KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Tyler Police Department will be participating in a DWI enforcement program that will include every weekend in the month of November. The enforcement detail of officers will be on the look-out for intoxicated drivers in the City of Tyler. This enforcement program is funded by a state grant that was awarded to the department for DWI patrol. Officers urge everyone who is drinking and considering driving to have a designated driver, or to hire a cab to get home safely.

Also, during the Thanksgiving Holiday the police department will participate in a seat belt enforcement program also funded by a state grant that will run from November 22nd through November 27th. This effort is to promote safety for drivers and passengers traveling on very busy streets and highways during this holiday season.

LONGVIEW – A man killed in a Longview accident has been identified. He is Trent Ruchti Hepler, 32, of Longview. He was killed in an accident in the 4000 block of Estes Parkway shortly before 10:45 Tuesday morning.

Investigators say a state trooper had been traveling southbound on Estes Parkway in route to an accident scene when he lost control of his Chevrolet Tahoe and left the roadway, crossing the northbound lanes of traffic. The Trooper’s vehicle went through a chain link fence and struck a natural gas meter before coming to a stop. The trooper was not injured.

Two motorists, who had witnessed the accident, stopped to check on him, parking on the southbound shoulder of the roadway. As they were checking on the trooper, a large truck pulling a trailer attempted to avoid slowing traffic and lost control of his vehicle. The truck and trailer hit three pickup trucks and one of the two motorists, who was out of his vehicle. The motorist was pronounced dead at the scene by Gregg County Justice of the Peace Sam Lawson. A driver of one of the pickup trucks was transported to a Longview hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

TYLER — Two elections in Smith County may hinge on as-yet uncounted ballots. Elections Administrator Karen Nelson says these fall into two categories. One is provisional ballots — ones that were cast even though an individual’s eligibility to vote was in question. Nelson says there are 77 such ballots in the county. The other category is overseas military ballots; Nelson says about 100 of those are still out. One of the elections involves the Tyler ISD bond proposal; the other will determine whether beer and wine can be purchased for off-premise consumption in J.P. Precinct 4. Both measures were behind when all regular ballots had been counted — but by razor-thin margins, with the votes split virtually down the middle.

Nelson says officials have begun processing the provisional ballots to determine, first, how many will be ruled valid. Then officials will count the valid votes, if there are any. Nelson hopes to have the provisional ballots processed and counted by early Thursday afternoon. The deadline for receiving overseas military ballots is Monday, November 8, at 5 p.m. Nelson says officials have until November 10 to count those ballots, and she hopes to have it done by late afternoon on November 9. The canvassing period is November 10-15. Nothing becomes official at least until the canvassing is done — and challenges or recounts could always come into play. KTBB will keep you posted on how things turn out.

TISD board president Ron Vickery said regardless of the outcome, he’s pleased with the heavy voter turnout. If the bond issue passes, Vickery said the school district will move forward with plans for three new schools. In recent days, some opposition has emerged to the proposal for a new Rice Elementary School based on concerns about possibly moving the campus. Vickery says a key piece of any plans for Rice will be setting up public forums in order to get questions about the school’s future answered as quickly as possible. If the proposal loses, Vickery says school district officials will try to “put together a proposal and do it at a time and in a manner that we hopefully will have some wide community input on and support on.” According to Vickery, bond opponents seem to agree that TISD has facility needs, but there’s been disagreement about “what the plan should look like.”

Other local races were decided early. Both Bullard and Whitehouse will allow mixed beverages in restaurants, but neither will allow beer and wine to be bought in stores for off-premise consumption. Also, State Representative Leo Berman and District Attorney Matt Bingham cruised to easy victories; other area Republican hopefuls appeared on the way to similar wins.

TYLER – A 47-year-old Carthage man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales Tuesday. Bradley Thomas Boren pleaded guilty in Tyler to possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. According to information presented in court, on Dec. 13, 2008, Boren purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine from a Wal-Mart store in Longview, as well as on numerous other occasions at other stores in the area, all in furtherance of his methamphetamine manufacturing activities. Boren was indicted by a federal grand jury on Apr. 8, 2010. Boren faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the violation. A sentencing date has not been set.

LONGVIEW — Much-welcome rains mean Gregg County is no longer under an outdoor burning ban. County Judge Bill Stoudt lifted the ban Tuesday afternoon. Persistent dry weather in the area has caused a number of East Texas counties to prohibit outdoor burning.

TYLER — For the past two years, work has been underway to create a veterans’ court in Smith County. That work paid off Tuesday when Smith County Commissioners approved the project. Recently a task force appointed for the veterans’ court presented plans for implementation of the court to the commissioners.

The court is designed as an optional measure for judges to provide help to veterans suffering from substance abuse and mental health problems linked to their time in the service. It is not for serious crimes. Veterans facing misdemeanor or some felony offense charges, who meet certain guidelines, will have the one-time opportunity to avoid jail time, enter treatment and a mentoring program.

Spearheading the project has been social worker Choya Shanahan who has praise for Smith County’s leadership. She recently told KETK, “Their vision, their foresight, and their diligence in pushing this forward has really been appreciated by all 18,000 veterans in Smith County.”

TYLER — North Chase Development officials Tuesday broke ground on the Lake View Apartment Homes, planned as a 140-unit gated senior living community. The project is being developed and constructed, and will be managed, by Lankford Interests of Houston. The one-story complex will contain 44 one-bedroom, one-bath units and 96 two-bedroom, two-bath units. Amenities include a swimming pool and community center that houses a game/recreation room, library, computer/learning center and fitness room. The project benefits low- to moderate-income seniors age 55 or older through Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs tax credits. It is anticipated the first units will be ready for occupancy in Spring 2011.

North Chase, under the direction of Ed Thompson and North Chase Development, is a master-planned, mixed-use development of low-, medium-, and high-density residential areas, along with dedicated greenspaces and mixed-use retail, commercial and office spaces. According to a North Chase news release, eight distinct areas offer residents and visitors the best of modern convenience — all in a natural setting.

Thompson says he wants to revitalize Tyler’s north side through his projects — and he says he’s “ecstatic” that his newest effort has gotten off the ground. On a recent KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Thompson said he’s had success with other northside efforts that initially met with skepticism. Now he’s inviting the public to support his current project, at North Broadway and the Loop. The North Chase package has drawn lots of support from the city. You can go to http://www.northchasetyler.com for more information.

TYLER — A Gregg County man has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography violations. James Michael Fortin, 45, of Longview, pleaded guilty in March to possession of child pornography. He was sentenced to 69 months in federal prison Yesterday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider.

Federal prosecutors say, on July 28, 2009, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Fortin’s home for suspected child pornography. During the search, Fortin’s personal computer was seized and a forensic analysis revealed 5 videos and around 100 digital images of child pornography. Officials say some of the material depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

TEXARKANA — A 33-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking in East Texas. Luis Antonio Palomo pleaded guilty on Aug. 24 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. Palomo was sentenced in Texarkana to 84 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge David Folsom. According to information presented in court, on Dec. 19, 2009, Palomo and a co-defendant were stopped for speeding on Interstate 30 in Titus County. Palomo gave DPS troopers consent to search the rental truck he was driving. During the search, troopers located bundles containing over 928 kilograms of marijuana. Palomo was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 6, 2010.

TYLER – A 32-year-old Big Sandy, Texas man was sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking Tuesday. Noel Arreon Weatherby pleaded guilty on Apr. 12 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison.

According to information presented in court, on Oct. 20, 2008, Weatherby was found by Upshur County Sheriff’s deputies and Winnsboro police officers at a residence where he was preparing to manufacture methamphetamine. Weatherby was in possession of laboratory equipment and a liquid solution containing about 200 grams of methamphetamine.

TYLER — A Rusk County man has been sentenced to federal prison for federal firearms and drug violations. Jeremy Allen Creson, 23, of Henderson pleaded guilty in March to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced yesterday to 130 months in federal prison. Creson received 70 months for the gun violation and 60 months for the drug violation.

Federal prosecutors say in April of last year, Creson was in possession of a gun while distributing methamphetamine. On August 10, 2009, Creson was found in Rusk County with 2.5 grams of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute to others. A federal grand jury indicted Creason in November of last year.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a reported robbery. It happened Monday night on County Road 3116. According to KETK, deputies say a man was giving someone a ride when the suspect allegedly pulled a gun on him, stole his car and attempted to rob him. The male suspect fired one shot from a small black handgun. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information is asked to call the Smith County Sheriff’s Department.

TYLER — A rally was held Monday night at the Panthers Stadium in Bullard. Part politics and part prayer, the “Come Pray With Me Rally” organizers say, is about the future of the United States. This was the second “Come Pray With Me Rally.” A rally was held back in September which had a turnout of 967 attendees with people from Dallas, Houston and Louisiana. According to KETK, because of the turnout from the last rally, organizers say, they decided to move this rally to a stadium but, even with the large numbers, they say it’s all about the message. Organizers say in the end it doesn’t matter what party people belong too, they are looking for leaders to rise up for community and the country.

TYLER — A Tyler judge has sentenced a Henderson County man to prison for online solicitation of a minor. Judge Christi Kennedy Monday sentenced Brennen Lee Bledsoe, 22, of Chandler, to four years in prison. He had been accused of sending inappropriate photos and texts to a 14-year-old girl’s cell phone this summer. The girl’s mother found the items and notified authorities. Bledsoe pleaded guilty to the charges last month.

ATHENS — Henderson County authorities are trying to identify a body found in a burning mobile home. The Friday morning fire was reported around 10:15 on Beaver Pond Road in southern Henderson County. The body was sent to Dallas for autopsy. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The double-wide mobile home was destroyed by the fire.

LUFKIN — A one vehicle accident in Angelina County has left one person dead. Killed was David Scott Kolb, 41, of Nacogdoches. He died at Lufkin’s Memorial Medical Center a short time after the accident . The Department of Public Safety reports Kolb was east bound on Homer Alto Road when his pickup left the road and hit a tree. The accident happened around 8:15 Monday morning.

EAST TEXAS — It’s a busy ballot as East Texans head to the polls for Election Day. One high-profile item is the $89.85 million Tyler ISD bond issue. The proposal calls for new Rice and Dixie Elementary schools, along with a new middle school. Alcohol propositions are set to be voted on in Bullard, Whitehouse, Smith County JP Precinct 4, and White Oak. According to KETK, Bullard, Whitehouse, and White Oak will each vote on allowing mixed beverages in restaurants as well as beer and wine sales for off-premise consumption. Precinct 4 will vote only on beer and wine sales for off-premise consumption.

There are also some legislative races to be decided. Republican District 1 Congressman Louie Gohmert is challenged by Libertarian Charles F. Parkes and independent Trent E. Gale. Incumbent Republican District 6 State Representative Leo Berman faces Libertarian Jon Fitts, while Republican David Simpson goes up against Libertarian Eric (Ric) Brandt in the race for House District 7. In State Senate District 2, it’s Republican incumbent Bob Deuell against Democrat Kathleen Maria Shaw. Incumbent Republican Robert Nichols squares off against Libertarian David Scott for the State Senate District 3 seat. In a Smith County race, District Attorney Matt Bingham faces a challenge from Democrat Lenis Pierce.

TYLER — A major gift of Mexican folk art — over 650 pieces — makes its way to the Tyler Museum of Art’s permanent collection, thanks to Laura and Dan Boeckman of Dallas. According to museum director Kim Tomio, “A gift of this scope and breadth, and the quality, puts the art museum really on a different level with its colleagues.” She says the donation offers a big boost to the museum’s prestige, making the venue “really a destination for people who want to learn about this kind of material — research it, just enjoy it, study it.” Tomio says part of the collection can already be seen at the museum, with more being installed at Tyler Public Library. The rest will stay in storage until display space is available.

TYLER – The Democratic Club of Smith County will provide a ride to any Tyler resident in need of transportation on Election Day. Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and transportation will be available anytime during those hours. The Democratic Club will also assist those in need with finding their voting location. You can contact Alicia Peoples at (978) 505 – 7959 or Claretta Allen at (903) 530 – 8668 for more information or for a ride to the polls. Voters will need to bring a valid I.D. or their voter registration card. A Democratic spokesperson notes that service will be offered regardless of how voters intend to cast their ballots.

BEAUMONT –The U.S. Justice Department offers information about its efforts, through the Civil Rights and Criminal Divisions, to ensure that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted, without incidence of discrimination, intimidation or fraud. U.S. Attorney John M. Bales says Assistant U.S. Attorneys/District Election Officers Michelle Englade and M. Andrew Stover will be on duty in the Eastern District of Texas while the polls are open. Bales say that’s in order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 2 and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities. AUSA Englade can be reached by the public at 409-839-2538 and AUSA Stover can be reached by the public at 972-509-1201.

In addition, the FBI will have Special Agents available in each Field Office and Resident Agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The FBI can be reached by East Texans at the following telephone numbers:

Tyler – 903-592-4301
Texarkana – 870-773-3382
Lufkin – 936-637-3834

Ann McGeehan, Director of Elections at the Office of the Secretary of State, has advised that they will also be available to receive calls from the public at their toll free number, 1-800-252-8683 from 6:00 am until 8:00 pm on election day.

BEAUMONT – A Lufkin physician has pleaded guilty to charges of health care fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Dr. Alexander Orlov, D.O., 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud Medicare and Medicaid Monday in Beaumont before U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.

According to prosecutors, from Nov. 2008 to Apr. 2010, Orlov, a physician and the owner of a Lufkin medical practice and urgent care clinic, and an employee, Haseeb Rehman, submitted claims for physicians’ services to Medicare and Medicaid for services provided by Rehman — who was not a licensed medical professional. Orlov controlled and operated Lufkin Urgent Care, P.A. He employed Rehman to run Lufkin Urgent Care. Rehman treated patients, prescribed medication, performed minor surgical procedures, and operated within Lufkin Urgent Care as if he were a licensed medical professional.

Claims were submitted to Medicare and Medicaid for Rehman’s services representing that the services were provided by a physician. As a result of these claims, Orlov unlawfully obtained more than $250,000 from Medicare and Medicaid. Orlov was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 3 and charged with conspiracy to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. Orlov faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set. The case against Rehman is pending.

EAST TEXAS – Voting in the mid-term election runs from 7:00 till 7:00 today. There are numerous polling places in Smith County. You can go to http://www.smith-county.com to find where you are scheduled to vote.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County officials remind voters that there are Election Day polling place changes for Voting Precincts 2, 19, 20, 21, and 22. All polling places are listed on the county website — http://www.co.gregg.tx.us — in the Election Department news items. You can also call 903-758-6181 for information.

MARSHALL (AP/Staff) – Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White makes one last stop in East Texas on the final day of campaigning. White stopped in Marshall for a breakfast meet-and-greet at the Harrison County airport. White’s schedule also included Dallas, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Brownsville. Republican incumbent Rick Perry was slated to appear in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin Monday.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a shooting that happened on County Road 429 in Tyler Sunday morning. Officials with the Smith County Sheriff’s Department say investigators responded to the shooting at 4:00 Sunday morning. According to KETK, officials say, in all, three people were sent to the hospital. Two were treated and released, but the third remains hospitalized. According to authorities, the shooting took place at a club called “Dorothy’s Disco.” But investigators are unsure whether the establishment is registered with the TABC.

LONGVIEW — A fire on East Marshall Avenue in Longview has destroyed a wood frame home. The fire was reported around 3:00 Sunday morning. No injuries were reported, but the family’s pet dog was killed by the blaze. It appears as if the fire started in the garage and spread to the house. The cause remains under investigation.

UNDATED — The Texas Department of Transportation’s “Don’t Mess with Texas litter-fighting superheroes, The Litter Force, will be touring schools in East Texas this week. Hawk, Bolt, Ultra, and K-900 will teach students that throwing trash on the playground is just as bad as littering on Texas roads.

New research shows that 88 percent of Texas third-graders who’ve seen the Litter Force know Don’t Mess with Texas means don’t litter (compared with 53 percent when they were in first grade). Kids are now beating out their adult counterparts: The 2009 Litter Attitudes and Behaviors study shows that 82 percent of Texans know what Don’t Mess with Texas means. Students who see one of the 50 shows on the Litter Force’s statewide tour will receive a Litter Force activity book and are encouraged to go to http://www.dontmesswithtexas.org/litterforce to play games and learn more about the superheroes.

TxDOT, responsible for keeping roads clear of hazardous, ugly litter, is using a research-based campaign to work toward creating a litter-free generation. TxDOT wants to work with students to instill the importance of a cleaner Texas, which will lead to future savings.
In 2009 alone, TxDOT spent nearly $46 million on litter pick-up costs.

The remaining schedule for East Texas is as follows:

Tuesday, Nov. 2
• Elkhart Elementary, 8 a.m., 301 East Parker, Elkhart 75839
• Westwood Primary, 1:30 p.m., 1701 W. Point Tap Road, Palestine 75802

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010
• Griffin Elementary, 9 a.m., 3000 N. Border, Tyler 75702
• Orr Elementary, 1:45 p.m., 3350 Pine Haven Road, Tyler 75702

Don’t Mess with Texas has been educating Texans about litter prevention since 1986. TxDOT’s litter prevention program includes Adopt-a-Highway and a grassroots partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful. Don’t Mess with Texas activities also include a spring “Trash-Off,” community outreach, a scholarship, a corporate partner program, and a new photo album where Texans can share their iconic Texas images. You can visit http://www.dontmesswithtexas.org for more information. TxDOT’s goals are to reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality, and increase the value of transportation assets. You can visit http://www.txdot.gov for more information.

UNDATED — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY — Construction crews this week are scheduled to begin several days of resurfacing work on Farm Road 14 between North Loop 323 in Tyler and Interstate 20. Delays caused by the work may be lengthy, and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

Also this week, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations of Farm Road 3271 northwest of Tyler between State Highway 110 and U.S. Highway 69.

Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge and pavement repairs on Ranch Road 2588 between LaRue and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on SH 294 between the Anderson County Line and State Highway 21 in Alto. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue several days of resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 13 between State Highway 42 and Loop 571 before moving to perform the same work in various locations on State Highway 42 north of Farm Road 13. A second crew will be performing pavement repairs in various locations on State Highway 322 south of the airport. 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.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repair operations on Farm Road 1395 between Farm Road 47 and Farm Road 859 north of Edgewood. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 322 (Sycamore Street) inside Loop 256 in Palestine. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

TYLER — Officials with Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics announce the opening of what’s termed the region’s only continuous inpatient monitoring unit, The Trinity Mother Frances Epilepsy Center, located at Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler. Officials said the Center provides comprehensive care for patients with seizure disorders — offering inpatient and outpatient diagnostic testing capabilities, medication management, inpatient monitoring and surgical procedure options to treat epilepsy.

“For patients with epilepsy and seizure disorders, everyday life is anything but ordinary,” said Ashley Lesniewski, Program Coordinator. “Helping you get your life back to normal is the first priority we have at The Epilepsy Center. Continuous monitoring helps the medical team to localize your seizures so that an individualized treatment plan can be formulated. We are excited to be able to offer this new facility to our patients.”

BULLARD — Another “Come Pray With Me” rally happens tonight –election eve — at Bullard’s Panther Stadium. The organizer, Pastor Dan Cummins, says the object is to pray for the country’s political and spiritual direction. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Cummins says the first such rally, held in September, drew nearly 1,000 people — and he was excited “to know that people are willing to come together with perfect strangers to pray for America.” Rev. C.L. Bryant of Shreveport will keynote. Cummins says Bryant is a big backer of the rally — and has in fact invited Cummins and his followers “to join with him and start doing these ‘Come Pray With Me’ rallies across America.”

It all begins at 7 p.m. Admission is one new toy or non-perishable food item for Bullard’s Mission House. You can go to http://www.ComePrayWithMe.org or call (903) 894-WORD for more information. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to listen to the “Staff Meeting” show online beginning early Monday morning.

NACOGDOCHES — Human remains were found in a wooded area off Highway 21 Friday night near Nacogdoches. Authorities believe those remains belong to Torchie Jolene Boyd, who went missing about two years ago. According to KETK, Boyd was last seen running into the woods near a campground where she lived with her common law husband, Earnest Alton Young. Police believe even if the remains aren’t Ms. Boyd’s, they suspect foul play in the death of the person found. The body was found wrapped in a tarp.