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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.

TYLER — The Literacy Council of Tyler stages a happy reunion and looks for a big financial return when it hosts former First Lady Barbara Bush for a Celebration of Literacy today. The noon luncheon at Harvey Convention Center features Mrs. Bush as the keynote speaker, with proceeds benefiting the Literacy Council. This month marks the 15-year anniversary of Mrs. Bush’s last visit. She spoke at a celebration for literacy in January 1997.

“When Mrs. Bush spoke to our community 15 years ago, we were a small organization and there was limited awareness of illiteracy in Tyler,” said Nancy Crawford, executive director of Literacy Council of Tyler. “We’ve gone from serving 600 students per year to about 2,500 students per year, and really feel like much of our success is thanks to Mrs. Bush. We are so honored to have her back.”

Mrs. Bush started The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy more than 20 years ago. It has awarded over $42 million to support the development and expansion of 960 family literacy programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

WHITEHOUSE — State Representative Leo Berman is ill and hospitalized. Berman did not attend today’s question and answer session at Whitehouse United Methodist Church, according to Whitehouse Chamber of Commerce officials. Berman is running against Matt Schaeffer in the GOP primary for the District 6 seat, and both men were scheduled to appear today at the church. KETK reports that Berman’s family asks for his privacy at this time. Schaeffer released the following statement Monday:

“I have been informed that Rep. Berman is under the weather and will not be able to attend the Whitehouse Chamber of Commerce Q&A session (Tuesday). According to a representative with the Chamber, the event will proceed with a modified format. They will allow me time to say a few words and take some questions. We pray Rep. Berman gets to feeling better soon.”

JACKSONVILLE – A Jacksonville man is facing additional drug charges. Last Wednesday, Kevin Wade Gray, 30, was stopped for a traffic violation. Officers found 2 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, assorted packaging material and $1,370. Gray was transported to Cherokee County Jail and charged with Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance. The following day he was arraigned by Judge Grimes and bond was set at $20,000 for the 2nd degree felony.

Within an hour of making his bond on January 20th, and leaving Cherokee County Jail, Investigators received information that Gray had more narcotics at his residence located at 2209 King Street in Jacksonville. Investigators and Deputies went to his home while a new search warrant for the residence was obtained. As they arrived, Gray also arrived. He was approached about the other narcotics, which he denied having, and left the residence on foot.

In the house investigators and deputies found 26.8 grams of methamphetamine and less than 2 ounces of marijuana. The 2004 Ford pickup truck that Gray had been driving was also seized. Charges are currently pending based on the narcotics found at the residence.

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview man and a Harleton teen were killed in a one-vehicle weekend crash after the driver swerved to miss an animal. Department of Public Safety officials said Jason Daniel Yaws, 15, and Andrew Philip Foster, 21, were pronounced dead at the scene. Foster’s brother, a passenger, was injured in the crash. According to the Longview News-Journal, DPS spokeswoman Sylvia Jennings said Foster was traveling eastbound on State Highway 154 shortly before 12:45 Saturday morning when the accident occurred. Jennings said Foster’s Chevy Malibu crossed into westbound traffic, then over-corrected and crossed back into the eastbound lane. The car struck a culvert, went airborne and struck a tree.

Foster’s brother, Aaron, and Yaws were passengers in the vehicle. Aaron Foster, 15, was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, where he was listed in stable condition with minor injuries, she said. Yaws was a student at New Hope Baptist Church Academy in Diana.

LUFKIN — Etech, a Nacogdoches-based call center company and business process outsourcer, plans to add 150 workers at its Lufkin location in the next 30 days. Director of Recruiting, Roby Somerford, said Etech’s clients, which include Fortune 500 companies, are giving the company more work assisting with inbound and outbound customers service, technical support and sales lead generation.

According to Somerford, the new positions are full-time, permanent entry-level positions with an hourly pay rate of $8-$9 to start. Training would last a week or two, depending on the campaign, which includes DeVry University and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle’s MyPlates. There are also higher pay opportunities for those with bilingual skills and those willing to work on weekends, he said.

Applicants can go to the company’s website at http://www.etechtexas.com, he said, then receive a confirming email. Applicants will then receive a pre-screening call which could result in an on-site interview which will also include a grammar, computer and typing test.

GREGG COUNTY — No arrests have been made in connection with a stolen pickup that was found partially submerged in the Sabine River Saturday afternoon. Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano said sheriff’s deputies were called to Farm Road 2087 in connection with a vehicle that was partially submerged in the river. According to KETK, Cerliano said the vehicle, which belonged to a Harrison County business, originally didn’t return stolen, because it had just been reported missing in Harrison County. “To my knowledge, no one has been arrested at this time,” Cerliano said.

LONGVIEW –- A Longview man is facing a variety of charges after leading police on a chase. The suspect, James Eric Smelley, 26, is said to have stolen a truck around 1:30 Sunday afternoon. He hit a couple of cars and a boat when he ran a red light at the intersection of McCann Road and U.S. Highway 80. After going through the intersection Smelley reportedly hit two more cars. He then led officers on a brief foot chase before being caught. No injuries were reported. The suspect was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Smelley is charged with evading arrest in a vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, theft of a motor vehicle, and accident involving damage. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail.

LUFKIN (AP/Staff) – The trial is approaching for a former Lufkin dialysis nurse accused of killing five patients by injecting them with bleach. Jury selection is first on the agenda this week for Kimberly Saenz, 38, who faces the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. Picking a jury is expected to take several weeks. Authorities arrested Saenz in April 2009. They say two witnesses saw her pour bleach into syringes and traces of it were found in dialysis machine tubing. Authorities say five other patients were also injected with bleach but survived. Saenz’s attorney says she’s being blamed for the clinic’s mistakes.

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

SMITH COUNTY — Construction crews working on Segment 3A of Toll 49 are scheduled to briefly halt traffic on State Highway 31 and State Highway 155 in the next few weeks while bridge beams are placed over the roadways. Crews are scheduled to be at work on SH 31 at Toll 49 west of Tyler on Thursday and Friday, January 26-27, with similar work at SH 155 and Toll 49 south of Tyler on Monday and Tuesday, January 30-31.

Traffic will be stopped only while beams are lifted over the roadway and positioned on the columns, but the delays may be lengthy while individual beams are being lifted into place. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to stop in this area, and to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

Segment 3A of Toll 49 runs between SH 155 south of Tyler to SH 31 west of Tyler, connecting the existing segments of Toll 49 between Farm Road 756 (Paluxy Drive) and Segment 3B, which is being built by the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority. Segment 3B, which will connect SH 31 with Interstate Highway20, is scheduled for completion in 2013, according to the NETRMA. Segment 3A is scheduled for completion in 2012. The eastern-most segment of Toll 49, known as Segment 5, will connect Farm Road 756 with State Highway 110 near Whitehouse and is scheduled for completion in 2012.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on eastbound Interstate Highway 20 between State Highway 31 and the Harrison County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

MOUNT ENTERPRISE — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to resume pavement-repair operations on U.S. Highway 259 in Mount Enterprise. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs on Farm Road 2422 between U.S. Highway 80 and Farm Road 1804 near Hoard. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 1995 between State Highway 110 near Garden Valley and Farm Road 314 south of Van. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on State Highway 110 between New Summerfield and Troup, and south of Rusk. Also, crews are scheduled to level-up approaches to bridges on U.S. Highway 79 between Jacksonville and the Rusk County line, and in various locations on Farm Road 2064 between State Highway 135 in Tecula and State Highway 135 south of Troup. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Farm Road 321 between U.S. Highway 287 in Tennessee Colony and State Highway 19 in Montalba, and edge repairs on Farm Road 321 between State Highway 155 Mound Prairie and Farm Road 2574 in Neches. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A congressman who represents much of East Texas has given the Republicans’ weekly media message. President Obama delivers the State of Union address tomorrow night. But Republican Congressman Jeb Hensarling is skeptical the president can keep his promises to make things better. And Hensarling also took at shot at the Senate, saying, “As the president takes to the podium to address the nation, we will be marking 1,000 days since the Democrat-controlled Senate has even bothered to pass a budget.” Hensarling used the weekly GOP media address over the weekend to say that Obama’s policies “haven’t just failed to make the economy better, they have actually made it worse.”

TYLER — The Tyler Longriders are a local motorcycle club known for their involvement in community charities, mainly concerning children, such as Toys for Tots. But this past December, the club decided to hold an auction to help those who saved their clubhouse this past summer. The fundraiser was held over the weekend; the three fire departments that benefited were Chapel Hill, Jackson Heights, and East Arp. The clubhouse was one of the many structures that had been threatened by wildfires, but due to the help of men like Jackson Heights Captain Russell Young, their building was saved. Young says, “It’s good to have people that’ll back you up, that’ll support you.” The club told KETK that it raised just over $5,000, donating almost $1,700 to each of the three fire departments.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler’s online graduate and doctoral nursing programs have received national recognition from U.S. News & World Report. According to Dr. Linda Klotz, College of Nursing and Health Sciences dean, out of 458 institutions surveyed, the publication ranks UT Tyler in the top three in Teaching Practices and Student Engagement. This ranking examines how supportive the university programs are of students and recognizes strategies to ensure class participation in an online environment. The achievement puts UT Tyler among major universities such as Yale University, the University of Florida, Arizona State University, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Kansas.

“I am so pleased that our online graduate nursing programs have received this national recognition. We have always been leaders in the use of innovative technology and teaching methods, and we lead the state in conversion to online graduate nursing education. To be recognized nationally validates the programs’ effectiveness and that our efforts have paid off,” said Dr. Susan Yarbrough, associate dean of graduate nursing programs.

“The national recognition is validation of our conscientious efforts to engage students through multiple avenues, which has been a priority for us,” said Dr. Barbara Haas, doctoral nursing program director. “The impressive ranking is due to the efforts of numerous individuals and departments, including our instructional design department, technology support team and the nursing faculty.”

Four categories are considered, including admission selectivity, faculty credentials and training, teaching practices and student engagement, and student services and technology, in which UT Tyler also ranked in the top 50. The UT Tyler master’s and doctoral programs currently enroll 200 students and 56 students, respectively.

TYLER — The investigation continues after Tyler police arrested a man for alleged aggravated assault. Shortly after 4:00 Saturday morning, officers were dispatched to 320 East Berta in reference to a disturbance. When officers arrived on scene, Octavio Salas Jr., 26, was arrested for allegedly pointing a shotgun at three women and three children who were in a vehicle trying to leave the area. Police say the suspect lives in the back side of the duplex located at 320 East Berta, while the victims live in the front side of the duplex. An investigator was called to the scene to obtain a search warrant on the suspect’s residence.

TYLER — An Anonymous Donor to Discovery Science Place has agreed to match monetary gifts from the community up to $10,000. The catch: all donations must be received by January 31, 2012. Matching funds must be in the form of a donation; memberships or admissions to the museum are not included. A donation form is available at http://www.discoveryscienceplace.org and can be emailed to [email protected]. Donations can also be made by credit card by calling (903) 533-8011 x28 or in person by visiting the museum located at 308 North Broadway in Tyler.

KILGORE – A change at the top was made when the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) Board of Directors met Wednesday afternoon at the Kilgore Economic Development Council. The meeting started off by the swearing in of the new chair of the board, Linda Thomas. Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt conducted the ceremony and thanked Thomas, the board, and former Chairman Jeff Austin III for their service to transportation in Northeast Texas. Judge Stoudt also swore in another new member to the NET RMA board, Gaylon White. White was newly appointed to the Board. Hailing from Harrison County, he has served previously on the NET RMA board.

TYLER — Officials with Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics announced that Joyce Anne Hester, CPA, has been elevated to Senior Vice President and System Chief Financial Officer. Hester has served as the System’s Vice President of Financial Operations since 2004. Since joining Trinity Mother Frances in 1982, Hester has served in several capacities including Administrative Director of Business Services, controller and accounting manager.

“During her 30 years of service, Joyce has played a pivotal role in the growth of Trinity Mother Frances and in the expansion of the services we provide. As we celebrate Trinity Mother Frances’ 75th year of service in 2012, I have full confidence that her financial leadership and commitment to the community will position our organization for an exceptional next 75,” said Lindsey Bradley, FACHE, president, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics.

GRAPEVINE (AP/Staff) – The late Carmage Walls, who formed two companies that now operate 11 Texas newspapers, was among four newspaper people inducted Friday into the Texas Newspaper Foundation Hall of Fame for 2012. Under the management of Walls’ widow, Martha Ann Walls, and daughter Lissa Walls Vahldiek, those companies today own and operate 15 newspaper operations, including The Lufkin Daily News and The Daily Sentinel of Nacogdoches.

TYLER – A 38-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to to failure to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Jose Eleazar Gamaz, also known as Jose Eliazar Gamez, also known as Jose Gamaz-Gonzalez, pleaded guilty in Tyler on Jan. 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie. According to authorities, in March 1997, Gamaz was convicted of a sexual assault in Colorado which required his registration as a sex offender. In 2008, Gamaz moved to Athens, Texas, without notifying authorities and updating his registration as a sex offender. Gamaz was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 2, 2011, and charged with federal violations. Gamaz faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — Smith County was awarded a certificate of compliance for receiving high marks in cleanliness and safety during its annual inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards on January 18. Commission Inspector Robert Green said Smith County passed its surprise inspection without any deficiencies in the more than 650 compliance areas checked, including cell cleanliness, secure lock systems, proper medical screening of prisoners, proper staff training, adequate shower and toilet facilities and sanitary food preparation within the jail system.

“We are very proud to receive a report completely absent of deficiencies. I think it shows all of our staff members are working together to maintain a high standard of cleanliness, health, safety and organization,” Chief Deputy Bobby Garmon said. Chief Garmon also remarked that Smith County’s record of positive inspections is notable because it has been done with the additional burden of transporting inmates in and out of the county due to overcrowding. “It really shows the leadership and managerial skills of one of the best jail administrators in the state,” Chief Garmon added about Jail Administrator Chief Deputy Gary Pinkerton and the Smith County jail staff.

Pinkerton said passing the jail inspection is a “testimony of teamwork that consists of the detention staff, the maintenance staff, the medical staff, kitchen staff and the supervisory staff that take pride in the operation of a detention facility.”

Smith County manages an average of 700 inmates, both male and female on a daily basis. Of the 355 people employed by the Sheriff’s Office, 216 work in jail services. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards is also responsible for making sure all Texas jails have an up to date evacuation plan, and a working procedure to process inmate grievances.

HOUSTON (AP) – Tyler is included in an exercise scheduled across Texas by the Civil Air Patrol to brush up on skills used in emergency operations like Hurricane Ike. Details of the Jan. 28-29 exercise were announced Friday, with plans for many of the state’s more than 3,400 volunteer members to take part. The command post will be at David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport in Spring. Incident command posts are planned in Tyler, Dallas, Denton, Odessa, San Antonio, west Houston, and Victoria.

Maj. Risher Lewis says air and ground teams will train on missions usually associated with responses to natural disasters, missing people, or downed aircraft. Aerial photography also plays a role. Lewis says the CAP, when Ike hit in September 2008, flew more than 350 missions and provided about 40,000 high-definition photos for damage assessment.

TYLER — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) reminds drivers that a portion of Smith County Road 412 will be permanently closed as of Friday, Jan. 20. Officials say the design/build contractor of Toll 49, CH2M Hill, is coming along in the construction on Segment 3B. The construction has moved to the north end of the project, where CR 412 is to be closed. There have been static message signs placed to remind drivers, area residents, and businesses of the impending closure. Officials say CH2M Hill is on schedule with the construction of Toll 49 Segment 3B and an opening to traffic is anticipated in early 2013.

TYLER — Carrier announced to employees Friday morning a proposal to close their Tyler plant pending a collective bargaining agreement with the union. Carrier officials said the plant will continue operation through at least 2013. Bargaining could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. According to KETK, employees would receive separation benefits if the plant closes, and would keep scholarships awarded through work. Operations would shift to Monterrey, Mexico. A total of 500 employees would be affected.

SMITH COUNTY — A man is arrested shortly after his truck flipped into Lake Palestine. It happened just before 9:00 Thursday night at the Villages Marina on Big Eddy Road. Noonday Fire officials tell KETK the driver of the truck decided to drive out onto a pier. The pier reportedly gave way and caused the truck to fall into the lake. The driver of the truck was given a sobriety test at the scene and then taken into custody. The driver has been identified as 36-year old Matthew Wayne King. King is charged with driving while intoxicated. His bond is set at $500.

TYLER — Barbara Bass announced today her plan to seek re-election as mayor of Tyler. Mayor Bass was first elected in May 2008.

SMITH COUNTY — Authorities have released the identity of a man killed in an accident Thursday in eastern Smith County. Smith County Pct. 4 JP Mitch Shamburger tells KETK the victim was traveling west on Highway 31 from Kilgore to Tyler. According to authorities, the man, identified as Michael Paz, 26, Kilgore, was passing a car at a high rate of speed as he wove in and out of traffic. Authorities say he realized he wasn’t going to make the pass, so he tried to get back into his lane, but over-corrected and clipped a car, sending him head-on into a Jeep. Shamburger pronounced Paz dead at the scene.

It is unknown if alcohol was involved in the wreck. A toxicology report has been ordered. Officials say Paz was wearing a seat belt. His body has been sent to the Rader funeral home in Kilgore.

TYLER — There’s still plenty of disagreement over President Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Congressman Louie Gohmert told KETK he’s not the least bit happy. Gohmert says the move comes “at a time when we have so many people needing work, we’re spending so much for unemployment, and this would create tens of thousands of jobs directly.” Gohmert also says the president’s decision will mean increased oil and gas costs.

TYLER — Some East Texas reaction after Governor Perry drops out of the presidential race. Smith County Republican Party Chair Ashton Oravetz tells KETK it just wasn’t meant to be. Oravetz says, “You know, there were two things that did it. One was his Dream Act, because the number two issue in this election was immigration.” Oravetz says Perry’s decline in the polls can be tied to some of the things in the Dream Act. Oravetz adds, “Then he had disastrous debate performances on top of that, and that about sealed it.” Perry has thrown his support behind Newt Gingrich.

KILGORE — Kilgore College President Dr. Bill Holda announces that KC and Texas A&M University—Texarkana have signed an articulation agreement. Officials from the two schools met in Kilgore Jan. 18 to sign a Reciprocal Articulation Agreement that will offer students at KC and A&M—Texarkana access to more enhanced educational opportunities. The agreement, signed by Holda and A&M—Texarkana President Dr. C.B. Rathburn III, is effective through August 31, 2014.

Holda said he believes the agreement will serve as a benefit to students. “Kilgore College has much to gain by working with the colleges in our region for the benefit of our students,” Holda said. “The articulation with A&M—Texarkana will provide our students with additional options as they try to seamlessly further their educational objectives. I knew President Rathburn when he was president at Galveston College and he very clearly understands the world of the community college and the value which transfer students bring to the university environment.”

Rathburn said that officials at A&M—Texarkana are also very excited about the agreement. “Texas A&M University—Texarkana is honored to be in partnership with Kilgore College to open an affordable new pathway for KC students to complete their bachelor’s and advanced degrees in an exciting new campus environment,” Rathburn said.

The objectives of the agreement are:

· To transition qualified students from KC to A&M—Texarkana and from A&M–Texarkana back to KC to promote the completion of the Associate’s Degree at KC.
· To ensure, through clear communication, the efficient and orderly movement of students from KC to A&M—Texarkana, while promoting continuous advancement in learning.
· To provide specific advisement for all students at KC who intend to pursue a degree at A&M—Texarkana.
· To establish academic and administrative coordination between KC and A&M—Texarkana and the exchange of evaluative information on the outcomes of the program, with the goal of continuous improvement.

Furthermore, the agreement will enable Kilgore College and A&M—Texarkana to jointly facilitate and support consultation and collaboration between their facilities related to the agreement, general education, degree requirements and other academic matters. The intent of the agreement is to encourage completion of the associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. It will encourage KC students to complete an associate degree under the terms of the agreement after transfer to A&M—Texarkana.

SMITH COUNTY — One teenager has been killed and two others injured in a one vehicle wreck in Smith County. It happened just after 9:00 Wednesday night on County Road 1178, near Highway 155, just South of FM 2661.

The Noonday Fire Department responded to the call and said the vehicle was completely in flames when they arrived. Officials said the accident involved two girls and one boy. According to KETK, the car veered off the road and into the woods, then burst into flames. Authorities believe speed was a factor in the crash. A man on the scene says the girl who died was pinned inside the vehicle, and that he tried to get her out but was unsuccessful. No word if the teens were wearing their seat belts.

The teen who died has been identified as 17-year-old Brytnie Stithem, a junior at Robert E. Lee High School. The two others involved in the accident are identified as C.J. Wilkerson and Brandon Page. Conditions of C.J. and Brandon are unknown at this time.

Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, Brytnie Leah Stithem. Our sympathy goes out to her family, friends, and classmates. We understand that many students will need time to heal, and we have counselors available to help students through this difficult time.”