KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department says it’s located a stolen vehicle allegedly used in the attempted theft of an ATM. The vehicle was located south of Tyler. Police are investigating the attempted theft from the Texas Bank and Trust at 2323 West Grande, which occurred around 2:00 yesterday morning.

Police say the ATM alarm was activated when the suspects attempted to pull it from its pedestal. When police arrived on the scene, the suspects had fled the area in an unknown direction. Bank officials reviewed the bank surveillance video and observed five suspects wearing hoods involved in the incident. The suspects used a 2004 Ford Van that was reported stolen from Dickey’s BBQ, at 1501 W.S.W. Loop 323.

If you have any information about the suspects involved in this crime, you are urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

LONGVIEW — A veteran Longview Fire Department employee resigned after Kilgore police said they found nearly a pound of marijuana in her home in late November. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. City spokesman Shawn Hara said Monica Hanks resigned from her duties as fire inspector and code compliance inspector last Thursday, three days after she was placed on paid administrative leave. Hanks was not criminally charged after a search of her home, northwest of Kilgore, allegedly revealed marijuana and drug distribution paraphernalia. Eric King, 22, of Kilgore was arrested and charged with possession of between 4 ounces and 5 pounds of marijuana as well as evading arrest.

Hara said the Longview police department had begun an internal investigation for possible personnel policy violations at the request of the Longview Fire Department, since Hanks worked in the division that normally conducts LFD internal investigations. Officials say they don’t anticipate making any further arrests based on the investigation. Hanks, who has served with the Longview Fire Department since 1998, was not available for comment at last report.

SMITH COUNTY — A wanted man has been captured by Smith County deputies. Joshua Kyle Henderson, 33, Bullard, allegedly burglarized his ex-girlfriend’s house in Tyler and assaulted her during the theft. According to Tyler Police Department Officer Don Martin, Henderson was caught in the Flint area following an anonymous tip. Other details of his arrest have not yet been released. According to KETK, Henderson was also wanted for two counts of fraud in Smith County.

TYLER — A Tyler jury has found a former nurse guilty of two felony drug charges. The charges against Davina Moore, 28, of Tyler, were enhanced because she lived in a “drug free” zone. Moore, who had previously worked at both East Texas Medical Center and Mother Francis Hospital, was arrested in March of last year. The jury returned Wednesday morning to begin the punishment phase of the trial.

SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County mobile home has been extensively damaged by fire. It was reported Wednesday night on County Road 328 in Western Smith County. A Lindale volunteer fireman was slightly injured in fighting the blaze. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

LUFKIN — An Angelina County family has lost everything, including their home, in an early morning fire. It was reported Tuesday morning on Oates Lanes, just outside of Lufkin. No injuries were ported and the cause is still under investigation.

HAWKINS — Jarvis Christian College has received notice from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges that its accreditation has been continued for good cause and the institution has been placed on probation for one year. The review process for reaffirmation of accreditation will be deferred for a year. This action was taken yesterday after the Commission’s review of the College’s most recent monitoring report. The Commission on College’s decision will allow Jarvis Christian College to further improve its financial position.

In a news release from the school, James Atkinson, chairman of the Board of Trustees, commended the College administration for the progress made in addressing the concerns of SACS. “The President and his staff have made remarkable progress in addressing the concerns of the Commission on Colleges in a very short time. The Board feels certain that the remaining issues will soon be resolved and Jarvis will be judged in full compliance with accrediting standards,” stated Mr. Atkinson.

Celebrating its centennial anniversary, Jarvis Christian College continues to prepare students intellectually, socially, spiritually and personally to pursue professional and graduate studies and productive careers. The historically black liberal arts, baccalaureate degree granting institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), received its initial accreditation with SACS in 1967.

LUFKIN — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. in Lufkin with three repeat and four serious violations. This follows a June inspection as part of the agency’s Process Safety Management Covered Chemical Facilities national emphasis program. Proposed penalties total $99,000.

“Process safety management prevents the unexpected release of toxic, reactive or flammable liquids and gases in processes involving highly hazardous chemicals,” said David Doucet, director of OSHA’s Houston North office. “Exposure to highly hazardous chemicals can be fatal. OSHA will not tolerate a company’s failure to provide a safe and healthful working environment.”

The repeat citations issued for the process safety management standard violations include failing to inspect and test process equipment consistent with applicable manufacturers’ recommendations and good engineering practices, ensure that process equipment complies with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices, and properly label containers holding hazard chemicals. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Similar violations were cited at the company’s work site in Live Oak, Fla., in April 2008 and at the work site in Russellville, Ala., in September 2010.

Serious violations include failing to correct deficiencies in process equipment, ensure that process safety information pertaining to equipment includes design codes and standards and establish and implement written procedures to manage changes of the process. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA Houston North area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD is getting closer to picking a superintendent. The school board will hold a special noon meeting today at which it will consider naming a lone finalist for the job. Gary Mooring has been serving as interim superintendent since the departure of Dr. Randy Reid for the Keller ISD’s top job earlier this year.

TYLER — The City of Tyler anticipates having Woods Boulevard reopened to traffic today. However, officials say, due to the cold weather, asphalt cannot be put down yet, so a temporary oil-sand surface is being used until the weather warms up. Barricades will still be in place, and motorists are advised to use caution. Contractors for the city have been making emergency repairs to a drainage structure in the Woods Subdivision. Woods Boulevard has been closed between Rock Creek Drive and Brookview Court. Until repairs are done, citizens living east of Rock Creek Drive on Woods Boulevard should enter and exit the subdivision off of Old Omen Road onto Eastwood Drive to Winding Way then to Longleaf Drive to Woods Boulevard.

MARSHALL – Three Harrison County women have been sentenced to federal prison in a large-scale meth trafficking case. All three had pleaded guilty to possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine. The sentencing hearings were held Monday in Marshall before U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap. Debra Perry Robinson, 49, pleaded guilty on July 11 and was sentenced to 87 months. Wanda Guthrie Apple, 68, also pleaded guilty on July 11 and was sentenced to 65 months. Marcy Sanders, 40, pleaded guilty on July 13 and drew a 30-month sentence.

According to information presented in court, Robinson, Apple, and Sanders were involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine in East Texas. The conspiracy involved defendants traveling to multiple pharmacies to purchase numerous boxes of cold pills containing pseudoephedrine, which is used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. An 839-count federal indictment was returned on Feb. 1, charging Robinson, Apple, Sanders, and 14 other co-defendants with federal drug crimes. Of those defendants, 14 have been convicted.

KILGORE — East Texas authorities are warning of a new phone app that is gaining popularity with students at local schools. KETK reports the app called “Whisper” is described as a way to “express yourself, share secrets and meet new people.” The app also claims to contain “age-restricted material” and states you must be at least 17 and over to download, but only requires a push of the “OK” button to begin a data transfer. Whisper is available for both the iPhone and Droid for free of charge. Content is posted anonymously, which officials say is the big problem. With anonymous posts come bullying, harassment and inappropriate content being posted, according to the Kilgore Police Department.

Kilgore school resource officers have been dealing with this type of issue due to users of the Whisper app. Parents are asked to be aware of the Whisper app and the unhealthy environment officials say it can create. It is not known if the app is causing problem at other East Texas schools.

LONGVIEW — Longview Mayor Jay Dean is responding to concerns voiced over the now-official termination of an injured officer. About a year ago, Police Officer Leigh Ann Snyder was critically injured after her vehicle was hit by a driver who was allegedly drunk and uninsured. A law enforcement organization representing Snyder emailed a release to KETK, outraged with the possible termination of Snyder on December 11. Since then, East Texans have voiced their concerns. In a statement printed in the Longview News-Journal, Dean says, “I share in your concern and wish for her successful recovery…I believe it is important for an organization to have a safety net in place to care for employees that have been injured. I also believe it is important to have a consistently-applied policy to address situations when they arise. We have both.”

Dean points out, “The City of Longview’s Workers Compensation coverage provides for the full medical costs associated with the accident and will continue to do so for the life of the employee. Our Worker’s Compensation coverage also assists with related costs such as child care coverage or modifications to a home to allow for handicap access. The City of Longview’s coverage also gives injured employees a “Temporary Income Benefit” that provides the injured party with 70% of their gross pay, untaxed, for up to 2 years. When the Temporary Income Benefit is no longer available, the City of Longview has a long-term disability policy that provides up to 60% of original income.

“City of Longview policy states that employees are separated from employment if they are unable to fulfill their full job capacity for 12 months within a 24 month period. This policy is in line with or better than many cities across Texas…The purpose of the policy is to provide a neutral, consistent basis for addressing cases when employees cannot work in their full capacity, regardless of the reason. It is also very important to note that injured employees are eligible for rehire when they have been medically cleared for full duty.

Dean concludes, “I realize that these safety net benefits do not erase the original harm of an accident, but they do play an important role in caring for an injured employee and building a bridge as they seek to return to full employment. The City Council spent several years reviewing all aspects of employee pay and benefits to ensure that we are able to recruit and retain a quality workforce to serve the citizens of Longview. I have been impressed by the public compassion and concern for Ms. Snyder through fundraising efforts. I encourage residents to continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.”

HOUSTON (AP) – A Texas court has ordered TransCanada to temporarily halt work on a private property where it is constructing part of an oil pipeline designed to carry tar sands oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Texas County Court at Law Judge Jack Sinz signed a temporary restraining order and injunction Friday. The injunction went into effect Tuesday after Michael Bishop, the landowner, posted bond. TransCanada says this will not delay its project. Bishop argued the Canadian company defrauded him by taking his land in Nacogdoches County for a pipeline it said would carry crude oil. He argues that tar sands oil is not crude oil and that the company’s claims that it is are fraudulent. The judge says there’s sufficient cause to halt the project until a hearing December 19.

FRUITVALE (AP/STAFF) – An East Texas mobile home fire blamed on a space heater has killed a woman and left two of her children and a firefighter hurt. Van Zandt County authorities say the fire happened around 12:30 Tuesday Morning in Fruitvale. Fire Marshal Chuck Allen says items left near a space heater apparently caught fire.

Killed was Wendy Harris, 41. Her 16-year-old son sustained cuts by breaking a window to rescue his 14-year-old sister, who suffered burns and smoke inhalation. He was treated and released from a Dallas hospital. Allen says the girl’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The woman’s 20-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old friend escaped unharmed. A firefighter who was hit by a falling object was treated and released.

BULLARD — One person has been killed and three injured in a two vehicle accident in Bullard. It was reported around noon Monday On U.S Highway 69 at County Road 3801. Involved in the wreck were a dump truck and a van. Reports indicate the truck was crossing Highway 69 when it was struck broadside by the van. Two of the injured were flown to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. Two others were carried by ambulance. A woman in the van died at the hospital. Names have not been released. The accident remains under investigation.

LUFKIN — An elderly Lufkin man has died following a fire in his home. Johnny King, 72, was pulled through a bedroom window by neighbors. He was flown to a Houston hospital where he later died. The fire was reported around 9:00 Monday morning in the 100 block of Lubbock Street. The cause of the fire, which appears to be electrical in nature, remains under investigation.

TYLER — A professor of biochemistry at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has been awarded a total of almost half a million dollars to investigate the mysteries of serious heart and lung diseases. Anna Kurdowska, Ph.D., received $325,000 from the Flight Attendants Medical Research Institute (FAMRI) to explore how second-hand smoke makes atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, worse.

With the three-year FAMRI grant, Dr. Kurdowska and her team hope to uncover the mechanisms that enable second-hand smoke to boost the development of atherosclerosis. If they can identify this process, they have a better chance of developing treatments that can interfere with it.

In addition, the American Heart Association (AHA) awarded Dr. Kurdowska $140,000 to investigate how white blood cells called neutrophils contribute to the development of acute lung injury (ALI), and its more severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

There are no effective treatments for ALI and ARDS, which kill about 200,000 people in the United States every year. They are frequently found in people who have an illness such as severe pneumonia. Dr. Kurdowska and her team will use the two-year AHA grant to try and discover what role neutrophils play in ALI and ARDS. Their goal is to produce significant research that could lead to new and effective treatments.

LONGVIEW — The Grinch has paid a visit to Longview. Someone has stolen about $1,000 worth of donated Christmas toys and decorations from the Longview Police Department’s Blue Santa program. The theft is said to have occurred at the Green Street Warehouse, a storage facility in the 2100 block of Green Street, between 6:00 and 7:30pm on November 22nd.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are looking for a man reported missing over the weekend. He is said to suffer from a mental disability which can impair his ability to make sound judgments. He is identified as Ronnie Joe Gammage, 27. He is said to be about 6’8″ and weighs around 265 pounds. He usually dresses in western attire. His pickup was found abandoned in the parking lot of the Waffle House at 318 East Loop 281. One of the ires had been slashed. If you know the wereabouts of Gammage you are asked to contact detective David Cheatham at 903-237-1147.

KILGORE — A Tyler man accused of injuring a child has been taken into custody after leading authorities on a violent foot chase through Kilgore. According to KETK, Mikeal Reeves, 22, Tyler, who is wanted in Wood County for felony injury to a child, was reportedly working at a new school construction site at Baughman Road and U.S. Highway 259 South.

Responding officers spotted Reeves working on the rooftop and ordered him to come down. Instead, the fugitive ducked out of sight and was seen running from the area to a nearby neighborhood. Police immediately began chasing Reeves through several yards, a creek bed and a culvert. He then forced his way into the home on the 2300 block of Redbud Street and attacked a house keeper, stealing their cellphone.

Authorities found Reeves in a back bedroom and arrested him after a short struggle. He was taken to the Kilgore Jail last Friday and charged with felony burglary of habitation, evading arrest, and injury to a child via Wood County. His bonds total $320,000.

COFFEE CITY — Some residents breath a sigh of relief as others wait patiently for water services to be restored. According to KETK, water has been restored to most of the houses that were without water for most of Sunday evening and early Monday morning. Authorities say that they were able to localize the leak around midnight, but it was too dark and hazardous to correct the damage, due to the fact that it was in a creek bed. Crews were forced to shut off water to about 100 houses until it was safe enough to repair the leak. Officials are working on the leak now, and water has already been restored to most of the houses. Only 14 remain without water at this time. Authorities aren’t sure what caused the leak, but they now have the water outages isolated just to County Road 4218 (or Stevenson Rd).

AUSTIN (AP) – Tea party-backed state Representative David Simpson says he’s running for Texas House speaker while another conservative favorite, state Rep. Bryan Hughes, is abandoning his bid for the post. Simpson, a second-term Republican from Longview, had said previously he wasn’t interested in challenging fellow Republican Joe Straus of San Antonio for the speakership. But he announced Monday that he had been urged to run and decided to do so “after much prayer, consideration and counsel.” Simpson caused a stir last year by sponsoring legislation to criminalize excessive touching during airport security pat-downs. Straus has been speaker since 2009 but has been criticized by the far-right for being too moderate. Hughes, a Republican from Mineola, announced months ago that he would challenge Straus. But he released a statement Monday endorsing Simpson.

SMITH COUNTY — A fatal wreck on Spur 364 closed both lanes and sent numerous people to the hospital. Department of Public Safety officials said two persons died after the multiple vehicle accident. The victims are identified as Tammy Latson and her 11-year-old son Rowdy. Officials said the victims were in a pickup truck that flipped. Both lanes of Spur 364 were closed while crews cleared the scene. The injured were taken to Tyler hospitals.

TYLER — A motorcyclist involved in a Tyler wreck has died from his injuries. Tyler police said Dillon Shelton, 20, Tyler, passed away Saturday. Police, Fire, and EMS responded to the motorcycle/SUV wreck at the intersection of South Broadway and Heritage last Thursday. Officials said Shelton was northbound on South Broadway in the outside lane entering the intersection. The driver of a 2007 Chevy Tahoe, identified as Pam Davis, 63, of Kilgore, was southbound on South Broadway trying to make a U-Turn in the intersection. The motorcycle struck the front of the Tahoe. Police said accident investigators were trying to determine who was at fault. Davis and a passenger in the Tahoe were not injured.

TYLER — A house near the intersection of Farm Road 14 and Loop 323 at 477 Dobbs Terrace has been damaged by fire. Authorities believe the flames were sparked by a dryer overheating and starting a fire in the laundry room, which is connected to the garage. The house received minor smoke damage. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly. Two resident were able to escape the home safely and no injuries were reported.

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

TYLER – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement-repair work on State Highway 64 inside West Loop 323 between the Loop and U.S. Highway 69 (Glenwood Blvd.). Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

ANDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on State Highway19 north of Palestine between Farm Road 837 in Bradford and Farm Road 860 in Bois d’Arc, followed by one day of pavement-texturing operations on Farm Road 3309 (Link Street) outside Loop 256. A second crew is scheduled to continue edge repair operations along various highways throughout northwestern Anderson County. 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.

Also this week, TxDOT maintenance crews on Wednesday are scheduled to perform fog seal operations on the runway and taxiways of the Palestine Municipal Airport, which will add additional maintenance-free years to the runway.

WOOD COUNTY – TxDOT contract crews this week are scheduled to continue approximately two weeks of base and pavement repair on Farm Road 2966 between State Highway 154 in Yantis and Loop 173 in Quitman. The work is being done in preparation for a seal coat application next summer. Also this week, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to perform base repairs and resurfacing work in various locations on Farm Road 1801 east of Mineola, and edge work on Farm Road 1643 southwest of Winnsboro between Farm Road 515 and State Highway 37. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location 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 continue fog seal operations on Farm Road 47 north of Wills Point. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid lengthy delays associated with fog seal work.

HENDERSON -Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to conclude pavement-repair work on U.S. Highway 79 Business (East Main Street) between US 79 and Marshall Street by Thursday this week, weather permitting. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

GREGG COUNTY -Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue pavement-repair operations on both eastbound and westbound Interstate 20 main lanes and various entrance and exit ramps between State Highway 322 (Estes Parkway) and the Harrison County Line. Daytime lane closures and various temporary ramp 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.

HENDERSON COUNTY -Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin pavement-repair operations on Farm Road 2636 south of Malakoff between Farm Road 3441 and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Looking ahead, TxDOT maintenance crews in the coming weeks are scheduled to perform pavement-repair operations on State Highway 31 in and around its intersection with State Highway 274 in Trinidad, and on State Highway 31 between Farm Road 607 and Farm Road 314 in Brownsboro.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue shoulder work on Farm Road 855 between U.S. Highway 69 in Mount Selman and U.S. Highway 175 near Cuney. A second crew is scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on State Highway 204 between U.S. Highway 84 and the Nacogdoches County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

GREGG COUNTY — A Smith County man has been killed when he was hit by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 20. The victim is identified as Humberto Antonio Douglas, 26, of Tyler. The accident occurred near mile marker 594 just west of the Longview city limits around just before 10:15 Friday night. The man was not carrying any identification when he stepped in front of the tractor-trailer. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers worked the wreck.

MARSHALL — A murder suspect is arrested after a shooting at a Marshall pizza shop. Eric Alexander Mills, 25, Marshall, has been charged with capital murder. The shooting happened around 9:55 at Domino’s Pizza, 2100 Victory Drive. According to KETK, Marshall Police Officers; MPD Crime Scene/Detectives; Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Marshall Fire/Ambulance responded to the scene where two store employees had been shot during an armed robbery of the establishment. The two employees were transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center-Marshall where one of the gunshot victims died of his injuries. The deceased is identified as Raymond Gomez, 21, Marshall. Judge Ken Alford, Justice of the Peace-Precinct 2 has ordered an autopsy. The condition of the second victim is unknown.

Around 7:00 Saturday morning, Marshall/Harrison County Crimestoppers received a tip with information on the suspect that was described from the surveillance video. After further investigation, a warrant was issued for the charge of Capital Murder. The investigation is ongoing.

TYLER — Tyler Police respond to a report of shots fired. It happened shortly before 11:45 Friday night in the 600 block of South Kennedy Avenue. When officers arrived they discovered a large crime scene in the six and seven hundred blocks of South Kennedy. Officers discovered a blood trail leading to an apartment at 710 South Kennedy. Officers said a large amount of blood along with bloody clothing were discovered inside the apartment. CSI Investigators were notified and responded to the scene. The victim has not been located and his/her status is unknown. There are no suspects in custody. The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime are urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case, or any, felony case.