KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – TJC Police are continuing an investigation into an alleged sexual assault of a female TJC student. According to college officials, based upon an interview with the student, Campus Police now believe the alleged assault was not a random event and that there is no threat to others in the TJC community. Officials say details of the reported assault are unclear, including the location, time, place, and description of the alleged perpetrator. The suspect was initially described as a black male, 6 feet tall, weighing 300 pounds, wearing a TJC shirt and blue jeans.

TJC police were summoned to East Texas Medical Center Sunday evening by Tyler Police, who were called after the arrival of a patient. College officials say TJC issued a “timely warning” notice to the campus community via emergency text, email, and social media as soon as preliminary details were provided by initial interviews with the student and her relatives. Police are continuing to piece together a timeline of events related to the alleged assault, including the whereabouts of the student and others whom she came in contact with Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Video surveillance is aiding in the investigation, TJC Police Chief Randt Melton said.

TJC President Dr. Mike Metke said students, employees and visitors to TJC facilities should be confident of their safety. “I continue to hear positive comments from parents, students and employees about the measures we take each day to ensure the safety of everyone who comes in contact with TJC,” he said.

CANTON — Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers has authorized $1,850 in rewards for tips that led to arrests in three cases. Those included two major crimes –- a burglary spree in northwestern Van Zandt County and an arson case involving a house burning north of Edgewood. A $1,000 reward was approved for an anonymous tipster whose call led to the arrest of Michael Schwankner, pictured here, of West Tawakoni, who had been sought by authorities in connection with a series of burglaries in the Edgewood and Lake Tawakoni areas. Crime Stoppers had publicly announced the award on September 5, and the tip resulted in his arrest on September 10.

Crime Stoppers also approved a $650 reward for a tip that led authorities to a Hunt County residence, where they arrested two suspects wanted in connection with a July house fire on Van Zandt County Road 3705. Both those suspects are Wills Point residents. In addition, a $200 reward was approved for a tip that resulted in the arrest by Wills Point police of a Quinlan man wanted on a drug possession warrant. That warrant was from Hunt County, and police turned the suspect over to authorities there.

“Once again, Crime Stoppers is proving invaluable in helping put some serious crime suspects behind bars,” said Andy Flowers, president of Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers. “The burglary suspect was wanted not only for those crimes, but for numerous warrants from three counties, so we felt the maximum $1,000 reward was justified there.” Flowers added that Crime Stoppers has authorized more than $5,000 in rewards just this summer, related to tips connected with crimes such as a double murder, sexual assault, and burglaries. The Crime Stoppers number is 903-567-STOP (567-7867). More information about Crime

TYLER — Smith County is now accepting applications for a vacancy on the Emergency Services District #2 Board of Directors. Emergency Services Districts are political subdivisions of Texas that are entrusted with providing fire services to many unincorporated areas of the state. Applications will be accepted through September 24.

An ESD is governed by a board of commissioners who are appointed for two year staggered terms. All members must own real property or be a registered voter in the district where they serve. The five-member Smith County ESD #2 board serves the areas of Whitehouse, Dixie, Flint-Gresham, Jackson Heights, Red Springs, Troup, Winona, Arp, Bullard, Noonday, and Chapel Hill volunteer fire departments. Emergency services districts are political subdivisions of the State of Texas, and are required to comply with all open government laws.

You’re asked to visit the Smith County Website at http://www.smith-county.com if you’re interested in submitting an application. Applications can be found by selecting the “Government” tab on the home page, selecting the “Commissioners Court” page, then clicking on the tab labeled “Boards and Commissions.” Those interested should direct any questions to the Smith County Public Relations Office at 903-590-4607.

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

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform 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 this week 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, construction crews have closed Farm Road 1861 south of Martins Mill for approximately two weeks to replace a culvert that collapsed during recent rains. Farm Road 1861 will be closed to thru traffic between Farm Road 858 in Martins Mill and Farm Road 2339. Marked detours will be in place.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation contractor Clark Construction, this week, is scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Interstate 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 take approximately two weeks to complete.

Also this week in Gregg County, TxDOT maintenance crews on Monday are scheduled to begin several days of fog-seal operations in various locations on the U.S. Highway 259 Kilgore Bypass. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic in two-lane areas.

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.

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately one week of resurfacing work on Farm Road 2868 between State Highway 155 in Noonday and Farm Road 346 in Flint. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

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. 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 continue ditch-cleaning work in various locations on Farm Road 321 in and around Neches. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

TYLER — The Veterans Service Office in the Cotton Belt Building will close at noon today and remain closed through Friday, September 21. The Veterans Service Officer and staff will be attending their bi-annual Texas Veterans Commission training. Smith County officials apologize for any inconvenience. The office will re-open on Monday, September 24, providing full services.

TYLER — Police have arrested a Whitehouse resident in the wake of a Sunday accident. Just after 2:00 Sunday morning, off-duty Officer J. Doughton witnessed a major accident in the 2700 block of South Broadway. Police say a white Ford Expedition driven by Cody D. Brown, 22, left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Doughton says she then saw Brown exit the vehicle and start walking northbound away from the scene.

Doughton attempted to contact Brown at this time. Upon seeing Officer Doughton, Brown attempted to flee on foot, according to officials. Police say after a short pursuit and with the help of a citizen, Brown was taken into custody. He was subsequently arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and other charges. The accident caused the power to go off for the residents at Broadmore Apartments. Utility crews headed to the scene to restore power to the residents.

TYLER — The construction of Toll 49 continues to move closer to Interstate Highway 20. CH2M Hill, contractor for Segment 3B project of the NET RMA is putting the last touches on the State Highway 110 Bridge and will be moving traffic onto the new structure and roadway in early October. In preparation for switching traffic onto the new construction, CH2M Hill is increasing activity in this area of the project this week, therefore increasing congestion in the vicinity. Drivers are asked to allow for potential delays in the area.

LAKE PALESTINE — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is trying to solve a home burglary in which a large amount of money and goods were taken. Specifically, authorities are seeking the identity of the individual seen in surveillance footage of the incident, which happened in the ShadyBrook Subdivision on Lake Palestine in the Bullard community.

The burglary occurred between 11:00am and noon on Thursday. The homeowner left the residence just minutes before the burglar walked through his front yard and began trying to break into the side door of the residence, according to officials. A sheriff’s office report says prior to touching the door, the burglar removed his t-shirt and wrapped it around his hand to conceal any fingerprints. Authorities say he made several attempts to break in the side door but failed, then briefly tried the back door. Officials say he eventually returned to the side door and made entry.

According to the sheriff’s report, the burglar spent a little over 5 minutes inside the house and left with over $7,000 in silver coins, two pistols, jewelry, and other valuables. Surveillance video indicates the burglar took the items and is not seen for almost 15 minutes. It is believed he took the items to a nearby house or vehicle. Authorities say the burglar then returned and entered the residence two more times, taking more valuables each time. The total loss is estimated at $10,000.

Surveillance photos can be downloaded from these links:

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Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-683-2271.

TYLER — UT-Tyler is still working to fix the parking problem for students. Recently, KTBB and our news partner KETK reported on a shortage of some 400 parking spaces. In an e-mail, university officials say they have restriped some lots and opened temporary parking areas. Also, beginning Monday, a shuttle service will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. This will take place for two weeks, to see how it goes.

This is the e-mail sent to students about the parking problem:

All Students:

By now you have obviously experienced the parking issues that we have had at the beginning of the semester. The situation has been improved with the restriping of certain lots as well as opening temporary parking areas, but with increased enrollment, the parking lots are still crowded. The University administration and the police department understand this and we are working to improve the situation.

Beginning Monday, September 17, we are experimenting with a shuttle service that will run from 8:30 am through 3:30 pm each day, Monday through Friday, for two weeks. The pickup location will be at Rose Heights Church which is at 2120 Old Omen Road, about 1/2 mile north of the university. For those of you who wish to participate, please park your cars on the north end of the lot, farthest from the church. The shuttle will pick up passengers from there and drop them off in parking lot #8 at the Ratliff Engineering Building. The shuttle will run every 15-20 minutes. Parking lot #8 will also be the location to board the shuttle to ride back to your car.

We are interested to see how much participation we get from students. A permanent shuttle service is one thing that is being considered so this trial period will assist university administrators in making that decision.

Park, ride, and avoid having to search for a parking spot!

Mike Medders
Chief of Police

TYLER — It’s official. The new world record for most people making spring rolls simultaneously is 327 and was achieved by Team Ross in Tyler on September 2. That’s according to the Guinness World Records website. The spring rolls made were Filipino “lumpia”; each contained ground pork, dried onions, dried garlic, dried red pepper, and salt. Team Ross was formed to support and raise money for Ross Sajo and her family following her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP/Staff) – A federal appeals court has overturned the prison sentences of East Texas brothers who ran a camp in Kansas where hunters paid thousands of dollars to illegally shoot deer. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday the district court made a mistake in sentencing James and Marlin Butler, who ran Camp Lone Star near Coldwater. The court said the value of the wildlife at the camp should not have been based on the full price of a guided hunt, but on the actual value of the animals involved. Camp owner James Butler Jr. was sentenced to 41 months in prison. His brother, Marlin, who worked as a guide, was sentenced to 27 months in prison. The brothers are both from Martinsville, in Nacogdoches County.

LONGVIEW — The Longview City Council adopted a 50 cent tax rate Thursday to fund a $153.1 million budget that was approved earlier this month. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. “I think it is a good budget for the city, a good conservative budget that provides for the city to continue services we provide in a cost effective manner,” said City Manager David Willard. Though the newly-approved tax rate is unchanged from this past year, that does not mean taxpayers won’t see an increase on their bills. If the owner of a $100,000 house paid $500 this past year, that same house, valued 2.5 percent more, will cost an additional $12 in city taxes.

TYLER — Art of Peace Festival – Tyler kicked off Saturday and runs through September 23 at a variety of venues. Now in its second year, the festival has expanded from 2011′s one-day event. Organizers call it a week of promoting peace through creative and community enriched activities. The local event is in celebration of the International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations in 1981.

“The expectation is to see Tyler citizens getting involved in the activities, which include art, films, storytelling, a Peace Meal, live music, prayer and worship,” according to Festival organizers. The Literacy Council of Tyler is the 2012 peace concert beneficiary. You can go to http://www.tylerpeace.com or http://www.facebook.com/artofpeacetyler for more information.

UPSHUR COUNTY — An Ore City man was indicted on a charge of cruelty to livestock animals after being accused in June of hanging a donkey by the neck from a tree, Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd said Thursday. According to KETK, Anthony George Bassler, 35, remains in the Upshur County Jail on $50,000 bond. He was arrested July 3 after being seen abusing a donkey in June, two days before hanging it in the woods behind his house on Janis Street in the Camp Joy community.

LINDALE — Crews responded to a structure fire in Lindale Thursday evening. It happened around 6:00 in the 200 block of Shanna Terrace. According to KETK, lightning struck the house, causing significant damage to the roof. No other area of the home was affected. Officials said thanks to alert neighbors, firefighters were notified quickly and the fire was put out. No injuries have been reported.

TYLER — Speakers at the PATH Week Philanthropy Dinner Thursday encouraged attendees to continue their support of PATH — and strengthen the partnerships PATH maintains with other community agencies. During the event at The Arbor on Roy Road, PATH Board President Dr. Stuart Baskin said, “Whatever you can give goes a long, long way. We can stretch your dollar so far that you wouldn’t even recognize it.” Bethesda Health Clinic Executive Director Dr. John English emphasized the partnerships and the importance of giving back. He shared two stories about two people in need who were helped by his agency and decided to become community volunteers.

Two annual PATH Week awards were handed out. The Stone Soup Award went to Peggy Abernathy of the King’s Storehouse, Tyler’s oldest food bank, dating to 1984. Woody Weaver Pharmacy was given the Gertrude Windsor Award for its continuing work to make medications more affordable for the needy. PATH Week continues through Saturday; it’s held every year to increase awareness and support of the interfaith human needs agency. You can go to http://www.pathhelps.org/ to learn more about PATH.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Three people were taken to a nearby hospital Thursday afternoon when they were struck by lightning in Jacksonville. According to KETK, as school was letting out around 3:15 p.m., two Fred Douglass Elementary teachers were escorting kids into a car when lightning struck, according to the Jacksonville Fire Department. Fire officials believe the bolt hit the top of an umbrella and traveled through the teacher holding it, then jumped to the teacher standing next to her in a puddle of water; both felt tingling. A mother and her 1st grade daughter, who were nearby, also felt tingling. Three of the four were transported to an area hospital as a safety precaution. They were treated and released with no major injuries. The names of the victim’s have not been released.

TYLER – A federal grand jury returned multiple indictments Thursday charging individuals with separate federal crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.

Mohammad Moosa Yahya, also known as Muhammad Moosa Yahya, 36, of Tyler, was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud in connection with an investment scheme. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Yahya is alleged to have devised a scheme related to investments made in EMN Global Trading, a Texas corporation that operated a used car dealership in Tyler. Yahya is alleged to have misappropriated wired investment funds for his own personal use and benefit.

Jerry Meyer, 33, of Longview, was indicted on various charges. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Meyer is alleged to have possessed stolen mail and used the contents of the mail, which included credit cards and checks, for his own benefit. The indictment also alleges that Meyer used the identifying information of others, which he also obtained from the stolen mail, to commit fraud.

Andrew Mark Harris, 48, of Grand Saline, has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, it is alleged that Harris was found in possession of a pistol and seven cartridges of ammunition. Further investigation revealed Harris to be a convicted felon.

Juan Gallardo-Simental, 35, a Mexican national, was indicted for being present in the United States after having been previously deported. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison followed by deportation. According to the indictment, the defendant was arrested in Harrison County on charges of driving while intoxicated. Further investigation revealed the defendant is alleged to have a criminal history dating back to 2005 and that he had been previously deported from the United States.

TYLER — Information from the Texas Comptroller indicates that City of Tyler sales tax revenues deposited for the month of September have grown 6.35 percent as compared to September 2011, resulting in a 2.37 percent cumulative year-to-date increase. The reported revenue of $2,729,198.31 comprises $1,819,465.54 general sales tax revenue and $909,732.77 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from July 2012 collections as there is a two-month lag before taxes are reported and remitted back to the City from the State.

“We are pleased with the continued growth of our sales tax revenues,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “The six percent growth we saw this month has helped us end this fiscal year on a high note and is a great way to kick off the new budget year.” Although revenue has continued to rise slowly over the last year, collections did not meet the budgeted amount of three percent. Therefore, City employees will not see raises in fiscal year 2011-12. Increases are included in the 2012-13 budget for both sworn and civilian City employees.

TYLER — State District Judge Jack Skeen of Tyler has declined to dismiss charges against former Smith County Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust. According to KETK, Rust appeared in court Thursday morning for a hearing about his April indictment. Rust’s attorney filed a motion to dismiss all three cases against him, two felonies and one misdemeanor.

A courtroom reporter says the prosecution gave a written statement and signed agreement by Rust to Judge Skeen. In the document, the constable agreed to one year’s probation, admitting guilt, and paying about $7,600 in restitution. The prosecution also requested a pretrial diversion, which is an option of taking Rust back to court if he fails to meet those requirements, and for a dismissal. However, Skeen denied all motions made by the state. The judge has set the trial to begin Monday, October 1.

Controversy has swirled around Rust ever since he was indicted for misuse of county property. He is accused of using his deputies for a private security detail in Smith County neighborhoods. Last week, special prosecutor Lance Larison made a motion to dismiss the charges. Rust lost his race for Constable to Jim Blackmon and stepped down in early August.

LONGVIEW – LeTourneau University’s 12th class day enrollment for Fall 2012 revealed a growth of six percent in the total number of traditional students over last year with a total of 1,360 students over last year’s total of 1,283, according to LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. LETU officials say much of that is due to the new class of first time in college and transfer students, who totaled 439. That’s one of the university’s largest incoming classes, and represents a 13.4 percent growth over last year’s incoming class of 387. This year the university is also reporting that it has seen a 64 percent increase in international students, with 92 enrolled this year, over 56 enrolled last year. The number of dual credit students has risen from 16 to 53.

Online enrollment is the highest ever, totaling 1,067 students, which is up from 1,025 last year. Grad school enrollments are also up with 393 students enrolled, over 359 last year, which is attributed to the growth in the number of graduate programs being offered. Total university enrollment is 2,843.

Retention is also up at LETU. The university is reporting that its one-year retention rate of 79 percent is the highest it has seen in over a decade, and the overall retention rate is 89 percent, which rose significantly since last year’s 82.9 percent. “Anytime a university achieves a one-year retention rate of nearly 80 percent, it makes a clear statement from students that their experience at LeTourneau is outstanding and that the value of their investment is worthy,” Lunsford said.

LAKE PALESTINE — A small plane crashed Wednesday afternoon, killing one person, near Lake Palestine in the Cumberland Ridge neighborhood. Officials said the pilot of the plane has been identified as a Stephen Annis, 51, Huntsville. According to KETK, the crash happened in the 15000 block of Treasure Cove in the Bullard area. The Smith County Sheriff’s Department says the FAA was called in to investigate. Witnesses says they saw the craft “corkscrew” into the ground. The plane’s cockpit was crushed. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — Nacogdoches authorities have arrested Tuesday the man accused of punching and pushing down a 10-year-old. According to KETK, just after 8:00 Monday night, a woman reportedly tried to take back her vehicle from Daniel Carl Toole, 23, Nacogdoches, who had borrowed it. The man became upset after returning the vehicle and confronted her.

During the verbal fight, which took place in a trailer park on the 700 block of E Lane Drive, the woman’s child attempted to get between Toole and his mother. Toole allegedly punched and pushed down the 10-year-old. The woman reported the incident to police and filed charges. The child did not suffer serious injuries. Toole is charged with injury to a child, a third degree felony. Toole is currently in the Nacogdoches County Jail, and his bond is set at $15,000.

LINDALE — The Capital One Bank on the 2500 block of South Main in Lindale was robbed around 3 p.m. Wednesday by a person with a towel wrapped around his face and carrying a handgun. The suspect was last seen heading south on Highway 69 toward Tyler in a blue car, according to the Lindale Police Department. The car’s windows are covered in red after a dye pack exploded. The robber is described as a Hispanic male, 5’10,” wearing a white cap, possibly with a mustache and driving a light blue or grey two-door car, according to the FBI. It’s unclear if the robber is working alone. According to KETK, no injuries have been reported.

LONGVIEW — — LeTourneau University has again ranked in the top tier nationally in U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of “America’s Best Colleges.” LETU ranks 6th among schools in Texas for 2013 and was ranked above all state universities in Texas in its category of “Best Regional Universities in the Western Region.” LETU is ranked 36th among all the universities in its category in the western region, which extends through 14 states from Texas to Alaska. You can go to http://www.usnews.com/colleges to view the rankings, which include nearly 1,400 schools nationwide. The guidebook will be on newsstands Sept. 18.

For nearly two decades, LETU has ranked in the magazine’s top tier. U.S. News ranks colleges and universities among other schools with similar programs and degree offerings. Indicators used to determine the rankings include academic reputation, retention, faculty, small class sizes, high SAT and ACT scores of incoming freshmen, average graduation rates and assessments by administrators at other peer universities.

“We are always encouraged when we receive national recognition for our quality programs,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “We are seeing an increase in our national recognition by attracting quality faculty and high academic ability students, and those students continue to build our reputation as they make an impact in every workplace in every nation after they graduate.”

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has recorded a 2.7 percent increase in enrollment compared to last fall, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. Total headcount for this fall is 6,875 over the fall 2011 figure of 6,696. This fall, the university experienced increases in new freshmen, transfers, and graduate students. “We’re extremely pleased with our recruitment and retention efforts this year which resulted in an increase in undergraduate and graduate enrollment over last year,” said President Mabry. On the downside, as reported last week, the increased enrollment has contributed to parking problems on campus. According to KETK, Mabry says the university is working to address that problem.

TYLER — Three doctors in Tyler are disciplined for ethical violations. According to KETK, one doctor sent inappropriate messages to a patient. Another failed to monitor a patients narcotics intake, resulting in an overdose. And the third doctor failed to follow up on an abnormal chest x-ray, in which the patient was later diagnosed with lung cancer. Tyler physician Dr. Hope Short says the Medical Board of Examiners holds doctors accountable to the highest standards. She says, “It’s extremely important. We are going to be held to a different standard because of how we are held and looked at in the community by our patients. It’s inappropriate to have inappropriate relations with a patient.” Dr. Short added that physicians are obligated to follow up with patients on their lab values every time they order a test.

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches man died Tuesday after flipping his truck on Highway 59. According to KETK, it happened around 10:55. William Johnson was traveling on Highway 59 South when, for unknown reasons, his truck flipped and hit the Fine Candles store, located about five miles south of Nacogdoches city limits. The 83-year-old man was taken to a Nacogdoches hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Officials said Johnson was wearing a seat belt. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the wreck.

TYLER — The city of Tyler has passed its 2012-13 budget and tax rate. The tax rate fell by $.0012, to 20.77 cents per $100 valuation. Citizens had one last chance to weigh in on the package Wednesday morning before the council approved it.

SMITH COUNTY — Officials have confirmed, one person is killed in a wreck on Hwy 31 West Wednesday morning. The name of the deceased has not been released and, according to KETK, it’s unclear if there were any other injuries. The accident, near the Spur 364 intersection, was cleared later in the morning.