partin is believed to have left the scene in a two-tone light blue over dark blue 1994 Mercury Villager older model van, but may likely have discarded the vehicle and may be driving a blue, green or blue/green Toyota minivan. Dothan police say the first van has been found. They did not say where it was located. Recent information suggests the suspect and victim are very likely in East Texas or Western Louisiana. Officials warn the suspect may be seeking and entering charitable organizations for food.

TYLER — A second Tyler ISD student has been diagnosed with pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough. The student is a fifth grader at Andy Woods Elementary School, and school officials have notified parents whose students may have come in contact with this student. According to reports, another student was diagnosed earlier this month. To protect from the spread of the illness, students who are diagnosed with whooping cough must remain out of school until they complete five days of antibiotic therapy and are fever free for at least 24 hours.

“The best way to prevent Pertussis (whooping cough) among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Many young children get whooping cough from adults or older brothers or sisters who don’t know they have the disease,” says Dr. Jonathan MacClements, Smith County Health Authority. The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) encourages parents to make sure that not only their children are vaccinated, but that adults also receive their Tdap vaccinations.

According to a joint statement from TISD and NET Health, Tyler ISD is taking extra precautions, reviewing student vaccination records, and working closely with the health district to protect the health of students. You can visit the NET Health website at http://www.healthyeasttx.org or call 903-595-1350 for more information on Pertussis, DTaP, and Tdap vaccinations.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Metropolitan Planning Organization has scheduled a 10-day public comment and review period from September 20 to October 1 for proposed revisions to the 2011-2014 and 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP). Officials say the revision includes the addition of $100,000 of Section 5304 State Planning funds for a pedestrian study to improve transit access and to create a more connected and livable community for passengers. The Longview TIP is a transportation plan which identifies federally funded highways, bridges, and public transportation projects which will be constructed or implemented in the next four years.

If you have any questions, you’re asked to contact Melissa Cure, Transportation Planner, at [email protected] or 903-237-1005. Para información en español, por favor comuníquese con Vivian Monge en 903-237-1060.

WHITE OAK — White Oak ISD is one of 23 school districts in the state selected to participate in a consortium that will develop new education learning standards, a new state assessment and a new accountability system for public schools, Superintendent Mike Gilbert said Thursday. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The Texas High Performance Schools Consortium will hold its first meeting next month, according to the Texas Education Agency.

“It’s quite an honor to be part of a group that’s going to affect the assessment process for the entire state,” Gilbert said. “We’re very honored to be part of that. We’re very excited to see what we can do to help make that process better.” The consortium will make recommendations to the Legislature in the areas of digital learning, standards, local control, and multiple assessments.

TYLER — Saturday’s Downtown Tyler ArtWalk is being referred to as “mega-sized” by event organizers as the event expands in hours and format and moves to a new day of the week. The third-quarter ArtWalk is set for Saturday, Sept. 22, 4-9 p.m., throughout the downtown area. More than 20 visual artists of a variety of mediums will display their original art in businesses, on the sidewalk, and at the T.B. Butler Plaza. Types of art include acrylic, oil, ceramic, woodworking, photography, tribal art and other mediums.

Diverse demonstrations will also be featured, from a spray-paint artist to “make your own” pottery tiles to a blacksmith artist. Among the demos will also be a caricature artist. Downtown’s own David Wallace, known for his “found art” assemblies, will do an installation that will remain in the downtown area for a short period of time.

For the first time ever, ArtWalk will feature a large stage with musicians and dancers performing from 4:00 to 9:00pm. Among the featured artists will be the Fly Dance Company from Houston, who will perform a “Healthy Hip Hop” program aimed at young people. They will be joined by FlyKids later in the program to entertain audiences. Also among the dance performances will be presentations by the Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance. Poet Aaron Dunn will give readings during the event, and a spray paint artist will demonstrate his unique art form in a new ArtWalk venue, a basement location, throughout the event.

Musicians, including a Flamenco guitarist, will perform. The “Art of Peace” project will have a display in the conference room of Gallery Main Street, where Keep Tyler Beautiful will work with ArtWalk attendees to create origami peace cranes. Gallery Main Street’s 6×6@110 fundraiser exhibit will continue as well. A newly formed fiber arts group will exhibit its creations en masse on the plaza. Another new addition will be a memorial to a late ArtWalk supporter. “Debbie’s Creation Station” is being organized by friends and fellow Heart of Tyler board members in memory of downtown revitalization volunteer Debbie Johnson Arredondo. Visitors will have the opportunity to create their own work of art at the Creation Station and commemorate Johnson Arredondo’s love of creativity.

Finally, teasers for the upcoming Downtown Tyler Film Festival will be shown in the gallery area. The Film Fest is set for Oct. 24-27 at Liberty Hall. More information on ArtWalk can be found at http://www.downtowntylerarts.com or by calling (903) 593-6905.

LINDALE — Authorities have identified a suspect in the September 12 robbery of Lindale’s Capital One Bank as Anthony Rios, 43, of Lindale — but finding him may not be easy. Lindale police say his car has been found in an airport parking garage in Dallas, and they say red dye from the bank robbery was found inside the car. It is believed Rios was on a flight to the Philippines.

According to KETK, the Lindale Police Department received several tips on the possible identity of the robber. Authorities were able to identify him by following up on leads from the public. A search warrant was issued for a residence on the 16000 block of Timberwood, just outside of Lindale, as well as for a 2003 Toyota Celica. An aggravated robbery warrant has been issued for Rios.

TYLER –The Tyler ISD Board of Trustees has accepted the resignation of Laura Jackson, Director of Communications. The action was taken last night at the school board meeting. Mrs. Jackson has accepted a position as the Senior Information Strategist at The University of Texas at Tyler. She will start her new duties in late October. Tyler ISD will begin accepting applications for the Director of Communications position immediately.

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department responded to a two-alarm structure fire at the Town Village South Apartments, 200 Muller Garden. The initial call was received at shortly after 4:15 yesterday afternoon and the caller reported a building on fire. The fire apparently originated in one of the apartments, possibly caused by a cigarette. Residents were at home when the fire started, but were not injured. There was heavy fire damage to at least 4 apartments, heavy smoke damage to 4 apartments, and moderate smoke damage to 8 apartments.

TYLER — Zions Bank, the owner of the closed-down Apple Swim and Fitness site, issued a statement Thursday about the condition of the property. The statement reads, “Zions Bank understands and is urgently working to address community concern about the condition of the former Apple Swim & Fitness Center property located at 5113 Timber Creek Dr. in Tyler, Texas. The bank foreclosed on the property July 3, but could not take possession of it until an eviction process was completed in court. Zions Bank kept Smith County officials informed at every stage of the process. The bank was granted possession, and its first opportunity to enter the property, on Sept. 13.

“We are working with contractors to have the pool on the property drained as quickly as possible. Gates on the property have been re-secured with padlocks, and Zions Bank has arranged for yard work to begin. Zions Bank will notify police of any trespassing on the property and we encourage the public to do the same. Zions Bank may provide additional updates on this property in the future, but has no further comment at this time.”

Earlier, KETK reported garbage littering the area, stray cats roaming the yard, and the pool water stagnant in its container. Some of the gates had been opened, and the pool area could be easily accessed at the back of the property. Officials with NET Health in Tyler said they are working closely with Zions Bank. Health officials said they have turned on the pumps in the pool to move the water around, so that the mosquitoes won’t become more of a problem. KETK spoke with a contractor who was taking pictures of the area for Zions Bank. He said he will be giving them an estimate on what needed to be done to repair the facility. Former Apple Swim & Fitness operator Tara Kay McSwain, 38, was sentenced earlier this month to two consecutive six-year prison terms for prescription fraud.

RUSK — Cherokee County Investigators have arrested Jimmy Lance Gilliland, 21, of Flint, pictured here, in connection with the September 13th residential burglary that occurred in the ShadyBrook Subdivision near Bullard. The total loss was estimated at $10,000. After photos and video from the surveillance system were shown on local news stations and on websites, the Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls beginning Saturday morning from people giving Gilliland as a possible suspect.

Deputies and investigators began following up, and they now say Gilliland and another man from Flint, Michael Taylor Oldham, 20, had allegedly taken some of the stolen property to Texican Coin and Bullion Company in Tyler, on the evening of the 13th, several hours after the burglary. Authorities say Gilliland and Oldham, who has not yet been implicated in the burglary, returned to Texican Coin & Bullion on the morning of September 14 with more of the coins, and their IDs, which authorities say were needed to sell the valuables.

Video from Texican Coin & Bullion was obtained while Investigators continued the search for Gilliland this past Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday afternoon Det. Mike Goff received a phone call from a relative of Gilliland, who advised he would bring him to the Sheriff’s Office first thing Wednesday morning. All but five of the stolen coins were recovered on Monday, and the pistols were recovered on Tuesday, when they were found stashed in the woods behind a home on Big Eddy Road in Smith County, according to officials. This past Wednesday morning around 9:00, Gilliland was brought to the Sheriff’s Office and was booked in on one count of Burglary of a Habitation, a 2nd Degree Felony. Gilliland’s bond was set at $25,000 by Justice of the Peace Brenda Dominy, and he was released several hours later after posting the bond.

WHITEHOUSE — A bridge is down on County Road 2186, south of Whitehouse. This is a cut-through road between Highway 110 and County Road 2138. Smith County Road and Bridge crews have barricaded the road to prevent passage while damage assessment and repair plans are made.

GILMER –— Teachers and students received a scare when the Gilmer Elementary School was placed on lockdown. KETK reports that shortly after 9:15 yesterday morning, a second grader reported seeing an unknown person leaving the restroom area. The school was immediately placed on lockdown for an hour, and tapes were reviewed to make sure no students were missing, according to Gilmer ISD. During tape review, officials discovered the child’s story didn’t match up with what the student was saying. The child confessed to giving a false report. All parents in the district were notified of the lockdown by an automated phone call system and Facebook.

GREGG COUNTY — A Louisiana man has been arrested after officials said they found 25 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 20. That report comes from KETK and the Longview News-Journal.

Brian Mitchell, 34, was stopped by Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Brandon Smith near Texas 42, DPS Sgt. Bruce Dalme said. According to arrest reports, Smith stopped Mitchell for trailing a vehicle too close and noticed that “he showed signs of nervousness.” After Mitchell refused a search, DPS brought a K9 unit that indicated there were drugs in the trunk. A brown box with 25 pounds of marijuana was found in Mitchell’s trunk, according to his arrest affidavit.

Mitchell was taken to the Gregg County Jail but was released Wednesday on a $10,000 bond. He was charged with possession of between five and 50 pounds of marijuana.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College is among 27 recipients who will share $500 million in grants to community colleges and universities around the country for the development and expansion of innovative training programs. Announced Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Labor, the grants are part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative. The initiative promotes skills development and employment opportunities in various fields through partnerships between training providers and local employers. Those fields include advanced manufacturing, transportation, and health care, as well as science, technology, engineering, and math careers. The U.S. Department of Labor is implementing and administering the program in coordination with the U.S. Department of Education.

According to college officials, TJC, the only Texas institution chosen as a lead college in the program, will head a consortium of four colleges nationwide in a $12,040,449 grant project. Officials say the project will build the capacity of the colleges to train Trade Adjustment Assistance-eligible and other adult workers for new careers in grocery retail management. A TJC news release says that will be done through an industry-endorsed curriculum and credential that is highly valued in the grocery industry and will bring multiple employment opportunities. Other colleges in the TJC consortium are: Cerritos (Calif.) College, Clackamas (Ore.) Community College, and the University of Alaska in Anchorage.

The TJC grant proposal stemmed from a retail management certificate program launched this fall through a partnership between TJC, Tyler-based Brookshire Grocery Company, and the Western Association of Food Chains. TJC President Dr. Mike Metke said, “This is a great example of the benefits of working closely with local businesses…This grant is extremely difficult to win, and the fact that TJC is the only institution in Texas to be the lead college for this competition is just the icing on the cake.”