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TYLER — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Weeks of May 11 and May 18, 2015. Schedules are subject to change due to weather, equipment or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in these and all work zones.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance crews are conducting base repairs on State Highway 135 between Troup and Arp as well as on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 and Farm Road 16 over the next couple of week. Expect the roadway to be reduced to one lane with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

CANTON — A jury in Canton has convicted the uncle in the capital murder of a Greenville teenager, and it didn’t take long to reach the decision. Michael Moore will spend the rest of his life in prison with no chance of parole for murdering his niece Alicia Moore, 16, in November of 2012. Her body was stuffed in a wicker trunk and left along a rural Van Zandt County road. The case has torn at the family, with one member murdered and another on trial. But Jessica Byrd, Alicia’s aunt, says her opinion changed. According to Byrd, perhaps a year later, after Moore got arrested, the family was told some things that made her reflect on some other things she knew, and she “just put two and two together.” Moore had denied any involvement in a jailhouse interview.

EAST TEXAS — East Texans went to the polls Saturday in city council and school board races. Some voters even decided school bond issues. Elections on the ballot included those in Tyler, Chapel Hill, Bullard, Hideaway, Lindale, and Winona. Only one contested city council race was on the ballot in Tyler.

With 15 of 15 precincts reporting in complete but unofficial returns:
Tyler City Council
District 1
Linda Sellers 541
Waterson Calhoun 150
W.P. (Billy) Larson Jr. 62
Detrese Harkey 3

There was only one Tyler school board race and the incumbent lost.
Tyler School Board
District 5
Barbara Ann Smith 122
Aaron D. Martinez 159 Continue reading Voters Decide Local Elections

DRIPPING SPRINGS (AP/STAFF) — Renowned fiddler Johnny Gimble, whose career included a stint as a Texas Playboy with the legendary Western swing musician Bob Wills and then gained fame for his backup work with country stars from Merle Haggard to Carrie Underwood, has died. He was 89. His daughter, Cyndy, said Gimble died Saturday morning near his home in Dripping Springs, near Austin, “finally rid of the complications from several strokes over the past few years.” Gimble grew up on a farm near Tyler, spent two years with Wills’ group beginning in 1949, and later became a much-requested session musician in Nashville performing with country giants such as Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Strait, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. He won six Country Music Association awards as best instrumentalist.

TROUP — The beloved mayor of an East Texas town has died. City of Troup Mayor Bill Lacy suffered a massive heart attack Wednesday at his home. According to KETK, he was with family members when the medical issue occurred. According to A family friend, around 1:00 on Thursday, doctors informed the family Mayor Lacy’s CT scan revealed brain swelling. Doctors then prepared the family to take the 46-year-old off life support. Funeral services for Lacy will be Tuesday morning at 10:00 at the First Baptist Church in Troup. Visitation will also be at the church on Monday, from 4:00 till 8:00pm. Continue reading Troup Mayor Passes Away Following Heart Attack

MARSHALL (AP/STAFF) — Flooding has been reported in parts of East Texas after storms dumped nearly 6 inches of rain that swamped some streets and highways. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office says some roads flooded on Friday in Marshall. The sheriff’s office urged travelers to use caution when driving. Several vehicles were abandoned at a flooded underpass in Marshall, with water up to the windshields. Stormwater also flooded Lois Jack Park in Longview, leaving playground equipment and benches partly submerged. The National Weather Service says Marshall received more than 2.5 inches of rain as of Friday, while nearby Hallsville had 5.8 inches of rain. Road and bridge crews will be inspecting roadways for damage when the flooding subsides. Forecasters say showers are expected through the weekend in parts of East Texas.

AUSTIN (AP) — It was a big week for weed in Texas. Three bills in the Republican-controlled Legislature that would decriminalize pot or legalize a marijuana oil to treat seizures all advanced. Supporters of marijuana reforms called it “unprecedented” progress after years of proposals going nowhere. Most of the gains are only symbolic. One bill sent to the House floor makes it legal to buy and sell pot in Texas, but it has virtually no chance of going further, much less to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. But with a month to go in the Legislature, some see hope in a Republican-backed measure that would allow some people with seizures to access a marijuana extract. That bill is sponsored by Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler. The proposal has cleared the Senate, and a vote in the House could come early as next week.

AUSTIN (AP) — A Texas House push to exclude the state from observing daylight saving time has collapsed amid concerns that doing so would make residents choose between going to church and watching the Dallas Cowboys. After a lengthy, often outlandish debate, lawmakers defeated the much-watched proposal Friday 56-79. Its sponsor, Van Republican Representative Dan Flynn, (pictured) called changing clocks twice annually “simply a hassle that we don’t need anymore.” Supporters said scrapping daylight saving time would keep children from heading to school in pre-dawn darkness. Continue reading Waste of Time: Texas House Votes to Keep Daylight Savings

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University School of Aviation and Aeronautical Science is launching a new degree program in the fall to train professional pilots to be leaders in the unmanned aircraft industry. The new program will enable pilots to fly, repair and program Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) – also commonly known as drones or Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs). The new degree program will provide a Bachelor of Science in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, with operations, maintenance and electronics concentrations. Projected growth for this industry is estimated in the billions of dollars over the next five years. Over 100,000 new jobs are expected be created in agriculture, search and rescue, aerial videography, border security, wildlife conservation, oil and gas pipeline inspection, and package delivery. Continue reading LETU to Launch new Aviation Degree

PALESTINE — The Texas Department of Public Safety executed a search warrant at a residence in Anderson County that resulted in the seizure of drugs and one firearm. The investigation by DPS Criminal Investigations Division special agents resulted in the seizure of approximately 94 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 74 grams of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 73 grams of suspected marihuana at the Oakcrest Drive residence. In addition, two first-degree felony drug charges were filed against Pablo Perales Deleon, 54. The suspect was transported to the Anderson County Jail. Other agencies involved in the investigation include the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Intuitional Division and the Anderson County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.

MARSHALL (AP/Staff) – Flooding has been reported in parts of East Texas after storms dumped nearly 6 inches of rain that swamped some streets and highways. Several vehicles were abandoned at a flooded underpass in Marshall, with water up to the windshields. Marshall police Chief Jesus “Eddie” Campa says nobody was hurt but 15 vehicles were caught in high water Friday, including a patrol car. The officer who was driving wasn’t hurt. Campa says part of U.S. 59 flooded and was closed for several hours, reopening around midmorning Friday. Stormwater also flooded Lois Jack Park in Longview, leaving playground equipment and benches partly submerged. The National Weather Service says Marshall received more than 2.5 inches of rain by Friday, while nearby Hallsville had 5.8 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. Showers are expected through the weekend in parts of East Texas.

MARSHALL – Authorities report a fourth suspect was arrested May 3 and charged with third-degree felony theft of livestock after allegedly helping three other suspects in an East Texas cattle theft case. Twelve head of penned yearling cattle were taken from a Harrison County ranch on Sept. 30, 2014. All four suspects are now under indictment as of April 30 and were arrested on various dates. A joint investigation was conducted by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Larry Hand and Harrison County Sheriff’s Investigator BJ Fletcher. Continue reading Fourth Suspect Arrested in Harrison County Cattle Theft Case

TROUP — The beloved mayor of an East Texas town has passed away. City of Troup Mayor Bill Lacy suffered a massive heart attack Wednesday at his home. According to KETK, he was with family members when the medical issue occurred. According to a family friend, around 1:00 on Thursday, doctors informed the family Mayor Lacy’s CT scan revealed brain swelling. Doctors then prepared the family to take the 46-year-old off life support.Continue reading Troup Mayor Passes Away Following Heart Attack

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House has voted to expand rules governing raw milk to allow producers to sell it at farmers’ markets or customers’ homes. Representative Dan Flynn of Van assured his colleagues Thursday that the bill would not mean a blanket legalization of raw milk sales, which have been closely regulated for decades. Licensed producers are already allowed to sell raw milk directly to consumers at the point of production, usually farms. Flynn’s bill would let those same producers sell milk elsewhere, including at separate businesses they run away from farms, at farmer’s market stands or while visiting the homes of customers. Flynn, a Republican from Van, said it was about protecting small business from overregulation. His bill passed 122-14 and now needs a final, largely ceremonial vote to clear the lower chamber.

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas is warning East Texas job seekers to be aware of individuals posing as potential employers in an attempt to collect personal information by offering non-existent jobs. The Tyler office of Workforce East Texas has received 35 to 40 calls from job seekers who have received unsolicited text messages from bogus employers using the names of established businesses to interview job candidates via online chats in an attempt to retrieve personally identifiable information. This includes bank account information. BBB is warning job seekers about job offers which promise what may appear to be a lucrative job opportunity, but is nothing more than a sophisticated scam. “We always advise consumers to do their homework before making a purchase”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “They should likewise do so during a job search.” Continue reading Warning About Bogus Employer Scam

TROUP — The mayor of Troup, Bill Lacy, is hospitalized in Tyler after suffering a heart attack at his home Wednesday afternoon. KETK reported late Thursday afternoon that its news staff had been told doctors had prepared the family to take the mayor off life support. We will provide updates on his condition as they are made available. Lacy had been planning on hosting his first prayer breakfast Thursday morning. It was still held at the First Baptist Church in Troup. The branch manager of Kilgore National Bank in Troup, Lacy was first elected mayor in May of last year.

TYLER — Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics Thursday announced plans to construct and operate a new community hospital in Tyler, expanding access to high-quality health care across East Texas. According to a news release, the new hospital will be located on the northwest corner of Cumberland Road and Broadway Avenue in south Tyler. Construction on the initial three-story, multi-million-dollar hospital is expected to begin by the end of the year with a projected opening in the third quarter of 2016. The initiative is expected to create more than 100 permanent jobs in the Tyler area. Continue reading TMF Announces Pact with Emerus, Construction of New Hospital

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – The Texas Senate has approved a limited medical marijuana bill presented by Tyler GOP Senator Kevin Eltife, authorizing the sale to eligible patients of Cannabidiol oil. The upper chamber voted 26-5 to support limited legalization of what’s also known as CBD oil. It’s an extract from the marijuana plant that doesn’t produce the high associated with other parts. The oil is used to help control seizures associated with intractable epilepsy, which advocates say affects about 150,000 Texans. Eltife’s measure now heads to the House. A companion House bill has cleared committee, making it potentially eligible for a lower chamber floor vote. Texas hasn’t legalized marijuana in any form, even for medical reasons. So, while a small step, passage of CBD oil exceptions would be unprecedented — should they eventually clear the Legislature.

TYLER — Hundreds attended Tyler’s 24th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at Harvey Convention Center Thursday, coinciding with the National Day of Prayer. The event included prayers for the medical community, non-profits, the educational system, the military, first responders, Tyler, and the nation. Music, videos, and other ceremonial touches were also part of the observance. Mayor Martin Heines introduced various participants and offered some thoughts of his own. Heines said, “Let us go forth from today refreshed, excited about our faith — but excited about what we can do in this community to make someone else’s life better.” Also on the docket yesterday was a “come and go” prayer on the downtown square from 9:00am till 9:00pm. .

LONGVIEW — A Mexican man wanted for the 2008 murder of his cousin in Longview has been arrested in Laredo. According to the Longview Police Department, Ramon Berumen-Campa, 28, of Mexico, was arrested in a immigration sweep by United States Border Patrol Agents. According to KETK, on June 29, 2008, Berumen-Campa shot and killed Eduardo Quezada, 25, at Quezada’s home in the 700 block of Travis Street before burning the house down. Continue reading Fugitive Wanted in Cousin’s Murder Arrested

WHITE OAK — The White Oak Police Department is investigating allegations concerning a White Oak Independent School District employee. According to KETK, police were contacted April 27 concerning reports that an employee was sending inappropriate text messages to a middle school student. Interviews are being conducted and the investigation is ongoing. The exact nature of the text messages has not been revealed. Continue reading School Employee Investigated for Alleged Relations with Student

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) — A proposal seeking full legalization of marijuana on religious grounds has cleared an unlikely legislative hurdle. Republican state Representative David Simpson of Longview argues marijuana comes from God and therefore shouldn’t be banned by government. The tea party stalwart has repeatedly championed what he calls the “Christian case” for legalization. Simpson’s bill languished for weeks before the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. Three committee Democrats and two Republicans surprisingly voted to support it Wednesday, though, and it passed 5-2. That makes Simpson’s bill eligible for consideration to reach the House floor before the legislative session ends June 1, although that’s still highly unlikely. State law currently makes no exceptions even for medical marijuana, making outright legalization unthinkable. Still, advocates hailed the committee vote as “unprecedented progress” for Texas marijuana rights.

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) — The head of Texas’ law enforcement agency called Snoop Dogg a “dope smoking cop hater” in an email before reprimanding a state trooper who posed for a picture with the rapper. Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw wrote in a March email that Trooper Billy Spears of Gilmer “must not understand” he was being lampooned in the picture that was taken during the South by Southwest music festival. Spears is now suing DPS over being disciplined. His attorney, Ty Clevenger, said Wednesday he obtained the emails through an open records request. DPS spokesman Tom Vinger confirmed the authenticity of the email. He said the agency holds employees to high standards of conduct and judgment. Snoop Dogg posted the picture to Instagram with the comment “Me n my deputy dogg.”

LONGVIEW — The Dean of the School of Aeronautical Science at LeTourneau University, Fred Ritchey, will testify today before the Texas Senate Committee on Higher Education in Austin. He will testify in support of H.B. 2167 by Representative Wayne Smith of Baytown and State Senator Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, relating to certain images captured by unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV). Currently, public institutions of higher education in Texas have the authority to operate UAV’s and capture images for research purposes. Continue reading LETU Avaiation Dean to Testify in Austin

RUSK — Farm Road 768 north of Rusk in Cherokee County has been closed at the bridge for emergency repairs. The closure is necessitated by recent rains that caused damage to pipes and slopes. Repairs are anticipated to take about two weeks to complete.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department has arrested a woman in connection with a shooting at a local park. KETK reports officers responded around 12:23 Wednesday afternoon to the West End Park, at 1600 W. Rusk Street, on reports of gunfire. When authorities made it to the scene, they found a man with a gunshot wound. Officials say he was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested Maurine Parker, who is in her 50s, and charged her with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She was booked into the Harrison County Jail. The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information pertaining to the incident should call the Marshall Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau at (903) 935-4540 or call Crime Stoppers at (903) 935-9969.

AUSTIN — A University of Texas System health care leader, who recently returned to Tyler, received the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) Distinguished Service Award Wednesday for his leadership in improving birth outcomes in Texas. According to a UT System news release, David Lakey, M.D., associate vice chancellor for population health, was honored by ACOG at its annual meeting this week in San Francisco. Lakey, the former Texas health commissioner who joined the UT System this year, holds a dual role as the senior vice president for population health at UT Health Northeast in Tyler. Officials say the award is presented to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to ACOG in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, government, research, teaching or direct patient care. Continue reading UT Health Northeast’s Lakey Receives Distinguished Service Award

LONGVIEW — Two trucks were cleared from Interstate Highway 20 in Longview by around midday yesterday, and the highway returned to normal traffic flow following a Wednesday morning wreck and chemical spill. TxDOT first reported the accident shortly after 7:00 a.m. I-20 eastbound had been down to one lane from Estes Parkway to Eastman Road after the two 18-wheelers collided. The right lane had to be closed, with all traffic using the left lane while the incident was addressed. The Longview police and fire departments worked the crash, with TxDOT taking over traffic control. A hazardous materials team was called in to clean up the chemical spill.

CANTON — Law enforcement officials have made an arrest in connection with a string of fires in Canton. KETK reports several agencies were involved in the arrest of Judy Jackson Dalton, 65, of Canton, on Tuesday. She was taken into custody by the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal, the Canton Police Department, and agents from ATF at her home on Slaughter Street at around 3:30 p.m. Authorities believe Dalton is responsible for a fire on the night of May 2 in the 300 block of Slaughter Street. Two people were inside the home when the blaze was set. Continue reading Woman Arrested in Canton Fires

KILGORE — Two East Texans have been arrested after allegedly running a mobile meth lab. KETK reports Kilgore police investigators went to 605 Kay Street around 10:25 Tuesday morning after receiving a tip of a possible drug lab operation in an RV. Upon arrival police located an RV parked on the street. Two occupants of the RV were identified as Adam Waddell (pictured), 32, and Aundrea Waddell, 29, both of White Oak. After initial investigation and a utilization of KPD K9 Jinto by Officer BJ Burns, a warrant was obtained to search the RV. Continue reading East Texans Arrested for Alleged Mobile Meth Lab