KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LUFKIN — Authorities attempt to identify a suspect who took a check from an Alto mailbox and used the money to buy gift cards. Police say the man took the check, then used the money at a Lufkin Wal-Mart. Authorities tell KETK the cards were used at a Wal-Mart in Lake Jackson, about 45 minutes south of Houston.

TYLER — The East Texas Medical Center Cardiovascular Institute has enrolled its first patient in a new trial sponsored by St. Jude Medical that will contribute to the study of a device that could help detect acute coronary syndrome events, such as a heart attack. “We are proud to participate in this trial in conjunction with Cardiovascular Associates of East Texas,” commented John Stewart, vice president of ETMC. “We recognize the potential this new feature has to help save lives and enhance the care we can provide to patients. We look forward to contributing to the study.”

ETMC is one of 200 nationwide centers participating in the ST Monitoring to Detect ACS (Acute Coronary Syndrome) Events in ICD Patients study, known as the Analyze ST trial. The trial will study the safety and effectiveness of a new feature in the device maker’s Fortify ST implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system. Dr. Noah Israel with CAET performed the procedure at ETMC. You can go to http://www.etmc.org to learn more.

EAST TEXAS — The speed limit on Interstate 20 will soon be raised to 75 mph between the Kaufman/Van Zandt county line and the Louisiana border, spanning the counties of Van Zandt, Smith, Gregg and Harrison. The new speed limits will not take effect until the speed limit signs are changed out in the next 60-90 days.

The speed limit changes span 60 Texas counties in all, making it the largest conversion since a new law was passed last year.

TYLER — A Bullard man has been sentenced Thursday to 21 months in federal prison. Eual Brent Hallford, 43, pleaded guilty on January 7, 2010, to wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $106,000. According to information presented in court, Hallford was in business of buying and selling sports memorabilia over the internet and maintained various merchant accounts for the purpose of processing credit card payments. Authorities confirm, Hallford falsified bank statements and faxed them to the credit card processor, resulting in a loss of at least $120,000. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

ANGELINA COUNTY — A Lufkin man was arrested Tuesday after his two young children tested positive for methamphetamine. Benjamin McCoy, 23, was taken into custody on two counts of endangering a child and a warrant for speeding.

Last month, the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office raided the home McCoy shares at 1501 Pershing Ave. with his girlfriend and mother of his children, Laura Dixon, 34. The sheriff’s office had been investigating McCoy and Dixon on suspicion of methamphetamine possession and manufacture. McCoy reportedly tried to run out the back door but was caught. He and Dixon were both taken to jail and arrested on drug charges.

McCoy remained in jail Wednesday afternoon as his bond had not been set, according to jail records. Dixon has not been rearrested on additional charges since bonding out of jail December 29.

JACKSONVILLE —- Jacksonville business Aonvoy Plastics will soon be no more. According to KETK, CEO Raymond Grubbs says even though he’s disappointed, the bad economy caught up to them, and it’s just business. Grubbs said he did the best he could to keep business open after buying assets from TallyHo Plastics a year ago, but signs of growth weren’t happening fast enough. Aonvoy employed about 35 people who now will have to start their job search all over again.

Jacksonville Finance Director Freddy Thomas says it’s not the only Jacksonville company that’s had to say goodbye over the past few years. Thomas says the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation is working hard to bring new businesses to town so folks aren’t forced to go elsewhere.

Grubbs told KETK he is working to move customers’ business to other factories, and to help find new jobs for his employees. He broke the news to them back in December, he says.

LONGVIEW — An undercover sting operation conducted by Longview police involving text messages has landed an illegal immigrant behind bars. Sergio Antonio Galacia-Orozco was arrested around 6:30 Tuesday night on charges of indecency with a child and online solicitation. The arrest came after a 15-year-old boy told police that Orozco touched him inappropriately. The reported incident happened Sunday in the 1400 block of Lazy Lane, when the victim said he was walking down the road and was approached by an adult female, who reportedly reached in his shorts during a short conversation. The woman was later identified as a man.

The victim said the man, identified as Orozco, gave the boy his phone number and said his name was “La Chica.” The following day investigators made contact with Orozco through text messages. Police arranged to meet the suspect in the 2600 block of Bill Owens Parkway, where Orozco was then arrested. Police said Orozco admitted to text messaging the person he thought was the victim and to having sexual contact with the victim Sunday. Orozco remained jailed Wednesday on bonds totaling $40,000. He was also placed on an immigration detainer.

TYLER -– PATH (People Attempting To Help), a human services non-profit, joins the Texas Homeless Network in conducting a Homeless Survey Thursday. PATH officials say it’s part of a continuing effort to address the homelessness issues facing community members in Smith County and throughout the state.

“We will be carrying out this survey and count on the same day as other agencies all over Texas,” said Christina Fulsom, PATH Executive Director. “The survey will result in a comprehensive report on the number of homeless persons – sheltered and unsheltered – in our community; demographics, reasons for becoming and remaining homeless, educational attainment, employment status, health care needs, and other factors will be collected. We have to truly understand the scope of the problem in order to improve our ability to plan and implement effective housing and service programs. The same survey was conducted in January of 2011. 243 homeless individuals, 51 of them children, were identified in Tyler; there were many others we did not find that night.”

The research PATH does is conducted at locations known to be frequented by people who are homeless. Institutional locations include places such as shelters, soup kitchens, and service centers. Non-institutional locations include streets, parks, or abandoned buildings; these locations can become particularly dangerous in Texas, with days of staggering heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter. More difficult to identify, according to PATH, are those staying temporarily with family or friends, those doubling up in overcrowded conditions, those staying in hotels or living in cars, and those congregating in places not known to or accessible to researchers. Many remain transient at all times. For these reasons, data on homelessness are usually considered to be underestimates.

PATH staffers say it is very important that people experiencing homelessness know survey participants are coming out to visit them that night. Those individuals facing circumstances described above are encouraged to come to the following Soup Kitchens: Good Samaritan, Loaves and Fishes, and The Salvation Army. Those staying in shelters will be surveyed in the shelter. Shelters participating include: The Salvation Army and the East Texas Crisis Center.

According to PATH press materials, the Homeless Survey is being conducted in an effort to assist Smith County agencies in the development of comprehensive, long-term solutions to addressing homelessness. In addition, PATH officials say, a Continuum of Care plan will be established that will provide the needed information to participate in the Balance of State Project of the Texas Homeless Network. The Balance of State Project will allow local agencies to apply for funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Continuum of Care funds.

“This homeless survey is a vital step in the Continuum of Care development process and will provide a more accurate picture of the epidemic of homelessness to those who work for shelters and service agencies as well as the community-at-large,” said Ken Martin, executive director of the Texas Homeless Network.

TYLER — A 37-year-old Fruitvale man has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography violations. Jeremy Erwin pleaded guilty last February to possession of child pornography. He was sentenced yesterday to 48 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis. Erwin was also ordered to forfeit ownership of computers and other media in his possession and agreed to a $10,000 restitution judgment as to two victims. According to information presented in court, on September 29, 2009, Erwin was in possession of computer equipment that contained images of child pornography.

EAST TEXAS — Rain is expected to continue through today, but it won’t be as heavy as yesterday. Wednesday’s storms caused plenty of problems in East Texas. Emergency agencies reported high water and storm damage around the area. The Tyler Police Department has reported high water at times at several intersections. Authorities urge you to use extra caution and avoid driving through deep waters. In their words, “Turn around…don’t drown.”

In Anderson County, a possible tornado touched down Wednesday near the Bethel area, according to the sheriff. A house was destroyed in the 500 block of Farm Road 2706 (see picture at left). The house was leveled, pulled off its foundation, and debris was scattered across a nearby field. Officials say nobody was home at the time of the destruction. Several other homes were damaged, one in the 600 block of Farm Road 260. Authorities tell KETK the house’s porch and siding were damaged. Earlier in Anderson County, there were reports of several trees and power lines down.

Elsewhere, the Mt. Enterprise school district dismissed classes early Wednesday due to power outages. All students were sent home around 1:00pm. Electricity has been restored, and classes resumed as planned today.

TYLER — The City of Tyler has started the process to annex the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. At yesterday’s meeting, the city council authorized a service plan and setting the dates, times and places for public hearings on the proposed annexation. The health center is located on about 593.11 acres of land located at the northwest intersection of State Highway 271 and State Highway 155.

“As illustrated in the Industry Growth Initiative plan, the higher education and Healthcare industries are critical components of Tyler’s local economy,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Healthcare provides for more than 25,000 jobs in our region and has an economic impact estimated at $3.1 billion. By annexing the UTHSCT into Tyler city limits, we will be taking an important step in continuing to support and grow these industries.”

The voluntary annexation of the campus was initiated by representatives of UTHSCT and is allowed under the State Annexation Law in the Texas Local Government Code. “We are pleased to see this process move forward,” said Dr. Kirk Calhoun, president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. “We look forward to becoming a part of Tyler not only in name, but as a partner in our city’s future growth and development.” Following the action taken Wednesday by the City Council, the proposed annexation will now be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission at their Feb.7 meeting.

Under Texas Local Government Code, it is necessary to conduct two separate public hearings to consider the proposed annexation. The first public hearing will be held on February 22 at 9:00am in the City Council Chambers. A second public hearing will be held on March 7, at 9:00am, also at the City Council Chambers. Final consideration of the Annexation Ordinance will be considered by the City Council at its regularly scheduled City Council meeting on March 28. The Service Plan will be available for review in the Planning and Zoning Department prior to the first public hearing.

“This is a major step forward in the growth of our City,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “Healthcare education is so important to maintaining our high levels of medical care in East Texas and equally as valuable in providing jobs.”

TYLER — A task force that has been studying homelessness in Tyler has presented its report to the city council. The task force was launched by Mayor Barbara Bass. The group’s report calls for a 10 point plan for moving forward to end homelessness in Tyler, and the Council has already begun taking action on the plan. Here are the ten points:

1. Establish an ongoing Homeless Roundtable that serves as the local continuum of care organization, to implement these recommendations and plans that are developed to end homelessness in Tyler. The Roundtable will be chaired by an appointee of the Mayor and a City staff liaison will be appointed by the City Manager.
2. Undertake the development of a local continuum of care plan to serve as the community’s five- and ten-year plans to end homelessness for veterans and the general population.
3. Examine client discharging practices for institutions – including, foster care, jail/prison and health facilities—and develop interventions to provide transitional support.
4. Support the opening of a Day Resource Room to provide the homeless with services such as showers, lockers, haircuts, phone messages, etc. (such as Gateway to Hope).
5. Support the efforts of groups like Cornerstone Assistance Network, and others, to provide support and casework/referrals to services for individuals dealing with homelessness—assisting them with gaining independence and self-sufficiency.
6. Implement enhanced (or more integrated) software to better track services related to the homeless. Use this data to better identify subgroups and higher-risk populations in this community.
7. Develop enhanced access for behavioral health/mental services.
8. Seek funding from all available sources to provide for gaps in services and to end homelessness (Federal, State, and private foundations, including, but not limited to, HUD and the VA).
9. Support efforts of 211 to update resource database.
10. Support the efforts of faith-based organizations and non-profits to combat homelessness in the community.

Council members followed up on the task force report by voting unanimously to convey ownership of a vacant City building to the Gateway to Hope, 501c3, for the purposes of establishing a day resource center to assist homeless individuals. “I am very pleased that we are able to take this action today to tangibly help those in need in our community,” Bass said Wednesday.” “Our report on homelessness was just released and we formed the Homeless Roundtable today. This step toward establishing a day resource center meets an additional need identified in our 10 point plan.”

Subject to a pending zoning change and special use permit, the property to be conveyed to Gateway to Hope is located at 601 Valentine Street. The building was formerly the location for WIC, but is currently vacant. You can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org/ for more information.

TYLER — Tyler’s Discovery Science Center has a new chief executive officer. He is Phil Lindsey, who has previously been at The Health Museum in Houston, The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios in California. Introduced to the community by Henry Bell, president of the DSP Board of Directors, Lindsey brings what museum officials term “a wholly unique mix of talent, background and education.” Officials add that “he’s an experienced designer, film maker and geek, qualities perfectly suited to the science museum field.”

“What really drives me is the ability to help lead and create visitor experiences that are fun, fulfilling, engaging and relevant as well as being commercially viable and self sustaining,” explained Lindsey. “I love taking risks and I love entrepreneurial thinking, that is the only way for the field to advance in these fast moving times.”

Museum officials say Lindsey is “a passionate visionary” when it comes to creating unique and relevant cultural visitor experiences. Lindsey has vast experience in museum leadership, exhibit and programming design and business development. He serves on the board of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions), the board of the IAAPA Foundation, holds a B.A. in Theatre from University of California, Irvine and a M.B.A. from Rice University – Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.

According to a news release, Lindsey’s years with Disney gave him an appreciation of designing for audiences while his love of science gives him an enthusiasm for teaching. “Often the hardest thing for a cultural institution to realize is that in the eyes of their community, they are often just another fun thing to do on a weekend with the kids,” stated Lindsey. “Our challenge [at Discovery Science Place] is to make that fun trip more enriching and fulfilling than they were expecting, and in the process create a lifelong passion for learning and an appreciation of science in all its forms. Plus, we get to play with some really cool stuff.”

Recognized among the top 25 science centers in the nation by Parents magazine and named the Best Downtown Business in Texas in 2009 by the Texas Downtown Association, the Discovery Science Place is a non-profit, hands-on learning environment with a mission of igniting curiosity in young minds through fun, hands-on exploration.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council unanimously voted to authorize a contract to proceed with design of a Downtown parking garage structure. A consultant has recommended building a multi-level parking structure with between 300 and 400 spaces after conducting a parking study of the downtown area. The total fee, including an estimated cost for reimbursable expenses, is $452,515 for 100 percent design.

GREGG COUNTY — Longview-area Muslims hope to complete a mosque on the northern edge of the city in coming months, amid opposition from residents in the neighborhood. Islamic Community of Longview member Saleem Shabazz said the 35 or 40 Muslims planning the worship center are encountering opposition from some future neighbors. Envisioned as a 2,500- to 3,000-square foot mosque and cultural/education center, the facility on Amy Street would take the place of an apartment where local Muslims have held Friday prayers for about two decades, Shabazz said.

Some Amy Street residents are saying everyone has a right to a place of worship, just not on their street. The nearest mosque is in Tyler, and Longview-area Muslims have been candid about wanting their own place of worship.

A member of the Longview Race Relations Committee, Shabazz said he has discussed aspects of the new mosque with the county commissioner for that precinct, Charles Davis. Davis on Tuesday acknowledged several calls “from people out there who are unhappy for various reasons.”

TYLER — Heart of Tyler celebrates another successful year. The downtown revitalization group held its annual meeting Tuesday night, celebrating its achievements and looking to build on what it’s accomplished. As Mayor Barbara Bass noted in her keynote speech, the highlight of 2011 was the opening of the renovated Liberty Theater as Liberty Hall. The organization’s annual Brick Award went to the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition, whose contributions featured the continuation and growth of the downtown square’s quarterly Art Walks.

TYLER — Two suspects enter not guilty pleas in the death of a one year old boy. Simon Lopez, 27, and Emma Torres, 19, are charged with killing Torres’ son, Jeremy Silva in 2010. The pleas were entered yesterday in State District Court in Tyler. A trial date has not been set and prosecutors have not announced if they will seek the death penalty.

Police say Lopez was watching Silva while Torres worked. He reportedly called one of her relatives to say the boy wasn’t breathing. Investigators say Lopez left the boy with the relative and fled. Autopsy results show the toddler died from blunt force trauma. In November, Lopez was caught in Mexico, and returned to East Texas.

LONGVIEW – Authorities are looking for the dog that bit a Longview teen. The student was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center for treatment. The teen was said to have been bleeding profusely following the attack around 4:15 Tuesday afternoon in the 200 block of Doyle Street. The dog was said to have been a pit bull.

LONGVIEW – A Gregg County man is one of three persons appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the State Committee of Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments. They are being appointed for terms to expire December 31, 2017. The committee licenses and regulates fitters and dispensers of hearing instruments in Texas.

One of those appointed was Jesus “Jesse” Rangel Jr. of Longview. He is owner of Beltone Hearing Aid Center, and a licensed hearing aid dealer. He is a board member of Texas Hearing Aid Association, and a member of the International Hearing Society and Louisiana Society of Hearing Aid Specialists. He is also a member of the Longview Knights of Columbus and National Rifle Association, and a past member of the Longview chapter of the National Association of American Business Clubs.

Also appointed to the panel were William McCrae of San Antonio and Barbara Willy of Sugar Land.

LONGVIEW — Cargill Trail between LeDuke Boulevard and Hughey Dr. has been temporarily closed to allow for culvert maintenance. The trail will be reopened as soon as the work is complete. Other sections of the Cargill Trail will remain open.

TYLER — The lights could soon be on in the old Tyler Goodyear plant. According to KETK, Tom Mullins with the Tyler Economic Development Council says IRG Industrial bought the building. The company is based in California. It has a history of buying old industrial buildings and re-purposing them. Six different companies had shown interest in buying the Goodyear building since it closed in 2008.

SMITH COUNTY — Two men are shot outside a club in Smith County. Sheriff’s deputies tell KETK two men, ages 20 and 21, were both shot outside the Corner Pocket Club off Indian Trace Road on Monday. One report indicates one of the wounded men was asleep in a car. The other man was hanging around the car when shots were fired. Both of them were taken to a local hospital. No word on any suspects.

TYLER — The Smith County Road and Bridge Department has received several calls about campaign signs placed in the county right of way, Assistant Road and Bridge Administrator Charley Miller said on Tuesday. Miller said that the county right of way consists of the space between utility lines and the road’s edge. Signs placed behind utility lines are considered on private property. “As long as signs are behind power lines, they are on private property and will not be removed,” Miller said. Officials say signs removed from the county right of way will be stored at the county road and bridge office at 1700 West Claude Street in Tyler, until the 2012 election cycle ends. Unclaimed signs will be disposed of immediately after the 2012 election polls close.

QUITMAN — Authorities in Wood County are searching for a brother and sister duo. KETK reports Mandy Nicole Walker is wanted for manufacture, sale, and possession of a controlled substance; and her brother, Calvin Jason Walker, 25, is wanted for assault and family violence. Anyone with info on their whereabouts is urged to call authorities.

LONGVIEW — Two Longview women remained jailed Monday evening after police say they offered to have sex with a man for money, and then they bit and threatened him with a knife while demanding more cash. Longview Police arrested Marie Shunrill Anderson, 25, (pictured) and Samantha Daye Livingston, 19, around 8:00 Sunday night at Texas Lodge in the 1500 block of East Marshall Avenue. The two women offered to have sex with the victim in exchange for money and he accepted.

According to police, the women already had money from the agreed upon “transaction” but were demanding more. The victim also reported that one of the suspects bit him on the forearm during the attack. Anderson and Livingston were arrested after showing officers where the money and knife were stashed. They remained jailed Monday evening on $50,000 bond, charged with aggravated robbery.

SMITH COUNTY — An accident involving a motorcycle leave one man dead. It happened around noon Monday on Bascom Road at FM 848, three miles north east of Whitehouse. Officials said the accident involved 3 vehicles, a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle, a 2006 semi and a 2008 Honda Accord. Authorities said the motorcycle, driven by Derek Simoneaux, 26, Corpus Christi and the Honda were heading southbound when the bike clipped a northbound 18 wheeler coming around the curve. The motorcycle reportedly broke in half and caught on fire. A piece of the motorcycle flew back hitting the Honda Accord, which was driven by the victim’s wife, Maricela Simoneaux. She was not injured.

TYLER – A man has been injured in a one vehicle accident in Tyler. It occurred just before 7:30 Monday night in the 2500 block of the Frankston Highway. Investigators say the man’s pickup left the roadway and rolled into a wooded area on the east side of the road. The driver was taken by private vehicle to East Texas Medical Center for treatment of what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

TYLER — There’s an ongoing debate over vocational education vs. college education, and it’s being renewed as lawmakers check on implementation of the state’s newest standardized test, the STAAR test. According to KETK, some people in Tyler believe their one-track vocational education has served them well. Trade school graduate Brian Manley is the business manager of K&K Electric Company. Manley says, “If you look at the people who are successful, they specialize; they’re the ones that are gettin’ the premium dollar for their services because they know that one thing and they know it well.”

SMITH COUNTY — A man reportedly steals his grandmother’s car and leads officials on a high-speed chase through Smith County. KETK reports it happened just before noon Monday in the Lindale area near County Road 456. Officials with the sheriff’s department say the chase ended when the man drove back to his grandparents’ house and surrendered. He was arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest. There was no immediate word on the suspect’s name.

TYLER — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a Tyler ht-and-run accident. William Earl Bowser, 61, of Tyler, turned himself in to authorities on Monday. Bowser was charged with accident involving personal injury or death, a 3rd degree felony. Bond was set at $3,000.00 He is believed to be the driver of the car that hit Larry Wayne King, 47.

Shortly before 6:15 Saturday evening, officers responded to the intersection of West Gentry Parkway and North Bois D’Arc. They found King lying in the roadway after having been struck by a vehicle. EMS transported King to East Texas Medical Center where his condition is critical and he is being treated for possible life-threatening injuries.

Officers interviewed witnesses at the scene and were advised that King was walking northbound on North Bois D’Arc, attempting to cross Gentry, when he was hit by a car traveling eastbound on West Gentry. The vehicle continued eastbound after striking King, failing to stop for the accident.