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LEGGETT (AP) — Three people died when the car in which they were riding slammed into a tractor-trailer rig that had turned in front of them on an East Texas highway. The crash happened Wednesday afternoon on U.S. 59 at Loop 116 in Leggett in the East Texas Piney Woods, about 80 miles northeast of Houston. Trooper David Hendry of the Texas Department of Public Safety tells KTRE-TV of Lufkin the 18-wheeler was northbound on U.S. 59 and turning left onto Loop 116 when hit by the car. The vehicles burst into flame. The truck driver escaped his cab but was kept by flames from rescuing the three. Hendry identified the dead three as the driver, Deonta Lashard Wyatt of Livingston, and passengers Connie Ray Burch and Anita Burch, both of Leggett.

TYLER – In Tyler federal court, a 50 year old Azle, Texas man, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Wallace Jackson entered the guilty plea during an appearance before United States Magistrate Judith K. Guthrie. Jackson faces a minimum of 5 years but not more than 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release.

On December 7, 2011, Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury on single a charge of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to information presented in court, from a date prior to July 20, 2011, Jackson agreed with other persons to acquire and distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. Jackson admitted that he is responsible for the distribution of more than 35 grams but less than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine.

TYLER — An armed robbery suspect is in custody. Shortly after 3:45 Wednesday afternoon, Tyler police arrested Mark Antonio Lee, 39, for aggravated robbery of a local Conoco convenience store. Officers say they’d contacted the suspect three days earlier on a public service call. According to a police news release, information given by Lee on that contact provided officers a possible lead that he may have been involved in Wednesday’s robbery. Officers followed up on that information and located the vehicle allegedly used in Wednesday’s robbery at 1012 North Palace.

Officers made contact with Lee at the residence after they confirmed that he was inside. According to the release, officers set up a perimeter around the residence and were able to talk Lee out of the residence without incident. Lee was transported to Smith County Jail and booked on the aggravated robbery charge.

Tyler police responded to the robbery at 2706 West Gentry just before 12:30 Wednesday afternoon. Police were told that the suspect entered the store and displayed a semi-automatic handgun demanding the cash from the register. The store clerk told officers that the suspect removed the cash from the register, exited the store, and got into a car. A witness who was in the store at the time of the robbery followed the suspect, but lost him in the area of Parkdale and Garden Valley Road. Officers searched the area and initially failed to locate the suspect vehicle before finally catching up with Lee.

CANTON — Authorities in Van Zandt County continue to investigate a pair of theft incidents after recovering some stolen property. On Tuesday, May 15, two victims reported theft from their residences on County Road 3514 in Wills Point. On Tuesday, May 29, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on County Road 3415 in Wills Point, where some of the stolen property was recovered. Later that day the Sheriff’s Office recovered additional stolen property from a residence on County Road 3210. Authorities say there has been a suspect identified and charges will be filed at a later date while the investigation continues. All of the property was returned to the victims. The recovered property was valued at approximately $7,000.

TYLER — A Smith County road is being permanently closed at the future Toll 49 interchange. CH2M Hill will be constructing the tie-in of the county access road between County Road 1150 and County Road 1151, with a scheduled opening of mid- to late June. In order to meet this proposed date, it will be necessary to complete the permanent closure of CR 1151 at Toll 49 by today. Drivers are asked to avoid the area since construction activities will be increasing, and finding an alternate route is also recommended to avoid potential delays. Local agencies and residents have been notified of the impending closure. The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) says the construction of Segment 3B of Toll 49 is progressing as scheduled

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An Oklahoma appeals court has dismissed an appeal from the wife of a former prison warden who was convicted of helping a convicted killer escape. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals took the action in the case of Bobbi Parker, who was captured in East Texas. Parker served about half of a 1-year sentence she received after she was convicted of helping Randolph Franklin Dial escape from the Oklahoma State Reformatory more than 17 years ago. The court dismissed Parker’s appeal and rejected a request for more time to purchase a transcript of her four-month trial in Greer County. The estimated cost of the transcript is more than $100,000. Defense attorney Garvin Isaacs says Parker is indigent and can’t afford the cost. Isaacs says he will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to look at the issue.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) — Texas House Speaker Joe Straus will face at least one challenge to his leadership next year. Republican Representative Brian Hughes from Mineola, pictured here, sent a letter to fellow lawmakers on Tuesday announcing his intent to challenge Straus. The speaker is the most powerful lawmaker in the state, controlling who chairs what committees, and by default, which bills come up for a vote.

Straus took power after forming a coalition between moderate Republicans and Democrats when the Texas House was almost evenly divided. After tea party members helped form a 101-49 supermajority in 2010, conservative Republicans challenged Straus but lost. Since then conservative groups have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to challenge Straus, whom they consider too moderate to run the Texas House. Straus insists he represents the state’s interests.

PALESTINE – A stabbing in Palestine has left a man dead and his roommate charged with murder. It happened Monday morning around 10:30 at 518 block of North Sycamore Street. Warren George Smith Jr., 51, was found face down in the driveway to the home. He was rushed to Palestine Regional Medical Center. Arrested on the scene was Alvin Eugene Hines, 49.

LONGVIEW – A vacant Longview home has been destroyed by fire. It was reported around 4:30 Tuesday morning in the 1100 block of Maple Street. Investigators say the house has been vacant for several years. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.

TYLER — Longtime State Representative Leo Berman of Tyler will not be heading back to Austin, following a decisive victory by challenger Matt Schaefer. In another high-profile race, it’s Larry Smith and Chris Green in a July 31 runoff for Smith County sheriff. Here are the final, unofficial results of those two Republican races in Tuesday’s primary:

State Representative, District 6
Matt Schaefer . . . . . . . . . 11,138 57.68 %
Leo Berman . . . . . . . . . .… 8,172 42.32 %

Sheriff
Bobby Garmon . . . . . . . . . 4,678 16.99 %
Chris V. Green. . . . . . . . . 10,353 37.59 %
Donn Rust . . . . . . . . . . …366 1.33 %
Larry R. Smith. . . . . . . . . 12,143 44.09 %

In other races, incumbent Terry Phillips and newcomer Ronnie Pilcher face a runoff in the GOP Primary race for County Commissioner Precinct 3. Incumbent Democratic Precinct 1 Constable Henry Jackson has won another term, as has incumbent Republican Precinct 2 Constable Andy Dunklin. That’s not the case in Precinct 5, where longtime Constable Dennis Taylor was trounced by challenger Kenneth Bibby in a GOP race. In the Republican bid for Constable Precinct 3, it’s Jim Blackmon and Scott McAuley in a runoff, with incumbent Dustin Rust finishing last. You can click on http://www.smith-county.com/Government/Departments/Elections for full election results, details, and statistics for all Smith County races.

In another area race for the Texas House, David Simpson has defeated Tommy Merritt in the District 7 GOP primary. Both men are from Longview. You can click on http://enr.sos.state.tx.us/enr for other results around the state.

In the race for the Texas House in District 11, incumbent Chuck Hopson and Travis Clardy will meet in a runoff. Unofficial returns showed Hopson with 9,249 votes and Clardy with 9,083. A third candidate, Tony Sevilla, polled 1,284 votes.

TYLER — The Board of Directors of PATH (People Attempting to Help) Tuesday announced the appointment of Wayde Klein as Interim Executive Director, effective May 30. PATH officials say Klein is a 28-year veteran of the cable industry, most often serving in the capacity of Vice President of Marketing. He has worked for companies such as Cox Communications, Advance Newhouse, and InterMedia Partners. PATH, a leading human needs agency in Tyler, continues seeking a permanent executive director following the recent resignation of Christina Fulsom.

ATHENS – A motorcycle accident in Henderson County has left one person dead. The wreck occurred around 11:45 Monday night on Farm Road 1615, just south of Farm Road 4626, Southeast of Athens. Dead at the scene was Frankie Ray Eggleston, 47, of Athens. The Department of Public Safety report says Eggleston was south bound on farm Road 1615 when his motorcycle left the road and hit a tree.

WELLS — Cherokee County officials are investigating the death of an infant whose parents chose to pray over the baby prior to calling 911. Around 4:00 Sunday morning, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to the death of a 3-day-old infant. The caller told dispatchers that the child was born on Wednesday and had passed away around 1:00 Saturday afternoon. The caller admitted to praying over the child before calling for help 15 hours later.

Deputies, emergency crews and investigators responded to the Wells Manor Apartments on Wright Patman Drive and found the infant in a bassinet next to the bed in the master bedroom of the apartment. The mother, father and several adults, who identified themselves as elders of the church with whom the parents are members, were present and cooperated with detectives when they arrived. The identities of the family members and witnesses are not being released at this time. Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Vera Foreman pronounced the infant at the scene and ordered and autopsy. Authorities say no other information can be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

LONGVIEW — The Dana Corp. manufacturing plant located in Longview Business Park will be closing in August leaving 210 workers jobless, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. In a notice released Tuesday, the state said it has been notified by Dana officials the plant will close by Aug. 23. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal.

“This is not a surprise for our employees,” said Chuck Hartlage, Dana spokesman. Company officials and the plant’s workers have known the plant was targeted for closure once its main customer, the Shreveport plant that makes General Motors mid-sized trucks, closes. “As previously announced to local employees, Dana will close its Longview plant in the third quarter in sync with the end of production of the pickup truck for which it produces frames,” Hartlage said Tuesday.

August 23 is the closing date that GM has announced for its Shreveport plant. GM will shutter the plant as outlined in a four-year labor deal with the United Auto Workers Union and transfer production to a plant in Missouri, officials said. Hartlage said Dana will provide eligible employees with separation pay benefits and outplacement assistance.

TYLER – A possible meth lab has been found in a Tyler apartment. Officers were sent to the Quail Creek Apartments located at 4901 Kinsey drive when residents noticed a suspicious strong chemical odor coming from apartment #7110. In the apartment officers found several chemicals that were believed to be used in the Methamphetamine cooking process. Officers talked with the resident of the apartment. So far, no charges have been filed but the investigation is continuing.

HAWKINS – Authorities have identified the victim of a drowning during a holiday outing at Lake Hawkins. Marcos Daniel Hernandez, 27, of Tyler, drowned shortly before 6:45 Monday night. Game Warden Derek Spitzer says Hernandez was swimming about 80 yards out near the swim buoy. Witnesses say after a couple of laps he started struggling and went under. He was under water around 20 to 30 minutes before he was found and taken ashore. CPR was unsuccessful.

EAST TEXAS — The Memorial Day Holiday No-Refusal DWI campaign nets 31 DWI arrests. It ran from May 25th through May 28th. According to the Tyler Police Department, the Department of Public Safety reported 19 DWI arrests, Tyler PD had 8, Texas Parks & Wildlife had 1, Bullard PD had 2 and Lindale PD had 1 DWI arrest. The total number of search warrants for blood obtained was 1 for DPS, Tyler PD and Texas Parks & Wildlife for a total of 3.

TYLER — People throughout East Texas paid their respects to fallen military members on Memorial Day. At an annual ceremony at Smith County’s Memorial Park Field of Honor, every branch of the government was represented. KETK reports that in part of the ceremony, each branch walked with its brothers and sisters representing the various wars in which the United States has been engaged.

SMITH COUNTY — Crews responded to a couple of Smith County brush fires Monday. KETK reports that one broke out on County Road 185; that one was contained Monday afternoon, but not before setting around 50 hay bales and a small structure ablaze. Meanwhile, a second fire developed nearby on the 19,000 block of County Road 1108. That one burned about 5 acres and prompted authorities to shut down the road for a time. The Texas Forest Service was on the scene of both fires.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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