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TYLER —Tyler’s sales tax revenues deposited for the month of January have decreased 0.8 percent as compared to January 2011. This has resulted in a 1.66% cumulative year-to-date increase. The reported revenue of $2,688,692 is comprised of $1,792,461 general sales tax revenue and $896,230 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures from the state comptroller’s office represent receipts from November 2011 collections as there is a two-month lag before taxes are reported and remitted back to the City from the State.

“Last month the City saw a 5.34% increase in our revenue collections,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel (pictured). “So to see a decrease this month is very surprising. We are investigating the situation to determine if there has been an anomaly that has resulted in this outcome. However, because our year-to-date increase has not stayed over 3 percent, we will be postponing any employee pay adjustments until such time that the revenues reach the level we had committed to in our annual budget.”

Mayor Barbara Bass believes the January drop is a normal fluctuation. She says such things happen when businesses are being audited by the state comptroller or when settlements make the fraction go up or down. According to Bass, the decrease is “just a pre-holiday adjustment.” She adds, “We’re looking for great things as we continue to move forward and the city continues to grow and just prosper.”

TYLER — Economically, the Tyler area “is looking good right now” according to internationally known economist Dr. Ray Perryman. The Lindale native delivered his annual economic forecast for the Tyler region, the state, and the country during a Thursday luncheon. Perryman cited the local retail sector’s comeback, the amount of commercial development, and the strength of the health care sector. He also remarked that the area is “getting a nice boost from the energy sector” and seeing growth in the distribution industry. In terms of output, Perryman predicts the Tyler economy will grow at a rate of over 4% cent this year, which he terms “very healthy.” Perryman added that the Texas economy is doing well too, “outperforming the nation by a substantial degree.” As for the nation, Perryman says its overall economy “is beginning to see a reasonable rate of recovery.”

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Police identified a man wanted for theft at an intersection Tuesday. According to police officials Landon Gray, 24, of Jacksonville, was caught on tape allegedly stealing a $199 television from the CVS store on South Jackson Street on Monday morning. Sgt. Jason Price said the TVs were located near the checkout area, and Gray walked in, picked on up and walked out with it.

Price said detectives were also able to tie Gray to the theft of a $65 jacket from Atwood’s Monday night. Price said associates in the store were able to take down his license plate number to tie him to the crime. Two counts of organized retail theft will be tacked onto his charge, Price said. He said it is a relatively new charge and bumps a theft charge up one level to a class A misdemeanor..

ANGELINA COUNTY — Lufkin Police investigate what is believed to be the accidental shooting of a 78-year-old woman by her 91-year-old husband in the Stonewood Drive mobile home community off FM 58. According to scanner traffic, the woman was taken to Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin with a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was conscious and alert.

SMITH COUNTY — Firefighters were busy early Thursday morning with a house fire in the Bullard area. Smith County Fire officials said the blaze broke out around 4:00 in the 200 block of Summerset Court. The living room and kitchen of the house were destroyed. Firefighters also say, there was smoke and water damage in the utility room. No word on any injuries or the cause of the blaze. Fire Marshals are still investigating.

TYLER – A teenager has been hospitalized after he was attacked with a baseball bat. Tyler police received a call just before 10:45 Wednesday night of an aggravated assault at an apartment complex at 1600 Rice Road. Cody Mitchell Burris, 19, received head injuries after being hit in the head with the bat. He’s hospitalized at East Texas Medical Center. Tyler police Sgt. Matt Leigeber says his injuries appear to be non life threatening. Arrested on the scene was Michael Colton Strother, 20. He’s been charged with charged with 2nd Degree Felony Aggravated Assault.

SMITH COUNTY – A fire has damaged Pets and Friends, a pet funeral home and crematorium on Highway 110 North. The fire was reported around 4:00 Wednesday afternoon. The fire extensively damaged a rear building and caused heavy smoke damage in the main building. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

And no injuries have been reported in a house fire on Farm Road 850. The house was extensively damaged by Wednesday afternoon’s fire. No one was injured and the cause has yet to be determined.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — An executive with a Canadian company attempting to build a $7 billion pipeline to carry oil from Canada to refineries in Texas says a new route will be proposed soon. Speaking Wednesday in Bismarck, North Dakota, TransCanada’s Alex Pourbaix said that his company would present its amended plan to federal regulators “in a matter of a very few weeks.” The current proposed route takes the pipeline through East Texas, including eastern Smith County.

EAST TEXAS – Two area school superintendents have received new contracts. Tatum ISD Superintendent Dee Hartt has received a one year extension. His contract now runs through January 2017. His annual salary remains $182,000.

And Gladewater School superintendent J.P. Richardson has received a five year contract. The contract now runs through 2017. His annual $125,000 remains unchanged.

TYLER – The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. During this month, the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) works to help women learn the importance of early detection and prevention of HPV and Cervical Cancer, in order to achieve longer, healthier lives.

Women of all ages, from teens to older adults, have a chance of getting cancer of the cervix. Health officials say you can decrease your likelihood of cervical cancer by being screened early and regularly and by lessening your chances of HPV infection, which may include getting the HPV vaccine. Cancer of the cervix can be prevented by getting regular Pap tests, according to health officials, who say the Pap test can find cervical pre-cancers at early, treatable stages.

“This screening is a crucial part of a woman’s health care regimen, yet one that many overlook. Cervical Cancer is the most preventable cancer for women,” says Jonathan MacClements, M.D., Smith County Health Authority. “The best way to lower a woman’s risk of cervical cancer is to get a pap test regularly and speak to their doctor about the HPV test or vaccine.”

According to the Cervical Cancer in Texas 2010 report compiled by DSHS, the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and the Texas Cancer Registry, the highest incidence rates of cervical cancer are found primarily along the Texas-Mexico border and in regions of East Texas.

“Through a partnership with UT Health Science Center Tyler, NET Health refers women for cervical screenings and diagnostics at no charge. The program covers women who are uninsured or underinsured and who meet income guidelines, through a program funded by DSHS,” says Stephanie Taylor, NET Health Director of Community Outreach & Assistance. “It’s the start of a new year and to start the year right, we encourage women in East Texas to have their regular pap tests and to be aware that assistance is available.”

For more information about cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine visit http://www.healthyeasttx.org or call the NET Health Community Outreach & Assistance Department at 903-535-0028.

LONGVIEW — Officials say a hitchhiker has discovered a body as he was walking along the westbound lanes of Interstate Highway 20. The body was found near a concrete barrier not far from Estes Parkway. Gregg County authorities say the body is a white female, but they say they are unable to determine her age or identity. They have sent her body for autopsy. Officials say they are unsure how long the body had been next to the road.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police say a woman and two juvenile boys have been arrested for burglary. It happened around 2:00 yesterday afternoon in the 200 block of Betty Street. That’s when a woman says she came home and found things missing. She noticed a suspicious van outside the house and called police. The van left before the officers arrived, but authorities say it was spotted a short distance away, and was chased for about 8 minutes to the 600 block of 14th Street. The two boys were taken to the Juvenile Detention Center, and the woman was booked into the Gregg County Jail. The woman’s name has not been released. They will all be charged with residential burglary, and the driver of the van will also be charged with evading arrest.

LONGVIEW — Longview police release updated information on a Tuesday burglary. Just before 2:00 Tuesday afternoon, officers responded to a residential burglary that had just occurred in the 200 Block of Betty Drive. The homeowner told police she had seen a white van with Louisiana plates parked by the side of her house. When the homeowner arrived home a short time later she found that her home had been burglarized.

Officers immediately began looking for the van. They located the suspected van in the area of Butler and Hutchings streets. According to a news release, officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not stop, and a short pursuit began. Police say the driver of the van finally stopped in the 600 Block of 14th Street. Police say the driver fled from the van but was apprehended and arrested after a short foot chase.

Four male juveniles, who were still inside the van, were arrested on two charges of burglary of a habitation and transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center. They ranged in age from 13 to 16 years old and were all from Longview. The driver of the van, identified as Nakeyta Sharna Norris, 17, of Longview, was arrested on two charges of burglary of a habitation and evading arrest in a vehicle, and transported to the Gregg County Jail. Officers recovered a large amount of stolen property found inside the van from two separate burglaries that occurred Tuesday.

TYLER — The 28th Annual Economic Forecasts for the United States, Texas, and the Tyler Metropolitan Statistical Area will be presented today by Dr. Ray Perryman. Perryman, a Lindale native, is a renowned economist and president/CEO of The Perryman Group, one of the nation’s leading economic and financial analysis firms. The event takes place at Green Acres Baptist Church’s CrossWalk Conference Center from 11:30am to 1:00pm. It’s presented by the Tyler Economic Development Council and Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce.

LONGVIEW — A teen accused of shooting another teen in Gladewater has been arraigned. Charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury in connection with the Saturday morning shooting was Kari Darryieus Harper, 17, of Gladewater. His bond was set at $75,000. According to KETK, the victim, Nick Johnson, 16, was shot in the face. Harper turned himself in Monday night.

KILGORE — A 78-year-old Kilgore man driving on the wrong side of the road was injured Tuesday evening after striking a sport utility vehicle head-on. According to Department of Public Safety officials, Bob Bolding was traveling south in the northbound lane of Texas 31 near Kilgore at about 6:00 when he struck the SUV.

Officials said Bolding was transported to an area hospital for injuries sustained in the crash, but his condition was not known at last report. The other driver was not injured in the crash. Authorities said Bolding was not under the influence of alcohol when the crash occurred. He was issued a citation for driving on the wrong side of the divided roadway, officials said.

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview teen is arrested on her third D-W-I charge within six months. She allegedly hit speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour before wrecking her vehicle Monday afternoon. Chelsee Goins, 19, was arrested shortly after 12:15 on Interstate Highway 20 in Gregg County after troopers responded to a one-vehicle crash. Trooper Bryan Thurston said Goins “staggered severely and appeared to be extremely disoriented.” Thurston said an empty bottle of cough syrup was found in Goins’ purse.

A blood specimen was taken from Goins at Good Shepherd Medical Center before she was released to the jail. Goins was arrested June 25 for driving while intoxicated and again July 30. Goins remained jailed Tuesday on $20,000 bond.

LONGVIEW — A Longview toddler whose skull was fractured and teeth were knocked out will probably be in a vegetative state the rest of her life, according to officials. Meanwhile, the mother accused of injuring her daughter has been released from Gregg County Jail after posting $100,000 bond. Cynthia Cecilia Gonzalez, 26, was arrested Thursday on a felony charge of injury to a child with intent for serious bodily injury. Longview police launched an investigation December 26 after Aura Delgado, 2, arrived at the hospital with a fractured skull, several missing teeth, multiple bruises and bleeding on the brain.

Two of the toddler’s siblings told detectives Gonzalez refused to take the injured child to a hospital until the family had finished eating and opening Christmas presents. Gonzalez told detectives Aura was injured by falling out of bed, but a medical evaluation indicated the child’s injuries were not consistent with the mother’s explanation.

RUSK – The chairperson of Cherokee County’s Republican Committee has been arrested. KETK is reporting that Steven Looney, 56, was arrested Monday. He is currently free on a $20,000 bond. Jail records show Looney is charged with theft by a public servant and tampering with government records. The charges are said not to stem from his duties with the Republican Party, but as a result of his employment with adult protective services.

LONGVIEW – Funeral services are pending for longtime area coach Ken Little. The 60 year old Little died Tuesday following a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. He was first diagnosed with it in 2009.

Little’s final game, of his 37 year career, was December 10, 2010. As defensive coordinator, he helped the Henderson Lions defeat Chapel Hill 28-21 in the Class 3A Division I state championship game. Among his other coaching stops were Rains, Gladewater, Big Sandy and Beckville.

HENDERSON – By unanimous vote, the Henderson City Council has approved allowing Brookshire Brothers Grocery Store to sell alcohol. The action came Tuesday night following a discussion of about twenty minutes. Originally the store wasn’t allowed to do so because they are fewer than three hundred feet from Henderson Middle School.

TYLER — Thanks to New Year’s resolutions, this is a time of year when many take to the gym to get in shape. That’s why it’s important to remember gym etiquette, according to Tyler fitness instructor Natalie Curry. She says, “Especially in peak hours, like about 5:00 or in the early mornings, put away the stuff you take out, like your dumbbells or your benches — anything like that.” Also, she tells KETK, don’t hog the equipment, use a towel, re-rack your weights, and wipe down the machines after you use them. Fitness experts say the rush will end soon, though, as people slack off on those resolutions.

TYLER — Fire has caused considerable damage to a Tyler home. The two-alarm blaze, just before 1:45 Tuesday afternoon, was at 606 NNW Loop 323. The initial call was received at 1:40 p.m. Upon arrival, fire crews reported heavy smoke coming from the residence and called for the 2nd alarm. Five engines and one Ladder Company, along with a district chief and an investigator, responded to the scene.

It is believed the fire originated near a sofa in the living room. The structure suffered heavy fire damage in the room where the fire started and heavy smoke damage in the rest of the house. Investigators with the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office continue their investigation into the cause of the fire.

TYLER – The Tyler Independent School District continues efforts to seek public feedback on the district’s long range plan. Tyler ISD Superintendent, Dr. Randy Reid, will present the proposed plan at community meetings on Tuesday, January 17, at John Tyler High School, and Wednesday, January 18, at Robert E. Lee High School. “Presenting the proposed long range plan to the public is the next step in a year-long process to work with our community to update our facilities and prepare Tyler ISD for an expected 2,500 additional students by the year 2020,” Reid stated. “Our school board has worked diligently to put this plan together, and we feel it will help us accomplish our goals to support academic progress and create financial efficiencies.”

Over the past year, the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees and Tyler ISD administrators researched best practices from around the state and worked with the Tyler community to develop a plan to improve district facilities and prepare the district for the future. “The Board of Trustees greatly appreciates the community feedback we have received throughout this long range planning process,” Michelle Carr, Board President, said. “We hope community members will continue to show their support for our schools by attending these meetings and sharing their thoughts with us.” Dr. Reid will present the feedback received at the community meetings to the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, January 19.

Community meeting information is listed below:

Tuesday, January 17
6:30 p.m.
John Tyler High School Theater
1120 NNW Loop 323
Tyler, TX

Wednesday, January 18
6:30 p.m.
Robert E. Lee High School
Fine Arts Center
411 ESE Loop 323
Tyler, TX

LUFKIN — A Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Deputy crashes his squad car. KETK reports it happened Monday morning, and the lawman was pinned in the wreckage. The Lufkin Daily News reports it happened along highway 59 North in Angelina County when the deputy lost of his car during heavy rain. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries.

HENDERSON — Rusk County Sheriff Danny R. Pirtle has returned to his job duties. In November, 2011, Sheriff Pirtle had successful heart bypass surgery, and a month later, he underwent a second surgery when the doctors discovered a shift in his sternum. This surgery set him back for two more months, and that was when he and his family made the decision not to run for re-election in 2012. According to KETK and Sheriff’s Department press materials, Sheriff Pirtle is doing well and is thankful he is able to return and fulfill his commitment to the term for which he was elected.

Sheriff Pirtle stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support during this trying time. It has been an uphill battle and I will recover completely. May God bless you all.”

AUSTIN (AP) – A Texas Senate committee is examining how current and future drought conditions might hurt the state’s capacity to generate electricity and could leave some areas without enough power. The Senate’s Business and Commerce Committee on has begun to analyze response plans and identify parts of Texas that may be affected by a lack of power production capacity. A member of the committee is Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler.

Planners are rushing to approve coal-fired power plants, expand nuclear facilities, create more wind power, build transmission lines and extract natural gas to meet the rising demands of the state’s growing population. Vast amounts of water, however, are often necessary to generate electricity. The worst single-year drought in Texas history has made water scarce, prompting residents in some parts of the state to oppose new projects and even take utilities to court.

Trip Doggett, president of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, told senators that the drought probably won’t cause significant shortfalls through the end of this year but could have severe impacts on energy production if it lasts into 2013.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville police and animal control believe they have caught the last adult pit bull in a pack that has been terrorizing a local Jacksonville neighborhood on Friday. Officials said the last pit bull was the original mother of the pack, and there have been reports she had four brown puppies, approximately three to four months old, around Harrison Street. Officials said the puppies are less dangerous than adults, but they are still feral. They could bite and may have diseases. Officials said if anyone spots them to call the department.

Officials said this is the same group that has attacked goats in the neighborhood and attempted to attack a 3-year-old girl on Harrison Street December 28. After that incident, traps were set in the area and two were caught. While loading up the cages, officer Tim McDonald shot a third roaming around the area, leaving police to believe one was left.

LONGVIEW — A family was displaced from their central Longview home after an electrical fire. It happened on the 600 block of North Fredonia Street shortly after1:45 Monday afternoon in connection with a residential structure fire. Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary said three people were in the home when the fire started. No injuries were reported.

Zackary said a fuse had blown, and about 15 minutes after the resident replaced the fuse, a fire ignited. He said the house received about $5,000 worth of damage, but the residents left because the electricity in the home had to be cut off.

HARRISON COUNTY — One of the peace officers officer hired by the Hallsville Police Department this past week is facing the grievance phase of his termination from Longview Police Department. Paul Montoya, 32, was hired as a patrol officer with Hallsville to fill one of the three vacant positions opened after the mayor fired the police chief and two officers and the lone remaining officer resigned.

City of Longview spokesman Shawn Hara said Montoya was employed as a patrol officer from August 1, 2005 to December 15, 2011 when he was terminated. Hara did not elaborate about the termination because it is in the “grievance phase,” in which a panel of employees will hear what Montoya has to say in regards to the termination, he said.

Montoya was among two who were hired to fill vacant positions within the department this past week.