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GILMER — Before a custody hearing Wednesday at the Upshur County Courthouse in Gilmer, an agreement was reached between the animal owner, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, and the SPCA of Texas for the animal owner to relinquish ownership of 27 animals. That’s according to KETK. The allegedly cruelly treated dogs, including ten puppies, were seized from a Gilmer residence by the SPCA. The animals will now be individually evaluated for potential adoption or placement on a case by case basis. Continue reading SPCA Gets Custody of Seized Animals

CENTER — The town of Center will no longer have a hospital after the Shelby Regional Medical Center’s agreement with Medicare/Medicaid was terminated on Wednesday. According to a statement from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, the cause of the termination was the hospital’s failure to meet minimum health and safety standards required for Medicare program participation. The closing of the hospital will force Shelby County citizens to drive over 20 miles for emergency medical care. In April of this year, U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced the indictment of the hospital’s owner, Tarick Mahmood, on seven counts of health care fraud.

LONGVIEW — In its seventh season of bringing a variety of entertainment to East Texas, LeTourneau University’s S. E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center announces its 2013-2014 Performance Series schedule, featuring a diverse lineup of shows. Continue reading Belcher Center Announces 2013-2014 Schedule

LONGVIEW — Longview police are requesting public assistance identifying a suspect still at large. Police say that on June 13, an unknown black female attempted to withdraw money from a bank account at a local bank. The suspect used a driver’s license that had been tampered with. Anyone with information about the identity of this individual is asked to contact Detective Brizxy Lewis at 903-237-1199. To provide further information on this or any other suspect, contact the Longview Police Dept. You can also contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org or 903-236-STOP (7867).

TYLER — Assistant Tyler Police Chief Diannia Jackson is retiring after 29 years on the police force. Her retirement ceremony was held Thursday afternoon at the Tyler Police Department. Assistant Chief Jackson started her career with the Tyler Police Department in 1984 as a dispatcher. She joined the ranks as a Police Officer in 1987. She worked as detective in charge of Juvenile Crimes before being promoted to Sergeant in 1995. She was the Public Information Officer for the department for two years. She was promoted to Lieutenant in 1998 and worked as patrol commander for all three shifts, and the Community Response Team. Assistant Chief Jackson is retiring as commander of the Patrol Division, overseeing uniformed patrol officers, traffic officers, honor guard, and recruiting, and training personnel. Continue reading Assistant Tyler Police Chief Retiring

TYLER — UT Health Northeast professor Jeffrey Levin, MD, (pictured) recently received the Marcus Key Award from the Texas College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (TxCOEM). In addition, a poster by several UT Health medical professionals about a new way to manage emergency room (ER) patients who don’t need emergency care won first prize at the annual meeting of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) in San Antonio. Continue reading Honors for UT Health Northeast Professor

MARSHALL — The new Interm Provost at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall is Dr. Lawrence E Ressler. The appointment was announced by university president Dr. Dub Oliver. “I am very pleased to have Dr. Ressler join the ETBU community during this interim period. He has a wealth of experience and his background in academics will provide the leadership we need for our academic programs,” said Dr. Oliver. Dr. Ressler will serve as interim provost from July 29, 2013 through April 2014. He comes to ETBU from Taylor University and will serve as interim provost due to the departure of former provost Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, who recently accepted the position of President at Huntington University in Indiana. “The decision to hire an interim will allow ETBU time to conduct a national search to fill this important position,” Oliver commented. Continue reading New Interim Provost at East Texas Baptist University

TYLER — Tyler’s sales tax revenues deposited for the month of July have grown 4.67% as compared to July 2012. According to the Texas Comptroller, this indicates that the city’s sales tax revenues deposited for the month of July have grown 4.67% as compared to July 2012, resulting in a cumulative fiscal year-to-date increase of 3.99%. “We are pleased to see this positive trend in our sales tax revenues,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “While not the average of 7 percent annual growth we saw prior to the recession a few years back, it is very encouraging that our local economy continues to show signs of strengthening.” Continue reading City Sales Tax Figures Up 4.67%

TYLER – A Smith County patrol deputy has been arrested on two counts of narcotics distribution, a federal violation. A criminal complaint from the U.S. District Court also alleges that suspect Kimbrick Bernard Jones was armed during both drug transactions in question. Wednesday morning at around 5:00, Sheriff Larry Smith led members of the Sheriff’s Office, and was joined by the FBI, Department of Public Safety Troopers, and Texas Rangers, in arresting Jones, 38. Jones’ employment with the Sheriff’s Office was terminated immediately, and he is now in federal custody. Continue reading Sheriff Announces Arrest of Patrol Deputy

CANTON — Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney Chris Martin and Van Zandt County Sheriff Michael Lindsey Ray report that a county wide sex offender compliance check was conducted on July 10 in order to verify registration compliance on the county’s 116 registered sex offenders. The check was conducted by approximately fifty officers representing the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, the Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Highway Patrol and Criminal Investigations Division, the United States Marshal’s Service, Van Zandt County Constables Offices, and the Van City Marshal’s Office. Continue reading Registered Sex Offender Compliance Check in Van Zandt County

NORFOLK, Va. — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has sent what it terms “an urgent plea” to Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham calling on him to vigorously prosecute Seagoville resident Martha Romagnoli and Tyler resident Jose Cedillo. Romagnoli and Cedillo face cruelty-to-animals charges stemming from the alleged May 2012 discovery and subsequent seizure from Romagnoli’s Tyler property of three horses, two goats, and a donkey. PETA claims the animals were underweight and apparently languishing without adequate food or water. Reportedly, a dead colt was also found on the property, and two of the horses had to be euthanized. Continue reading PETA Demands Jail Time for Pair if Convicted

TYLER — Authorities in Smith County have issued their after-action report from their most recent multi-agency No-Refusal DWI campaign, July 4th through July 6th. DPS had 6 DWI arrests, Tyler PD had 2, and Bullard PD had 1. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office had 1 BWI (Boating While Intoxicated) arrest. Along with that, DPS obtained 3 search warrants for blood. This is a grand total of 10 DWI/BWI arrests with 3 (30%) search warrants obtained. .

TYLER — Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter recognized the City of Tyler for its use of natural gas vehicles Wednesday by presenting a check for $142,761 at the Tyler City Council meeting. “I am very pleased that the City of Tyler has led the way in east Texas in saving thousands of dollars on fuel and operating costs by using Texas-produced natural gas instead of imported oil,” Commissioner Porter said. “Not only do these natural gas vehicles save money and reduce dependency on foreign oil, they are reducing exhaust soot by 99 percent, which is good for the environment and our children.” Continue reading Railroad Commissioner Recognizes Tyler for Natural Gas Vehicle Use

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted Wednesday to approve a reimbursement development agreement with The Retail Connection for public land and public improvements. As part of an unprecedented new retail development at South Broadway and Toll 49, the City of Tyler would obtain land to be used for construction of a hotel conference center expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to Tyler each year. “This is an incredibly unique opportunity for Tyler,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass (pictured). “In fact, it has been called a once in a lifetime chance to bring more than $80 million in private investment to Tyler in one development. This investment is in addition to the hotel planned to be built with private funding adjacent to a City owned conference center.” Continue reading Tyler Commits to Location for Hotel and Conference Center

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday approved a tax abatement agreement with VME Process, Inc. That’s a company that was founded in Tyler in 1985 and supplies complete process systems for both onshore and offshore customers in the oil and gas industry. The agreement allows for a three-year 100 percent abatement for a $3.6 million investment that could result in 65 new jobs in Tyler within four years. VME currently has 31 employees in two Tyler locations. One American Center on SSE Loop 323 houses engineering and technical support; Fabrication is located at 9915 Hombre Drive. VME is an international company with operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, the Netherlands, as well as Houston. Continue reading Tyler City Council Approves Tax Abatement

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is asking for assistance in locating 80-year-old Walter James Gray. He was last seen around 2:15 this morning walking away from the Melrose Nursing Home located at 1501 W. 29th St. Gray is African American and was said to be wearing a beige jumpsuit with suede house shoes. Mr. Gray does have diagnosed mental health issues and other physical ailments that could limit his mobility. He’s approximately 6’0″, 160lbs. with gray hair. If you know of Gray’s whereabouts, contact Tyler Police, 903) 531-1000.

LONE STAR — Marion County authorities have identified the victims of what appears to be a murder/suicide. It was found around 1:00 Monday morning in the Lake O’ the Pines area off Farm Road 729. It was first reported as a house fire. Arriving firemen found a man sitting in a car, dead from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound. He has been identified as Paul Dome, 73. Later, in the house which was destroyed by fire, authorities found two bodies. They are believed to be Dome’s 85 year old wife, Vivian and his step-son, Willard Eddie Landry, 61. They are awaiting autopsies to confirm that.

TEXARKANA — Bicycles are being banned on Loop 49. The Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority voted on the ban at its Tuesday meeting in Texarkana. A proposal had been made to allow bicycles on a portion of the toll road on the weekends, but that proposal was rejected. It will now be up to the Department of Public Safety to enforce the ban. Continue reading Bikes Not Allowed on Loop 49

LONGVIEW — Hot food that was thrown away is said to be responsible for a fire that damaged a Longview home. It happened around 12:15 yesterday afternoon in the 1500 block of Houston Street. Longview Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary said the homeowner discarded gravy that hadn’t cooled yet. This set a trash can on fire, which ignited a nearby wall with wood paneling. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the kitchen and the attic. Two persons were at home when the fire started, but they were able to escape without any injuries.

EAST TEXAS — The lack of rain is causing some area counties to issue burn bans. The Henderson County commissioners’ court has issued a 14 day burn ban. If sufficient rain falls it could be lifted earlier. Or, because of lack of rain, it could be extended. Houston County has also issued a burn ban.

TYLER — Nearly 300 area residents headed out from Tyler early Tuesday to show their support for pro-life legislation. KETK reports the group left for Austin in six buses around 7:30 to support the passage of House Bill 2. The trip came on the heels of a Monday rally at the state capitol that also attracted a number of East Texans.

WICHITA, KAN. (AP/STAFF) — A judge has set for resentencing the case of two East Texas brothers who ran a Kansas hunting camp where hunters paid thousands of dollars to illegally shoot deer. U.S. District Judge Monti Belot on Tuesday set an August 28 resentencing for James and Marlin Butler after an appeals court overturned their prison terms. Belot told attorneys he would hear testimony at the resentencing about the fair market price of wild deer parts. Continue reading Resentencing Set for East Texans in Kansas Hunting Camp Case

TYLER — ETMC EMS has worked out a new contract agreement with Cherokee County commissioners. KETK reports ETMC EMS will subcontract with Blanket EMS out of Huntsville to cover the cities of Alto and Wells and southern Cherokee County effective July 16. The county, both cities, and ETMC EMS are contributing to the cost of using Blanket EMS. ETMC EMS will serve as a backup to Blanket EMS and will dispatch their calls. Continue reading ETMC to Contract EMS to Cover Southern Cherokee Co.

TYLER — Roadway resurfacing began at 8:30 this morning on a portion of Shiloh Road between Paluxy Drive (FM 756) and Troup Highway (TX 110). Various lane closures will occur throughout the day. City officials ask that you allow additional travel time and use alternate routes if practical. On Tuesday, July 16, new pavement markings will be implemented to convert an eastbound lane into a two-way left turn lane on this portion of Shiloh Road. Drivers are advised to observe new signs and pavement markings, and to exercise caution on Shiloh Road.

QUITMAN – Residents of all ages from Wood County and surrounding areas are invited to attend a community celebration and dedication of the new East Texas Medical Center Quitman, Sunday, July 14, from 1:00 to 3:00pm. “We are inviting the public to join us as we celebrate the completion of our new hospital facility – a major step in fostering ETMC’s goal of providing the highest quality healthcare to the people of Wood County,” said Warren Robicheaux, administrator of ETMC Quitman. Continue reading Public Invited to Community Celebration for New ETMC Quitman

MT. PLEASANT — A Pittsburg man and his wife were last reported in critical condition in East Texas Medical Center in Tyler following a wreck Saturday in Mount Pleasant. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Mark Jones, 63, and Pamela Jones, 59, were thrown from the motorcycle they were riding. Neither was wearing a helmet, said Mount Pleasant Police Chief Wayne Isbell in a statement issued Monday. Continue reading Couple Critically Injured in Mount Pleasant Wreck

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – State Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler says security at the state Capitol has “at least doubled” to handle crowds since a June 25 outburst in the Senate chamber. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers have had a strong presence as crowds have poured into the Capitol for rallies and marathon hearings on an abortion restrictions bill. Eltife oversees the Senate Administration Committee. He declined to reveal exact numbers of troopers or how much the boost in security cost. Eltife said Tuesday lawmakers told DPS they want plenty of troopers on the ground no matter the expense. The abortion debate has drawn tens of thousands to the Capitol in recent weeks. The outburst in the Senate chamber shut down a vote at the deadline of the first special session.

OVERTON — A man was arrested after a high speed chase in Overton Monday night. Overton Police tell KETK an officer attempted to pull over William Reider, 34, of Overton, on Commerce Street around 8:00pm for an expired inspection. When the officer turned his vehicle around to initiate the traffic stop, Reider sped away, according to officials. Police say Reider led the officer on a brief high-speed chase through town. Continue reading Overton High Speed Chase Ends in Wreck, Arrest

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogodoches police say they need the public’s help to find a robber who took money from a gas station in June. KETK reports it happened at the Chevron station on the 3200 block of North St. on June 16th, just before 5:00 a.m. Surveillance video from the gas station shows a tall black male entering the store and demanding money. He was wearing a black ski mask, purple SFA t-shirt, sweat pants and white tennis shoes. After taking the contents of the cash register, the robber fled in an unknown direction. Continue reading Nacogdoches Police Search for Robber

TYLER — Smith County law enforcement agents are getting some new equipment thanks to criminals. KETK reports that the DA’s Seized Drug Money Fund has been able to put tens of thousands of dollars back into local law enforcement just over the past few months. The district attorney takes 30% of that seizure amount, and 70% goes back to the seizing agency. Then the DA’s office uses that money for any law enforcement purpose. Departments all over the county can make requests for certain items they need. The fund has paid for things like training, patrol cars, radios, drug dogs, ballistic helmets, shields, firearms, and much more.