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MARSHALL — Lots of dogs in East Texas are going to need a new home. Authorities from the city of Marshall, along with Harrison County personnel, rescued nearly 70 dogs from a run-down puppy mill this past week. The mill was located in the northwestern part of Harrison County. Kay Hill of the Harrison County Humane Society says a variety of dogs are available. According to Hill, the dogs were being bred in deplorable conditions. Most of the dogs are being transferred to the North Texas Humane Society, where they will be available for adoption.

WOOD COUNTY — Two train cars jumped the track in Mineola Saturday night. The Mineola Fire Department said a Union Pacific train was passing through the intersection of Highway 69 through downtown Mineola around roughly 7:45 when the cars jumped the track. According to KETK, three intersections were blocked, but have since re-opened.

GREGG COUNTY — Longview Police early Friday arrested a Harrison County man wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Alan Ivan Russell is being held without bond in connection with the assault on a 6-year-old girl. Russell, 37, was transferred from Gregg County Jail to Harrison County late Friday. Webb said the arrest stems from an incident that occurred April 27. He was picked up by Longview police at 2:20 a.m. Friday in the 2500 block of 12th Street.

LINDALE — Investigators on Friday were trying to determine why a Lindale woman was driving the wrong way on Interstate 20 late Wednesday when her pickup crashed into oncoming traffic, leaving five people dead. According to the Longview News-Journal, Krystle Dawn Carranza, 27, her three young daughters and Fred Ulysses Hammett Jr., 70, of Ramona, Calif., were killed in the collision near Mesquite. Authorities said vehicles driven by Carranza and Hammett burst into flames upon impact.

Wood County Sheriff’s Department records indicate Carranza had been arrested three times since 2005, once for driving while intoxicated on April 27, 2006. Investigators said they had not determined whether alcohol was involved in Wednesday’s crash. Authorities said Carranza nearly hit a state trooper minutes earlier. Family members said Carranza may have been going to see her husband, Joe Carranza, who works in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The children have been identified as 5-year-old Nevaeh, 3-year-old Delaney and 10-month-old Aleah. In a prepared statement, Lindale ISD officials said they were stunned and saddened by the loss.

LONGVIEW -– A father-son argument may have led to a shooting that left a Longview man hospitalized in serious condition Friday. The suspected shooter is still on the loose and being sought by investigators. Donnie McCray, 51, remained at Good Shepherd Medical Center where he was taken with life-threatening injuries after the Thursday night shooting in his home in the 200 block of Young Street. Police said he may have been shot by his 15-year-old son, who remained at large late Friday.

According to Longview police, witnesses said McCray was arguing with his son in a bedroom when they heard a single gunshot. They said McCray stumbled down the hallway, saying he’d been shot. The 15-year-old suspect, who has not been identified, left the scene before police arrived. Police said investigators later found a rifle they believed to be the weapon used in the shooting.

Officers were dispatched to the South Longview address about 9:15 p.m. Thursday. Anyone with information about the shooting may anonymously call Gregg County Crimestoppers at (903) 236-7867 or submit a tip online at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

TYLER — The Tuskegee Project celebrating the first U.S. Military African-American aviators to serve in combat opened Friday and runs through July 31 at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, 150 Airport Dr., Tyler (formerly the Pounds Field Terminal). The exhibits include models and posters telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen who fought in World War II. Hours for the museum are Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm and on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00pm
ADMISSION:
* Adults: $5.00
* Seniors (65+): $4.00
* Active Military (with ID): Free
* Teens (13-17 years): $3.00
* Children (6-12 years): $2.00
* Children (5 and under): Free
Special group rates are available. Call 903-526-1945 for information.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Builders Association’s 59th Annual Parade of Homes kicks off Saturday and runs through June 10. 36 homes are on the tour this year. Hours will be: Saturdays 10:00am to 6:00pm; Sundays 2:00 to 6pm; Monday – Thursday 6:00 to 9:00pm.; and Friday 3:00 to 9:00pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. You can go to http://www.tylerareabuilders.com to find the locations of the Parade homes and get other information.

TYLER — With an initiative to enhance safe aircraft taxi operations from the airport commercial terminal and provide what’s termed needed space for corporate development on the airport, Tyler Pounds Regional Airport has been awarded a new FAA grant totaling $7,033,313. Pending approval from the City for the required 10 percent matching funds, the grant from the Federal Aviation Administration will provide funding to construct a new taxiway near the commercial airport terminal and also to initiate required environmental assessments to reconstruct Tyler runway 04/22.

“The airport’s hangar space and land available for future airside development is fully occupied, so all future growth for general aviation and aviation industrial facilities will rely on this project moving forward,” said Airport Manager Davis Dickson. “In addition to the improvements to the airfield, this work will help create jobs and bolster the airport’s role as a key economic engine for the East Texas Region.”

The new taxiway was a project recommended in the airport’s twenty-year development master plan. Having the taxiway will reduce taxiing distances for the commercial carriers and improve safety standards on the airfield. The project is also the second step toward opening land on the airport for future corporate and industrial development opportunities. “These funds will be used to address needed maintenance and safety improvements at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport,” said Senator John Cornyn. “In addition, quality transportation services are important for boosting local economic growth. I commend the area leaders who worked to secure this funding.”

With the inclusion of the environmental assessments in this grant, Tyler will be taking the first steps to rehabilitate runway 04/22. This is the longest runway at Tyler and plans are to strengthen the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and improve the precision navigational aids to allow it to be more effective through inclement weather conditions. “This new taxiway project will address the future needs of the airport, and is very important to the growth of Tyler,” Said Mayor Barbara Bass. “Improving our main runway while making more land available for airside access can only add to the economic development potentials for the airport.”

The Texas Department of Transportation reports that capital expenditures just for infrastructure and airport improvements from 2006 – 2010 generated $22.5 million in economic activity. In 2010 the overall economic impact of the airport on East Texas was approximately $66,139,902.

TYLER – A Smith County sheriff’s deputy has been hit by a SUV and seriously injured. The Department of Public Safety says the accident happened shortly before 9:45 last night as Officer Daniel Leon was directing traffic near Tyler Metro Church on Highway 110 South. He was taken to East Texas Medical Center for treatment and is listed in fair condition. Leon has been with the Smith County Sheriff’s Department for 13 years.

TYLER – The jury that last week found Kimberly Cargill guilty of capital murder has now sentenced her to death. The panel returned the verdict around 9:30 Thursday night. As in all death penalty rulings, the case will automatically be appealed.

Cargill was charged with the June 2010 death of Cherry Walker. Walker was killed one day after she was subpoenaed to testify in a custody hearing over Cargill’s 4-year-old son. Cargill testified Wednesday that walker died of a seizure. Cargill said she tried CPR on her, but was unsuccessful. She then testified that she burned the body.

TYLER – A 55 year old Bivins, Texas, woman has been sentenced in Tyler for a criminal activity related to identity theft. LaWanda Maricle was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison, a term of supervised release of 3 years, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $108,101.28. She appeared yesterday before United States Judge Michael H. Schneider.

According to federal prosecutors, Maricle was the manager of Pioneer Credit Company, a loan company located in Mt. Pleasant. Maricle, along with others, devised a scheme to fraudulently create new loan applications for customers who did not have an active loan, using the customer’s name, social security number, and other identifying information. Maricle would approve the loan, issue a check in the name of the customer on Pioneer’s account, sign the check on behalf of Pioneer, and then forge the signature of the customer on the check. Maricle used the funds for her own personal gain. As a result of the fraudulent activity, the total loss or intended loss, from all relevant conduct, was at least $200,000.

TYLER – A Houston man, appearing in Tyler before United States Judge Michael H. Schneider, has been sentenced to 48 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Oscar Ivan Nino, 22, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 13, 2011, along with four co-conspirators. He pleaded guilty on January 12, 2012.

Federal prosecutors say beginning at an unknown date and continuing up to March 9, 2011, Nino possessed more than 15 kilograms of cocaine which he distributed in East Texas. As part of the conspiracy, on or about March 9, 2011, Nino traveled from Houston to Tyler with 2 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of delivering it to other co-conspirators in Tyler.

Three of Nino’s co-defendants have been sentenced. Gary Anderson was sentenced on March 1, 2012, and received 248 months in prison. Anderson’s wife and co-defendant, Jennifer Anderson, was sentenced on March 28, 2012, and received 188 months. Saul Cobarrubias was sentenced on April 24, 2012, and received 135 months in prison. The final co-defendant has pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing.

TYLER – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges. In an appearance before United States Magistrate John D. Love, Jose Lopez, 42, pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Lopez faces not less than 10 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000.00 and at least 5 years of supervised release on the drug charge. He also faces not less than 5 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 and no more than 5 years of supervised release on the gun charge, to be served consecutively to the drug charge.

Lopez was indicted along with two co-defendants by a federal grand jury on back in January. According to federal prosecutors, from a date prior to December 14, 2011, and continuing through that date, Lopez possessed and distributed methamphetamine with his co-defendants. Lopez also admitted to possessing and carrying a firearm during and in relation to the possession and distribution of methamphetamine. Lopez admitted that he conspired with his co-defendants to distribute more than 500 grams but less than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is concerned that permitting for the southern segment of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline could be insufficient and has asked for a more extensive review. An official in the EPA’s region that oversees Texas wrote a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers saying 61 water crossings near Galveston are too large for the broad permits being pursued. The official wants an environmental review that includes a public comment period. The letter, written in November, was released Thursday. The corps says it’s reviewing TransCanada’s permit request. This is the latest obstacle for a controversial pipeline project that has created tensions between the U.S. and Canada. The pipeline is designed to transport Canadian crude oil across the Midwest to Texas Gulf Coast refineries. It would run through eastern Smith County and much of East Texas if completed.

TYLER — Tyler ISD hires three people to fill administrative positions in the district beginning next month. Michael Timms, who currently serves as John Tyler High School associate principal of curriculum & instruction, will take over as principal. Gary Brown, who began his education career at Pine Tree High School, will become principal of Robert E. Lee High School. That follows a term as principal of Wylie High School. And Dr. Christy Hanson will serve as TISD’s executive director of secondary education. She currently serves as the director of secondary schools in Grand Prairie ISD.

SULPHUR SPRINGS — Police in East Texas arrest three men suspected of being involved in a Wal-Mart theft ring. Officers said the men stole cigarettes from a Sulphur Springs Wal-Mart gas station over the weekend before leading police on a 15-mile chase. But investigators think the men are also responsible for more than 20 similar thefts throughout Texas, totaling over $80,000 in stolen items. The men face charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, and evading arrest.

LONGVIEW — One East Texas school district is looking to hire more than 50 new employees, including teachers, next year. Longview public schools will be holding a recruitment expo this afternoon from 4 till 6 at the Education Support Center on East Young. the expo features teaching jobs of all grade levels and other support personnel. The district needs teachers in science, math, and technology. Many of the openings are due to retiring teachers. A spokesperson says, “We have an aging workforce, and so we are seeing that bubble come through Longview ISD. We have processed more retirements this year than we have had in the last several years — probably since 2004, when we had the Social Security windfall.”

TYLER — When the dust settled from Tuesday’s elections, there were some upsets. One of them: Texas House District 6. Leo Berman lost the seat he held 14 years to newcomer Matt Schaefer. Berman, a seasoned politician and U.S. Army veteran, was quick to offer Schaefer some advice. He says it’s good to get involved in the community and know your constituents. The 76-year old tells KETK he’s finally looking forward to a life of leisure. “I’m going to get out of public service,” says Berman. “44 years is long enough, and I’m going to enjoy golf, I’m going to enjoy travel, and I’m going to enjoy doing the things in life that people do at my age.” Berman says his cancer is in remission and he has one more chemotherapy treatment to undergo. His plans are to finish out his term in January. The Bermans plan a vacation to Austria after that.

TYLER — After Tuesday night’s election loss, one candidate says he’s ready to move forward. Chief Deputy Bobby Garmon spent more than 30-years serving Smith County, and Tuesday night he was defeated in his run for Smith County Sheriff. KETK had a chance to catch up with him and talk about his future. “We’ll you know when you been here 32-years. My next step is probably just retire and just kind of relax and look at all my options and what’s next and everything.” Garmon tells KETK, he’s not planning on endorsing any other candidate at this time.

LONGVIEW —- One Longview woman is homeless after a fire burned down her house. The blaze on the 100 block of White City Street was reported by neighbors around 9:15 Thursday morning. The woman and dog who lived at the residence were not home at the time of the fire. Fire officials tell KETK they believe it was caused by an electrical issue but it is still under investigation. The Longview Fire Marshal urges people to check their electrical wiring to help prevent a similar event. The Red Cross says they will help the victim. No injuries were reported.

LIBERTY CITY — Gregg County DPS is searching for a black SUV they believe was involved in a hit and run Sunday evening. DPS says Brandon Benson, 30, was struck from behind at Rice Road and Farm Road 1252 in Liberty City while riding his bike Sunday evening around 6:30 According to KETK, the driver fled the scene. Witnesses described the vehicle that struck Benson as a black SUV. Benson suffered several broken bones and is currently in ICU. He’s listed in good condition. If you have any information, contact your local law enforcement agency or DPS.

PANOLA COUNTY — A Carthage man died early Wednesday morning in a single-vehicle crash. Just after 3:00, David Mauro Rico, 26, was traveling south on U.S. 79 when his vehicle struck an iron pipe on the roadway, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety. According to the Longview News-Journal, Rico was pronounced dead at the scene.

DALLAS (AP) – A trailer that went missing while hauling a NASA-funded telescope from Minnesota has reached its destination in East Texas. A spokeswoman for Minneapolis-based Copeland Trucking says the trailer and undamaged telescope arrived Thursday at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility near Palestine. The Copeland official, who declined to provide her full name to The Associated Press, says the driver was fired Wednesday after the truck and the trailer were recovered in the Dallas area. Other workers delivered the cargo. Police in Hutchins say the cab and the driver were located Wednesday morning at a truck stop. The trailer with the telescope was found Wednesday night in South Dallas. Dallas police have launched an auto theft investigation. No one has been charged.

MESQUITE (AP) – Investigators say a fiery wrong-way accident on Interstate Highway 20 near Dallas has killed three children and both drivers. Mesquite police say I-20 reopened early Thursday a few hours after a truck going the wrong direction slammed into an SUV. Mesquite police Lt. David Gill says the pickup was driven by Krystle Carranza, 27, from Lindale. Gill says the woman’s three daughters also died in the wreck. The youngster’s names and ages were not immediately released. Gill says the name of the man driving the SUV also has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. All five victims were dead at the scene. A Department of Public Safety trooper spotted the pickup going the wrong way and attempted to stop the vehicle just before the accident late Wednesday.

One of the children killed attended Lindale ISD’s Early Childhood Center; the other two were pre-school children. A statement from LISD reads, “The faculty and staff of the Lindale Independent School district are stunned and greatly saddened by the passing of one our Early Childhood Center students as the result of an automobile accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all of the victims of this tragic event.”

Early Childhood Center Principal Dana Sustaire added Thursday, “We met as a campus this morning to discuss our emotions during this difficult time. We will reach out to the family and support them in any way possible.” The statement says though school is out for the year, faculty members are working and counselors are available to assist Early Childhood Center staff members as they cope with the student’s death.

TYLER – The new assistant director of admissions at the University of Texas at Tyler is Jessica Chiles. She assumes her new duties starting June 1st. Chiles will follow Jay Phillips, who accepted a position at Texas A&M University. As assistant director, her responsibilities will include UT Tyler recruitment coordination and management. “I and the entire UT Tyler admissions staff look forward to working with Jessica, as she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experiences,” said Sarah Bowdin, UT Tyler director of admissions.

A UT Tyler alumna, Chiles comes to the university from Lon Morris College where she worked since October 2007. There, she served as an admissions recruiter, international student coordinator, admissions and financial aid counselor and director of admissions and media relations.

Prior to joining Lon Morris, Chiles served as the communication specialist for the Potpourri House in Tyler. As a UT Tyler student, she helped create a promotional/recruitment video for the Patriot Talon student newspaper as well as a public relations campaign for the Tyler Museum of Art. Chiles also was a staff writer and entertainment editor for the Talon. She holds an associate degree from LMC as well as a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a public relations emphasis from UT Tyler. Chiles currently is enrolled in the UT Tyler master of arts in communication program.

TEXARKANA – A northeast Texas man has pleaded in federal court to simple possession of a controlled substance. Ezekiel Tyree Welch, 20, of Dekalb, entered his plea Wednesday in Texarkana in an appearance before United States Magistrate Caroline M. Craven.

Federal prosecutors say, on or about August 19, 2011, Welch tried to enter the Red River Army Depot in Bowie County by presenting a temporary pass. The officer at the gate of the facility smelled a strong odor of marijuana emanating from Welch’s person. The officer asked permission to conduct a pat-down search of Welch. Welch admitted that he had marijuana in his right front pocket. The marijuana, a Schedule 1 controlled substance, was tested and was found to weigh 4.17.

Welch faces a prison term not to exceed 1 year, a fine not to exceed $100,000 or both. A sentencing date has not been scheduled at this time.

LEGGETT (AP) — Three people died when the car in which they were riding slammed into a tractor-trailer rig that had turned in front of them on an East Texas highway. The crash happened Wednesday afternoon on U.S. 59 at Loop 116 in Leggett in the East Texas Piney Woods, about 80 miles northeast of Houston. Trooper David Hendry of the Texas Department of Public Safety tells KTRE-TV of Lufkin the 18-wheeler was northbound on U.S. 59 and turning left onto Loop 116 when hit by the car. The vehicles burst into flame. The truck driver escaped his cab but was kept by flames from rescuing the three. Hendry identified the dead three as the driver, Deonta Lashard Wyatt of Livingston, and passengers Connie Ray Burch and Anita Burch, both of Leggett.

TYLER – In Tyler federal court, a 50 year old Azle, Texas man, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Wallace Jackson entered the guilty plea during an appearance before United States Magistrate Judith K. Guthrie. Jackson faces a minimum of 5 years but not more than 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release.

On December 7, 2011, Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury on single a charge of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to information presented in court, from a date prior to July 20, 2011, Jackson agreed with other persons to acquire and distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. Jackson admitted that he is responsible for the distribution of more than 35 grams but less than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine.

TYLER — An armed robbery suspect is in custody. Shortly after 3:45 Wednesday afternoon, Tyler police arrested Mark Antonio Lee, 39, for aggravated robbery of a local Conoco convenience store. Officers say they’d contacted the suspect three days earlier on a public service call. According to a police news release, information given by Lee on that contact provided officers a possible lead that he may have been involved in Wednesday’s robbery. Officers followed up on that information and located the vehicle allegedly used in Wednesday’s robbery at 1012 North Palace.

Officers made contact with Lee at the residence after they confirmed that he was inside. According to the release, officers set up a perimeter around the residence and were able to talk Lee out of the residence without incident. Lee was transported to Smith County Jail and booked on the aggravated robbery charge.

Tyler police responded to the robbery at 2706 West Gentry just before 12:30 Wednesday afternoon. Police were told that the suspect entered the store and displayed a semi-automatic handgun demanding the cash from the register. The store clerk told officers that the suspect removed the cash from the register, exited the store, and got into a car. A witness who was in the store at the time of the robbery followed the suspect, but lost him in the area of Parkdale and Garden Valley Road. Officers searched the area and initially failed to locate the suspect vehicle before finally catching up with Lee.

CANTON — Authorities in Van Zandt County continue to investigate a pair of theft incidents after recovering some stolen property. On Tuesday, May 15, two victims reported theft from their residences on County Road 3514 in Wills Point. On Tuesday, May 29, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on County Road 3415 in Wills Point, where some of the stolen property was recovered. Later that day the Sheriff’s Office recovered additional stolen property from a residence on County Road 3210. Authorities say there has been a suspect identified and charges will be filed at a later date while the investigation continues. All of the property was returned to the victims. The recovered property was valued at approximately $7,000.