KTBB News, Weather, Talk

KILGORE — Three people are injured in a Kilgore ISD school bus accident. Viki Penny with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Department tells KETK it happened on Highway 259 around 5:00 Wednesday afternoon. Although children were on the school bus, Penny says none of them were hurt. The driver of the school bus, and two persons in the other vehicle, were taken to the hospital for treatment.

TYLER — A copper theft is nipped in the bud in Tyler. It happened around noon Wednesday in the 2000 block of Church Avenue. Tyler police tell KETK some residents caught the suspect attempting to take some metal from their property. They called police, who were able to catch the man in the act. According to police, the citizens said they’ve had a lot of metal theft occurring in their back yard. The man was issued a ticket and told he would be arrested if he ever goes back to the scene.

LONGVIEW — More than 100 employees of Longview’s Bemis plastics plant have been told the local plant is shutting down and their jobs are being cut. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Bemis officials announced to employees early this week the company will be shutting down its Longview plant, where they said 109 people are employed, according to Melanie Miller, vice president and treasurer of the Wisconsin-headquartered company.

The company is taking a look at all operations and is trying to improve efficiency, Miller said. Officials said Bemis is working with the Longview Economic Development Corp. in an attempt at offering employees new work. Miller said the closing will be phased out over a period of several months, probably beginning in March with a final shutdown date of May 31.

LONGVIEW — CPS officials tell our news partner KETK more than $20,000 in gifts for foster children in the Longview area have been stolen. The gifts were purchased with donations to the Child Welfare Board and were bought by volunteer shoppers. Several big ticket items were included in the gifts, such as iPods and TVs. The gifts were being kept in a storage room until they were to be delivered to the foster care families in the area, but the room was broken into. CPS says their donations to the children will fall short this year because of the theft. Longview Police are investigating the incident.

TYLER — Smith County firefighters were able to contain a fire Wednesday, but not before a mobile home was destroyed. Officials tell KETK it happened on the 9300 block of County Road 385, which is also known as Old Longview Rd. Officials say the fire was caused by a space heater.

TYLER — A propane heater is the apparent cause of a house fire Wednesday morning in Tyler at 2410 Old Omen road. The initial caller said there was smoke coming from the house. That call was received at 9:30. Three engines and one ladder company, along with a district chief and an investigator, responded to the scene. The fire was contained to one room of the house, but smoke damage was throughout. Apparently the fire was caused by a propane heater that was left on in a room.

TYLER — A settlement is reached in the case of an East Texas constable accused of sexual harassment. Smith County Precinct 5 Constable Dennis Taylor was alleged to have harassed a deputy, and then fired her when his advances were refused. According to KETK, the 12-page complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in Tyler. The woman’s attorney was not allowed to describe the terms of the settlement.

RUSK COUNTY — A West Rusk ISD bus was involved in an accident Wednesday morning on Highway 64. Rusk County Sheriff officials said a driver ran into the back of the bus. Six children were on the bus at the time but no one was injured. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to East Texas Medical Center in Henderson with minor injuries.

WINNSBORO — Wood County DPS reports that a man was killed in a rollover about 14 miles south of Winnsboro. Cody Caffey, 26, Winnsboro, was driving southbound on County Road 2869 around 12:30 Wednesday morning when his truck ran off the road and rolled. The wreck is under investigation. Reports say Caffey was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

JACKSONVILLE — An execution date for a Cherokee County man convicted of capital murder was set Monday for March 8, 2012. Beunka Adams was convicted and sentenced to death in August 2004 for the kidnapping and execution-style murder of Kenneth Vandever and the shooting and sexually assault of two BDJ’s convenience store clerks in 2002.

On that night, Adams and accomplice Richard Cobb, also sentenced to death in 2004, allegedly entered BDJ’s and robbed customer Kenneth Vandever, 24, and fatally shot him in the head, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He then allegedly robbed, kidnapped, sexually assaulted and eventually shot two female clerks. Both clerks survived.

According to testimony presented in court by Cobb in 2004, the two met in the ninth grade at a probation boot camp in Jacksonvillle, and began committing burglaries together in 2001.

HUNTINGTON — A two-vehicle accident in Angelina County has claimed the life of a Zavalla City Council member. It happened just outside of Huntington on Highway 69 south. John Wayne DuBose, 54, of Zavalla, was pronounced dead just before 7:30 Tuesday night at Memorial Medical Center, Lufkin.

DuBose was riding his Yamaha motorcycle southbound on Highway 69 when a truck, driven by Jade Smith, of Huntington, traveling east on FM 844, failed to yield right-of-way and struck DuBose, according to DPS. DuBose was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, according to DPS. Dubose, a maintenance worker, became a Zavalla City Council member after running unopposed in May.

TYLER – Tyler school officials gathered to dedicate the recent renovations to Birdwell Elementary School. The ceremony was held at the school on South Talley Avenue Tuesday night.

Between June 2010 and August 2011, all of the classrooms were renovated and updated with current technological advancements. The renovations also included a new entry area, music room, art room, gymnasium, cafeteria, and kitchen, as well as a remodeled auditorium and expanded library. In addition, two enclosed courtyards were added and the entire exterior play area was fenced, which provides a safe place for students to enjoy the outdoors on campus.

Birdwell Elementary School was originally built in 1949, and the current renovations honored the history of the building. For example, the original hardwood floors salvaged and utilized as much as possible and much of the existing auditorium remains intact. All of the renovations utilized existing spaces on the campus.

TYLER — Smith County is one of few government entities nation-wide to receive the 2011 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Purchasing Institute. This prestigious award is earned by those entities that demonstrate excellence, innovation, professionalism, productivity and leadership in their procurement practices.

“We have worked with the Commissioners Court to implement a lot of good procedures,” Smith County Purchasing Director Kelli Davis said. “This is a great honor for the County.”

NPI member and Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA) President Kay Foster presented the award to Smith County during Commissioners Court on Tuesday.

“This award is based on performance measures and best practices. Mrs. Davis and the Smith County Purchasing Team have gone above and beyond to provide the best and most efficient purchasing procedures to the citizens of Smith County,” Mrs. Foster said.

In addition to the prestigious national award received by Smith County Purchasing Department, Mrs. Davis is also the recipient of the 2011 Presidential Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service to TxPPA, an award she has received two years in a row for her service as a Board Member and chair of three committees.

AUSTIN — Governor Rick Perry has appointed Linda Ryan Thomas of Longview as presiding officer of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority. The appointment is for a term to expire February 1, 2012. Regional mobility authorities allow local communities to develop regional transportation priorities, and accelerate development and financing for critical transportation projects.

Thomas is partner at Butter-Ryan Partners Ltd., and past vice chair of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority. She is treasurer of the Good Shepherd Medical Center Foundation, a member of the University of Texas (UT) Liberal Arts Council, and a member and scholarship chair of the UT Tyler Longview University Center Development Council. She is also a board member and development chair of the Kilgore College Foundation, and a board member and past president of the East Texas Area Council Boy Scouts of America Foundation.

Thomas received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas.

LUFKIN – A former bookkeeper at a Lufkin veterinary clinic has pleaded guilty to stealing money from the office. Melissa Suzanne McCleskey, 33, had been accused of stealing over $350,000 from the business. Following a pre-sentencing investigation, McCleskey will be sentenced in January. She could get up to life in prison. An audit of the business led to the discovery of the missing funds and falsified documents.

JACKSONVILLE – Pay checks have been late again at Lon Morris College. School officials say the tough economic times have caused the problem. Lon Morris College President, Dr. Miles McCall told KETK-TV that employees have known since September that the school would be facing some challenges this month.

He said the school did receive a $90,000 gift Tuesday, which he said would speed up the accounts payable process. And McCall said the rumors that the school may soon be forced to close is simply not true.

In a statement from his office, Dr. McCall said, “Over the past year, we had to overcome a few challenges including delayed payrolls. December is always a time when cash flow is slow and expense increase due in part to increased utilities and maintenance as we approach the winter months.”

TYLER — Three people were taken into custody Tuesday on the 1500 block of South Vine Avenue after shots were fired at a local tattoo parlor Tuesday afternoon. According to a witness, a gold Chevrolet pickup drove by, and someone in the vehicle shot the 13th Step Tattoo Shop in the 2100 block of East 5th Street. According to a relative of the owner, the shots were fired in retaliation. The relative claims another newly opened tattoo parlor called the 13th Step Tattoo Shop 10 minutes prior to the shooting and stated they were on their way to attack them. The 5th Street parlor was unoccupied at the time of the shooting.

One suspect was identified as Steven Dewayne Ratliff, 24, of Tyler, who is pictured. Ratliff was charged with deadly conduct, prohibited weapon, possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying weapon. John Currier, 40, of Tyler was arrested for a parole violation out of California. The third person has not been charged at this time. The case remains under investigation.

TYLER — A 56-year-old Garland, Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal charges in east Texas. Dalton Lee Abrams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to effect transactions with access devices issued to other persons yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

According to information presented in court, from December 2009 to December 2010, Abrams used fraudulent credit card numbers to purchase gift cards and other merchandise valued at over $1,000 from various retailers. Abrams was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2011.

Abrams faces up to 5 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER – An Upshur County woman has pleaded guilty to federal drug violations. Lisa Michelle LeBlanc, 38, of Gilmer pleaded guilty to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. She appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie. LeBlanc faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to federal prosecutors, on February 22, 2010, LeBlanc purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a Walgreens store in Tyler. On that same day, she made two additional purchases at other stores in the area, all in furtherance of her methamphetamine manufacturing activities. LeBlanc was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6th, 2011.

TYLER – A Smith County man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations. Ernesto Camacho, 35, of Tyler, pleaded guilty on September 8th to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison yesterday by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

According to information presented in court, on March 1, 2011, Camacho was arrested following a traffic stop during which a firearm was discovered in his vehicle. Further investigation revealed Camacho was a convicted felon, having been previously found guilty of aggravated assault, arson and theft. As a convicted felon, Camacho is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Camacho was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 2nd, and charged with federal firearms violations.

TYLER — A 37-year-old Palestine, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking in the east Texas. Derrick Deon Hicks pleaded guilty on June 27, 2011, to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine. He was sentenced yesterday to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis. Hicks was also ordered to submit to forfeiture of firearms, a car, and a $50,000.00 judgment.

According to federal prosecutors, up until August 2010, Hicks conspired with others to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine throughout the East Texas area. Hicks was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 2, and charged with federal drug trafficking violations.

TYLER — A Smith County deputy’s rent house sustains heavy damage after catching fire Tuesday morning in Tyler. Officials tell KETK no one was home at the time of the blaze, but a pet rabbit was lost. There was heavy fire damage to at least 3 rooms and the attic. In addition, there was smoke damage throughout the house, at 1115 East Houston Street. Officials say the fire apparently originated under the house, possibly due to a leaking gas line.

LONGVIEW — Former State Representative Tommy Merritt officially announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for State Representative, District 7. Merritt’s announcement swing Tuesday took him through Longview, Kilgore, White Oak, Gladewater, and Gilmer.

Merritt served in the Texas Legislature from 1997 – 2011. During his tenure, he was Chairman of the House Committees on Public Safety and Energy Resources. He also served on the committees for Transportation, Local & Consent Calendars, Redistricting, Federal Legislation, State Recreational Resources, State Affairs, Border Affairs & International Relations, and Defense & State-Federal Relations. He was unseated last year by David Simpson, who is seeking re-election to the post. Simpson says he’s eager to engage with voters again and welcomes the opportunity to debate Merritt.

DALLAS (AP/Staff) – An East Texan is recovering from a shooting incident at a Dallas railway station. A witness, also from East Texas, says there was little warning before gunfire erupted aboard an Amtrak train preparing to depart Union Station. A gunman is dead and an off-duty police officer, along with a bystander from Longview, are wounded after the 3:40 p.m. Monday exchange of gunfire aboard the Texas Eagle heading from San Antonio to Chicago.

A Dallas police statement identified the wounded officer as Sr. Cpl. Samuel Hussey, a 22-year veteran of the force assigned to the Dallas Police Department’s Narcotics Division. James Rainey says the innocent bystander, who was shot in the shoulder, was his 29-year-old brother, Paul. The brothers were taking the train to Longview, where they both live. “I’m just very upset and scared, just in fear for my brother, and everything like that, just very shaken up,” said James Rainey. Dallas police believe both Hussey and Rainey will make full recoveries.

Witness Jonathan Beaubien was taking the train home to Mineola. He tells KTVT-TV of Dallas and Fort Worth that he was about five rows behind the shooting. He said it happened quickly, and he saw few signs of an altercation or confrontation before the shooting started. Dallas Area Rapid Transit train service through the station resumed after about an hour’s interruption.

LUFKIN — A man who robbed and raped a Lufkin woman earlier this year is now awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to the crime last week. Antonio Brumley, 22, pleaded guilty after the state agreed to cap his sentence at 60 years in prison. A sentencing date has been set for January 17.

On April 5, Brumley reportedly broke into the victim’s home. The victim told Wall she was awakened by a strange sound and, turning on the bedside lamp, saw Brumley standing in her room. He then reportedly grabbed her and placed his hands over her nose and mouth. Brumley then bound her hands behind her back and raped her while beating her in the head. After the first sexual assault, he demanded money from her, and after receiving it, he raped her again. He then left the home.

The victim was able to call police after the incident and was taken to Woodland Heights Medical Center, where a sexual assault nurse examiner collected evidence. Brumley’s DNA was found through the course of a nurse’s examination. He remains in the Angelina County Jail on a collective $600,000 bond for two counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of aggravated robbery.

RUSK COUNTY — A Carthage man was jailed Saturday after police said he kicked an Overton police officer in the shoulder while being arrested. Overton Police Sgt. Jennifer Medina said officer William Suiter arrested 32-year-old Kenneth Wayan Young around 10:15 p.m. near the intersection of Motley and Ward streets in connection with a shots fired call. Medina said when officers were responding, a witness told police that Young had fled from the scene of the incident in a truck, which officers later located.

Officers were attempting to place Young under arrest because he was intoxicated when he kicked Suiter in the shoulder. He was charged with assault on a public servant, deadly conduct discharging a firearm, unlawfully carrying a weapon and driving while intoxicated, third or more offense. Rusk County Jail officials said Young was being held without bond, because he was not cooperating with authorities.

GREGG COUNTY — Longview News-Journal reporter and editor Jimmy Isaac was arrested Saturday afternoon by Longview Police and charged with possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor, according to a police report released Monday. Isaac, 34, was arrested shortly after 4 p.m. on McCann Road. He was released later Saturday on $500 bond.

TYLER – Tyler police are looking for the vehicle that hit a woman around 6:00 Monday night in the 700 block of North Palace. Slightly injured was Latosha Little, 29, of Tyler.

Little told officers she was crossing North Palace Street, walking east to west. She reached the center turn lane and was struck by a north bound vehicle that was traveling in the turn lane. Apparently the vehicle was preparing to make a left hand turn onto West Bow Street. The vehicle struck Little, rolling her onto the hood and then to the ground.

Little walked to the A&W grocery to use the phone and the vehicle that struck her pulled into the parking lot. The vehicle was being driven by an elderly black male. When he was told that Little was calling the police, the driver left the scene. Little was unable to provide a detailed description of the suspect or his vehicle. Investigators are attempting to obtain video from surveillance cameras at the A&W Grocery.

Little complained of lower back pain. She was transported to East Texas Medical Center Hospital by EMS.

TYLER – Tyler police are investigating a woman found lying in a pool of blood in the garage of her home. Officers were called to 5055 Hogan. Shortly after 5:15 Monday afternoon, they found Cara Strickland, 30, lying near the rear of her vehicle inside her closed garage. It was determined that she had fallen and struck her face on the concrete floor, causing her injuries. She was transported by EMS to East Texas Medical Center Hospital. Investigators say they do not suspect foul play at this time.

NACOGDOCHES – A prisoner in the Nacogdoches County Jail has died after becoming ill. The initial report is that Edwinta Ruth Deckard, 53, of Nacogdoches, who had a lengthy history of health problems, died of natural causes.

She was booked into the jail Friday on misdemeanor theft charges. She became ill Sunday afternoon. Monday morning she was taken to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital, where she later died. The investigation onto the death is continuing.