AUSTIN – Tyler has a brand new millionaire. Texas Lottery authorities say Carlos Gean of Tyler claimed a $1 million Powerball prize at his local Texas Lottery claim center. He purchased a Quick Pick ticket at the Lynch Food Store (3400 E. 5th St., Tyler) for the Powerball drawing held Aug. 24. That ticket matched all of the numbers drawn (12-17-25-45-59) except for the Powerball (19), making it worth $1 million before taxes.
Jacksonville Man Arrested after Standoff
JACKSONVILLE — A Jacksonville man was arrested on Wednesday morning after an hour-long standoff with police. Detective Greg Compton with the Jacksonville Police Department tells KETK that authorities received word that Andres Saucedo, 22, was at a house on the 1000 block of San Marcos St. Saucedo was wanted for a parole warrant. Police tried to make contact with Saucedo at the house, but he refused to answer, according to authorities. Law officers say they determined that he was inside the house and had barricaded the front door, so they assembled the SWAT team and tried once again to contact Saucedo over the phone. Eventually, police say, Saucedo emerged from the house and was taken into custody without further incident. Continue reading Jacksonville Man Arrested after Standoff
Arrest Affidavit On Tyler Pharmacist Released
TYLER — The Tyler pharmacist arrested following a standoff with police, is being accused of sexually assaulting a 14 year old relative at least twice. James Carey Prosperie, 73, is being charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to the arrest affidavit, the detective working the case feels there is good reason to believe that Prosperie assaulted the teenage on June 8th. According to a report from the CPS, Prosperie told a friend, who is a lawyer, that he had sexual contact with the underage relative on at least two separate occasions. Continue reading Arrest Affidavit On Tyler Pharmacist Released
Cattle Barons’ Gala Another Big Success
TYLER — Supporters gathered Wednesday evening for the good news about proceeds from this year’s Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala, $506,380. This year’s Gala theme was “Rigs to Riches”; the event was held June 8th at the Rio Neches Ranch, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Organizers at Wednesday’s announcement event thanked all the volunteers for their support and urged them to continue the fight for a cancer cure.
One Killed in Rusk County Wreck
TURNERTOWN — A two vehicle accident in Rusk County has left one person dead. Killed in the wreck was Rudy Huddleston, 55, of Troup. The Department of Public Safety says Huddleston was killed when his vehicle and a tractor trailer rig collided. The accident happened around 11:15 Tuesday night at the intersection of State Highways 64 and 42 near Turnertown.
Kilgore Apartment Damaged by Fire
KILGORE — A second-floor unit at Glen Hollow Apartments on Danville Road in Kilgore has been damaged by fire. It occurred just before 7:00 yesterday morning. There were no injuries. The initial investigation indicated it may have been electrical in nature
Charges Dropped against Firefighter
GLADEWATER — A Gladewater firefighter is still on the job after charges against him were dropped. KETK reports William Todd Orendorff, 42, was arrested August 12 for alleged assault and interfering with an emergency call, according to jail records. The Gladewater city manager says due to Texas law, the city cannot take disciplinary action against the man since there was no longer a complaint.
Boil Water Notice for Some Troup Residents
TROUP — Because of a water main break, some residents of Troup are being required to boil their water. The advisory is for residents in an area bounded on the north by East Duval Street, on the east by South Price Street, on the west by South Front Street and the south by Farm Road 110 to and including County Road 4801. This is on the southeast side of Troup. Residents will be told when the boil water notice is lifted. Continue reading Boil Water Notice for Some Troup Residents
Lake Palestine Drowning Victim Identified
CHANDLER — A man who drowned Tuesday night at Lake Palestine has been identified. According to KETK, the Henderson County sheriff says the deceased, Kayvan H. Moayedi, 30, lived on Lake Palestine, but his DL was registered in California. The body has been sent Dallas for an autopsy, but the preliminary investigation shows that he apparently was swimming and just went under. The man was seen struggling in the water some 150 yards from shore just northeast of the Sunrise Shore boat ramp around 6:30 Tuesday night. His body was found about five hours later.
Authorities: Woman Charged with DWI Had 3 Kids in Car
LONGVIEW — A Longview woman was jailed after being arrested by Department of Public Safety troopers, who reported she registered a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit — and had three children in her car. KETK reports Kristian Leeann Cartwright, 32, was stopped Monday by Trooper Darren Thomas. According to the arrest report, Thomas smelled alcohol when he approached Cartwright’s car and noticed there was an interlock device lying in her lap. Cartwright reportedly told Thomas she blew into the device earlier and couldn’t shut the car off because it had battery problems and wouldn’t crank back up. She also reportedly told Thomas the reason she smelled like alcohol was that her husband had earlier tried to kiss her and poured beer into her mouth. Continue reading Authorities: Woman Charged with DWI Had 3 Kids in Car
Sheriff: Body Found in Upshur County Being Investigated as Homicide
GILMER — Upshur County deputies Tuesday confirmed they are investigating the suspicious death of a man whose body was found more than a week ago. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The body of Jack E. Pierce, 45, was found August 26 by deputies who answered a check welfare call, said Sheriff’s Lt. Freddie Fitzgerald in a statement released Tuesday. The body was found inside a residence in the southwest part of the county, Fitzgerald wrote. “Deputies found things at the scene to be suspicious,” Fitzgerald wrote, adding the case is being investigated as a homicide. Continue reading Sheriff: Body Found in Upshur County Being Investigated as Homicide
Storm Leaves Damage; Drought Continues
LONGVIEW — Damage from a powerful, slow-moving storm that pelted much of Northeast Texas on Sunday and Monday will take a good while to clean up. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, the National Weather Service reported wind speeds of 18 miles per hour with gusts of nearly 35 miles per hour at East Texas Regional Airport. Longview city officials reported the storm downed trees in 13 different locations, primarily across north Longview. Assistant to the City Manager Mary Ann Miller said crews worked over the weekend clearing debris from area roadways and would continue gathering and hauling off the debris the next few days. Continue reading Storm Leaves Damage; Drought Continues
Local Residents Called to Contribute to Cancer Research Effort
TYLER – Residents of Smith and surrounding counties have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in a historic study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations, according to study organizers. According to a news release, men and women age 30 to 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer (excluding basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers) are needed to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Spokespeople say CPS-3 will enroll a diverse population of 300,000 people across the United States and Puerto Rico. Continue reading Local Residents Called to Contribute to Cancer Research Effort
Angelina County Man Sentenced for Robbing Post Office
BEAUMONT – A 30-year-old Lufkin man has been sentenced to federal prison for robbing a post office in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. Keith DeWayne Bailey pleaded guilty on June 19 to post office robbery and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison Wednesday in Beaumont by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark. Continue reading Angelina County Man Sentenced for Robbing Post Office
Man Arrested; Allegedly Tried to Run People Over
NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches police arrest a Tennessee man who they say tried running over two people early Sunday morning. Alex Fentress, 24, is charged with second-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and driving while intoxicated. Two people told police Fentress tried running them over as he was leaving the scene of a fight.
2013 Labor Day No Refusal After Action Report
SMITH COUNTY — Authorities have released the results of the “No Refusal” DWI Campaign. An after-action report from the Tyler Police Department shows the multi-agency results from August 30th through September 2nd:Total DWI arrests for the No-Refusal initiative for all agencies were 23. DPS had 18 DWI arrests during the No-Refusal campaign. DPS also had one arrest for DUI-Minor.) Tyler PD had 5 DWI arrests during the No-Refusal campaign. Total number of search warrants for blood was 6. DPS obtained 5 search warrants for blood. Tyler PD obtained 1 search warrant for blood. A grand total of 23 DWI arrests with 1 DUI-Minor and 6 (26%) search warrants in all were reported.
Texans Against Crime Kick-Off Party Planned
LONGVIEW — Texans Against Crime will host a Kick-off event for party hosts in Longview on Tuesday, September 10th, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Center, 100 Grand Boulevard. Participants will have the opportunity to visit with other Texans Against Crime party hosts and law enforcement personnel, pick up yard signs, and visit informational booths. Continue reading Texans Against Crime Kick-Off Party Planned
Former Pharmacist Arrested Following Standoff; Accused of Child Sex Assault
TYLER — Tyler police have arrested a 73-year-old man for alleged aggravated sexual assault of a child following a standoff Tuesday. KETK reports the man is identified as James Carey Prosperie of Tyler, who spent a number of years as a local pharmacist. Police say when they tried to execute an arrest warrant in the 1000 block of Jeff Davis Drive, Prosperie initially refused to exit his house. There were reports he was armed, but police say they can’t confirm that. He was finally taken into custody early in the afternoon. Prosperie operated the Medicine Shoppe at 2119 East Fifth Street until it closed several years ago. The space is now occupied by a tattoo parlor.
Don Warren Announces Intention to Seek City Council Seat
TYLER — Oil and gas professional Don Warren Tuesday announced his intention to seek the City Council District 4 seat in the May 2014 election. Current District 4 City Councilmember Martin Heines recently announced his intention to run for Mayor in May 2014. Warren is a Tyler native, a graduate of Texas Tech University, and has been an oil and gas professional for the last 32 years. He is the owner of Lomoco, Inc., a small oil and gas asset management firm, which he formed in 1994. Since 2010 he has served as a volunteer on the City of Tyler Planning and Zoning Commission and is currently serving as Co -Chairman of the Bergfeld Park Improvement Project. Continue reading Don Warren Announces Intention to Seek City Council Seat
Wife Slaying Suspect Held in Nacogdoches
ROCKPORT (AP/Staff) – A South Texas man accused of killing his wife has been arrested in Nacogdoches County. Andrew Jared Harvey, 21, was accused of the slaying after relatives questioned why he traveled hundreds of miles to the Sacul community with his 5-month-old son — but without the baby’s mother. Nacogdoches County jail records showed Harvey was being held without bail for Rockport police. Continue reading Wife Slaying Suspect Held in Nacogdoches
Temporary Road Closure in Smith County
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Road 137, west of CR 134 and east of CR 1300, is temporarily closed. Officials say the wooden bridge at this location is currently undergoing a detailed inspection for structural deficiencies. Officials say they’ll have more information on the length of this closure as details become available.
East Texas Cold Case Re-opened
TYLER — Authorities re-open an East Texas cold case. Brandi Wells, Tyler, went missing 7 years ago after leaving a Longview night club. According to KETK, because of the time and no evidence, the case went cold. Her family still wants answers. Continue reading East Texas Cold Case Re-opened
Officials Warn about Outdoor Grilling
EAST TEXAS — Labor Day weekend is traditionally one of the biggest grilling holidays of the year. But County officials from all across East Texas had urged using extreme caution before lighting the grill and not just during the holiday, but anytime. KETK reports nearly all East Texas counties are under a burn ban. That means no bonfires, camp fires, wood burning, or open fire pits. If authorities bust you violating the burn ban, you could be fined up to $500. Van Zandt and Rains Counties have not issued burn bans, but caution is advised there as well.
Two Earthquakes Rattle East Texas
TIMPSON (AP/STAFF) — Two earthquakes have hit East Texas, causing little reported damage but unnerving residents. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 4.1 magnitude earthquake at 4:52 p.m. CDT Monday centered about 2 miles west-northwest of the town of Timpson. That’s about 150 miles east-southeast of Dallas and 60 miles southwest of Shreveport, Louisiana. The second earthquake was reported at 6:51 Monday night two miles west northwest of Timpson. It measured 4.3 on the Richter Scale. Timpson police Officer Adam Renfro says he had received reports of dishes and pictures falling from walls but no significant damage. Continue reading Two Earthquakes Rattle East Texas
Fire Contained on Greenbriar Lake Road
One Man Arrested Following East Texas Standoff
VAN ZANDT — A man has been taken into custody in Van Zandt County after barricading himself inside of business in Wills Point. According to KETK, several departments responded to the call of a disruptive man at Mitchell Oil company. When they arrived, the man barricaded himself in the bathroom. He then is accused of tearing up the room and attempting to escape through the roof. He made it into the attic where authorities say he tried to set a fire. He was taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including arson and aggravated assault of a public servant. Continue reading One Man Arrested Following East Texas Standoff
TxDOT Project Updates
TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.
WOOD COUNTY – Beginning Tuesday, TxDOT contract construction crews from Longview Bridge and Road, of Longview, are scheduled to begin approximately one year’s worth of work to add passing lanes to U.S, Highway 69 between Loop 564 in Mineola and Farm Road 779 in Golden. Crews will begin work by widening drainage structures in the work area. The $2.8 million project let to contract in June and is scheduled for completion next summer. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates
Suspect Arrested on Charges of Indecency/Sexual Contact with a Child
GREGG COUNTY — An East Texas man is facing two charges of indecency and sexual contact with a child. According to KETK, on Friday afternoon, Gregg County Deputies arrested Orie Bray Patty, 24, of Harleton, on two charges of indecency with a child. Patty was also charged with theft, injury and family violence, and stolen property. Patty is currently in the Gregg County Jail under a $6,000 bond.
Man Accused of Sexual Assault on Three Juveniles
RUSK COUNTY — Rusk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man accused of sexually assaulting three juveniles. A complaint was filed against Barney Samuel Bradshaw, 35, accusing him of the crimes. Bradshaw was found and taken into custody Thursday in Gregg County on the charges along with a warrant from Tarrant County. He was booked into Rusk County Jail with bond set at $500,000.
Descendants of Slaves Hold Out Against Coal Mining
DIRGIN (AP) — A Texas family descended from slaves is fighting to keep a mining company from taking over land once owned by their ancestors. For three years, Luminant Mining Co. has tried to purchase the 9-acre plot in Dirgin, in Rusk County. The company already owns more than 75% of the parcel but can’t mine it because of a complex inheritance arrangement and the refusal of some family members. Ida Finley, who is nearly 102, could lose the land worked by her husband and his parents, who were slaves. Luminant says it has offered more than the land’s appraised value, plus compensation to Finley and her granddaughter for their homes. Now the company has sued some of the heirs and asked a court to divide the land or force a settlement.
