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TYLER — After four months in office, Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips says newly implemented policies, restructuring, and research have saved the taxpayers of Smith County around $41,000. Phillips, who took office on the third of January, made some policy and personnel changes in the first few weeks that she says are already paying off. “We eliminated two paid part-time positions that were staffed by a “temp” agency and contacted the Smith County Volunteer Coordinator to help us find a match for our department,” Phillips said. Now trained volunteers visit the office at least twice a week at no cost to the County with a monthly saving estimated at $2,000 according to Phillips.

Phillips says she also upgraded the technology in the land records department to make records processing more efficient and convenient to the customer. “I observed as each document traveled from the customer’s hands to nine different clerks on two separate floors of our building while being processed and believed the methodology could be improved,” Phillips said. Now that the land records department has been consolidated to one floor and digital scanning has been integrated, customers can have their documents scanned and immediately handed back to them. Phillips says streamlining the process is saving time, manpower, paper, envelopes, labels, and postage. By Phillips’s estimate, the county saved $3,500 in April alone.

Phillips also has coordinated with the Tyler Postmaster to streamline document shipping and receiving, has started charging shipping and postage for data CDs, and is in the process of making on-site credit card readers available for customers. In review of the County Clerk’s invoices and contracts with Smith County’s current indexing and imaging vendor, Phillips discovered errors in billing resulting in a credit of $30,052 being returned to Smith County. “My goal is to make the County Clerk’s office as efficient and customer-friendly as possible and to save the tax payers money by watching every penny spent.” Phillips said.

TYLER — As a part of National Police Week, the nation payed tribute to peace officers from across the country who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The Smith County memorial service was held on Tyler’s downtown square today at noon. Honor guards from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and Tyler Police Department were on hand to honor area law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for 2010-2011.

In 2010 (158 officers) and to date 2011 (65 officers), 223 peace officers joined the ranks of these officers nationwide. Once again, Texas led the country with the death of 17 peace officers in 2010 and 6 officers in 2011, including Smith County Deputy Robert Britton Jr. on March 28. In 2010, the average age was 40 and average tour of duty was 11 years, 6 months. The event will include the posting of the colors, a wreath ceremony, Taps, a 21-gun salute, a riderless horse, and a fly-over by a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter. All families of fallen officers and the public are invited to attend this ceremony.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to an aggravated assault report and make one arrest. It happened Saturday night around 9:35 in the 2806 Loblolly. Authorities say witnesses advised that the suspect, later identified as Karla Gardner, was standing outside of her apartment waving a handgun around. Several victims gave statements that Gardner pointed the handgun directly at them in a threatening manner. Officers checked Gardner’s residence and located two .22 rounds on the ground directly in front of the front door. During a search of the residence police also found a box of .22 ammunition and a handgun case. Gardner was arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail, charged with aggravated assault.

TYLER — Tyler Police were dispatched to 7715 S. Broadway, Kohl’s Department Store, in reference to an aggravated robbery. It was reported that a white female entered the store and selected several clothing and jewelry items. The suspect then entered a fitting room and concealed the items in a black and brown colored purse that she brought into the store, as well as a red purse that she took from the store. After leaving the fitting room, the suspect exited the store without paying for the merchandise. As the suspect walked to her vehicle, she was contacted by a Kohl’s loss prevention employee. The loss prevention employee asked the suspect to return to the store with the stolen items. The suspect refused and continued to walk to her vehicle. The suspect was seated in her vehicle with the stolen property belonging to Kohl’s. After the suspect backed out of her parking space, she drove directly towards the loss prevention employee, striking the employee’s right hand with the vehicle. The suspect then left the parking lot and drove south on Broadway. The loss prevention employee received only minor injuries to her hand.

The suspect is described as a white female, with long dark hair and 4 gold colored teeth, 2 gold teeth on top and 2 gold teeth on bottom. She was last seen wearing a black cover-up shirt over a black and white striped shirt, black spandex pants and dark colored sandals. The suspects’ vehicle was described as a silver or gold colored 4 door car possibly a Honda Accord.

LONGVIEW — A man is dead after a fire at 302 Lake Lamond Road, #21 in Longview Saturday. Firefighters say a quick rescue attempt was made and the fire was put out. The fire was confined to one room, but the origin of the fire was the bed to which the victim was medically confined. Larry Ardoin, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a road rage incident. It happened around 4:15 this morning involving two vehicles, a 2002 Ford Focus and a 1988 Jeep Cherokee. The incident began at the intersection of Spur 364 and Loop 323 when the victim, in the Focus passed the suspect in the Jeep at that intersection. The suspect followed the victim to 2214 WSW Loop 323 and rammed the victim vehicle with his vehicle in the parking lot at that location. A fight between the two motorists broke out and the suspect received minor injuries to his face. No other injuries were reported from the fight. The suspect was taken to Trinity Mother Francis Hospital to check his welfare due to unstable heart condition and the minor injury from the fight. The suspect was admitted to the hospital for treatment. A charge of aggravated assault is under investigation. No names have been released yet.

WASKOM — Law officers are on the hunt for an armed man who robbed the Waskom branch of Citizens National Bank on Friday afternoon. There were no injuries, and the armed robber fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to a statement from the bank. According to police scanner reports, the suspect is a black man between 5 feet, 11 inches and 6 feet, 1-inch tall who was wearing a red shirt and khaki tennis shoes. He fled in a silver Honda Accord with paper tags.

The bank closed for the remainder of Friday but plans to have normal business hours today. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI’s Tyler office at (903) 592-4301.

TYLER — The investigation into a fire case in Waco has East Texas ties. According to KETK, there was an explosion and a fire in a Waco garage in March of 2010. Jennifer Matthews, now a Tyler resident, lived in the house at the time. More than 80 percent of her body was burned in the fire. Now Matthews admits she set the house on fire, causing her own injuries. She tells police she poured gasoline on the car in the garage and the vapors exploded. An arrest warrant has been issued, but due to her injuries and condition, Matthews hasn’t been taken into custody.

HENDERSON — Authorities in Rusk County have arrested 30-year-old Talbert Dan Williams of Henderson on drug charges. According to KETK, Rusk County and Henderson Police Department units executed a search/arrest warrant Friday in the 1900 block of FM 2276 in Henderson. During the search, according to authorities, narcotics officers located crack cocaine, marijuana, two semi-automatic firearms, and body armor. The estimated street value of substances seized is $2000. Williams was arrested at the scene and charged with possession of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony. He remains jailed on $20,000 bond.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County property values dropped less than 3 percent in estimates released Thursday by the Gregg Appraisal District. That according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Oil and gas property values dominated the small overall drop by plunging some 30 percent, Chief Appraiser Tom Hays said, adding, “That’s probably (happening) statewide. From what I’m hearing from chief appraisers, they all are looking at about 25 percent (mineral value) drops.”

Schools, cities and other taxing entities base their annual levies on property values set by the appraisal district. Gregg County’s overall taxable value is estimated at $7.8 billion, which is $217 million lower than the $8 billion figure on which this year’s tax rates were based. The small drop in values continues a trend of recent years after successive years of climbing values, Hays said.

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association are investigating the theft of over 20 head of cattle which were stolen from the Nacogdoches Livestock Exchange between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday. That’s according to KETK and the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel. Anyone who may have seen a large gooseneck-type trailer loaded with cattle leaving the Livestock Exchange in the 3800 block of Northwest Stallings Drive during those hours is asked to visit http://www.ncstips.com — or contact the Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at (936) 560-4636.

HENDERSON — A teacher and bus driver for the West Rusk ISD faces child pornography charges. According to KETK, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigators executed an arrest warrant Thursday for Jerry Vinson, 54, of Henderson. Vinson was arraigned Friday morning and charged with possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony punishable by up to ten years in prison. Vinson’s bond was set at $15,000, with conditions. Vinson is now free on bond. Late Friday afternoon, Vinson resigned from his job at West Rusk Junior High School.

TYLER – The Smith County Bar Association and Smith County Bar Foundation held their annual Law Day Luncheon on Friday. Hundreds of judges, attorneys, and legal professionals were present to celebrate Law Day and recognize various award winners. As well, numerous area children were recognized for their success in Law Day related events such as essay contests. Mock trials were held during the week as well to help educate children to the legal process.

Every year near May 1, Americans celebrate Law Day, termed an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the rule of law and the foundations of the country’s legal system. The Legacy of John Adams is the theme for Law Day 2011. This year’s theme fosters understanding of the historical and contemporary role of lawyers in defending the principle of due process and the rights of the accused.

Numerous award recipients were recognized for their service in the justice community. The Justinian Award was awarded to J. Mike Rowan. The Justinian Award recognizes a member of the Smith County Bar Association who is, or has been for the major portion of his or her professional life, a practicing attorney. The award is in recognition of longstanding dedication to volunteer service-benefiting Smith County in the area of civic, cultural, educational, health and welfare, religious or philanthropic endeavors.

This year’s recipient of the Award of Excellence is Honorable Diane V. DeVasto. This award is presented to an attorney who has significantly contributed to the community and raised the profile of the legal profession within the community. The Liberty Bell Award was given to Clay Alexander. Clay Alexander is the Resident Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the Tyler Field Office. He has been a Supervisor in Tyler for the past 10 years. His notable investigations include supervision of investigations with federal response to the space shuttle crash, and the 2010 church arson and mailbox bombs investigations. He has been an ATF Special Agent for the past 24 years.

The Smith County Young Lawyer of the Year is Debby Gunter. Every year the Smith County Young Lawyers Association recognizes a member of their association for outstanding service to the community as well as the legal profession. The Legal Professional of the Year is Alice Roach Zillmer. Attorneys who have been practicing for 50 years were also recognized at the event. The Tyler Area Association of Legal Professionals (TAALP) announced the recipients of its three 2011 scholarships. Jason McCloskey is the recipient of the Betty Miller Memorial Scholarship; Jack Skeen III is the recipient of the Betty Kirby Memorial Scholarship; and Carrie L. King is the recipient of the TAALP Scholarship.

Mary Mikule, from T.K. Gorman High School, won the Smith County essay contest and was selected as the Second Place winner in the State Bar of Texas (SBOT) contest. Mary won a cash prize of $200 from the Smith County Bar Foundation. She also won a $500 cash award that will be presented to her at the SBOT Law Day luncheon in Austin. Second place went to Colleen O. Neill and third place to Hannah Frossard, all of Bishop T.K. Gorman High School.

TYLER — Instead of holding May’s Monthly FitWalk, Mayor Barbara Bass encouraged residents who were planning to participate in the FitWalk to participate in the 13th Annual Susan G. Komen Tyler Race for the Cure this morning at Bergfeld Park. Officials at the event announced 5,800 registered to participate in the race this year.

The Mayor’s Monthly FitWalks take place the first Saturday of each month; visit http://www.CityofTyler.org/News for the location of each walk. The next Mayor’s Monthly FitWalk is scheduled to take place at Faulkner Park’s new bike trail at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4. The walks last between 30-40 minutes and are planned in the early morning to allow residents to easily fit them in to their busy schedules.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank is the 2011 recipient of the Technology and Fundraising Model Program Awards from Feeding America for its Comprehensive Technology Infrastructure Enhancement (CTIE) Project and Tyler Independent School District BackPack Program. The awards were recently presented to Dennis Cullinane, executive director of the East Texas Food Bank, at the Feeding America Network Summit in Las Vegas.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized by Feeding America with these prestigious national awards. We could not have won either award without the generous support of our donors who made the success of these programs possible,” said Cullinane. “There are over 200 food banks in the Feeding America network across the country and I am so proud of the East Texas Food Bank and our generous community of which this is a reflection.”

Each year, Feeding America honors a member food bank with the Model Technology Program of the Year award. It’s presented to a food bank for an innovative technology solution that significantly increases the member’s capability to serve its community and enhance its existing hunger-relief services. Additionally, the Fundraising Program of the Year award is handed out for an innovative fundraising activity or strategy that increased the revenue for the network member and demonstrated growth potential in the coming year. The winning program or campaign in each category also contains elements that can be replicated by other member food banks.

East Texas Food Bank officials say the Comprehensive Technology Infrastructure Enhancement (CTIE) Project is a holistic, fully integrated approach to technology, data and online management systems. Serving more than 183,000 people every year – a 90 percent increase over 2006 – the food bank implemented the project to build capacity by more efficiently managing food, funds, partner agencies, volunteers and operations. The results, according to food bank officials: reduced fuel costs, increased food donations from national donors, constituent relationship management systems, faster and more efficient acknowledgment of financial donors. and larger gifts. Officials say the implementation of this comprehensive, cross-departmental plan improved technological capacity and the overall service to the hungry.

According to food bank press materials, the objective of the BackPack Project objective was to raise enough funds to support the BackPack Program at every elementary school in the district, while engaging the public in the goal of eliminating hunger in the district. Food bank officials say the project model is designed to build hunger advocates within each school and the school circle-of-influence, and project donors, in alignment with the food bank’s and Feeding America’s strategic plans.

“The East Texas Food Bank’s technology strategy has positioned itself as a leader among nonprofits to increase service, grow donations and reduce costs,” said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. “Our network strives for enhanced technology solutions that streamline our work and enable us to help more people in the most efficient way possible. Their successful BackPack Initiative also engaged individuals and companies throughout their service area and stands as model for food banks across the country looking to further develop hunger-relief efforts at a local level.”