KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The East Texas Food Bank will be distributing boxes of food to families in Tyler and Longview this month through the Summer Family Nutrition Program. The Food Bank and its volunteers will screen to determine eligibility and then distribute food to families who qualify. The screening and distribution in Tyler is underway and continues till 6:00 p.m. today at the East Texas Food Bank, 3201 Robertson Road. In Longview it’s Wednesday, August 25, noon – 7:00 p.m. at Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Boulevard.

“The Summer Family Nutrition Program targets families with children who are struggling in this recession and are having difficultly providing nutritious food for their family,” said Dennis Cullinane, executive director of the East Texas Food Bank. “In four years, the East Texas Food Bank has grown 90 percent in the number of East Texans seeking emergency food assistance, that’s nearly double the national increase.”

Cullinane says families will receive nutritional food boxes containing pantry staples such as pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned soups, stews, and fruit, peanut butter, baking mixes and other substantial food items. “Nearly half, 44 percent, of who the East Texas Food Bank serves are children,” said Cullinane. “The Summer Family Nutrition Program will alleviate both child hunger and child obesity for East Texas families with children at risk of hunger.”

Since June, the East Texas Food Bank and its partner agencies have been distributing the 46-pound boxes of food to eligible families. The Summer Family Nutrition Program is a program of the Texas Food Bank Network. Those families who are eligible to participate are: households with legal guardianship over at least one child under 18 years of age and with an annual household income equal to or less than 185 percent of the federal poverty guideline; and families whose children received free or reduced-price lunch, or who receive WIC, SNAP (food stamps) and other federal programs.

TYLER – Tyler police are looking for the two suspects who robbed Metro PCS at 1700 SSE Loop 323. Around 6:00 Wednesday night, two men entered the business, and one pulled a handgun and demanded money. There were no customers in the store at the time, so the suspects took the two employees to the rear of the business. The men then took an undetermined amount of money from the cash register and fled the scene. No injuries were reported.

Police Sgt. Robert Phillips describes the two suspects as black males between 16 and 21. One suspect was between 5’5” – 5’7” wearing a red shirt and khaki shorts. The second suspect was described as being between 5’10” – 6’ wearing a light color plaid shirt and blue jean shorts.

TYLER — A two alarm fire has damaged some units at the Woodlands Apartment Complex, 400 Old Grande Boulevard The call came in shortly before 1:30 Wednesday afternoon. It was termed under control about two hours later. The fire damage was confined to one apartment with water and smoke damage to the apartment below and adjacent apartments. Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental and started in the stove area and extended into the attic. There were no injuries and the extent of monetary damage is unknown at this time.

LONGVIEW — A Longview home has been destroyed by fire. It was reported around 2:45 Wednesday afternoon in the 1700 block of Timpson Street. One woman suffered minor injuries after going into the house to save a pet. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

TYLER — Tyler ISD will welcome back employees from summer vacation and set the theme for the new school year today. The convocation will run from 8:30 till 11:30a, at Green Acres Baptist Church. This year’s theme “Success Is Not An Illusion” recognizes the wonderful accomplishments that have taken place throughout the district and encourages staff to keep moving forward in this positive direction.

Dr. Randy Reid, Superintendent of Schools, will speak to the district as a whole. Tyler ISD Board President, Ron Vickery will also address the crowd of more than 2700.

In addition to the message of this year’s theme, each campus teacher of the year will be recognized. A guest speaker is scheduled to speak at 10:00 a.m. The identity of the speaker will be revealed as he makes his way to the stage.

The offices of the Tyler ISD Administration Building will be closed from 8:00am to 12:30pm so employees are able to attend the district event.

WASHINGTON– Smith County will receive a grant of $104,313 from the Department of Justice to help prevent crime based on local needs and conditions. The announcement was made by U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The funding comes through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG).

“These funds will equip local law enforcement with the necessary resources to crack down on crime in the area,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Having the proper tools to fight crime is critical to keeping our communities safe, and I applaud the local leaders for working to secure this funding.”

The Smith County Sheriff’s office and the City of Tyler will use the funds to acquire various law enforcement equipment including new communications and training devices.

TYLER — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White talks ethics during a visit to Tyler. White told KTBB, “We ought to have a new standard of ethics in the State House so we don’t have the revolving door in the Governor’s Mansion between lobbyists and members of the governor’s staff. And also as governor, I would discontinue Rick Perry’s practice of appointing people to regulatory boards who then would go and solicit campaign contributions for the governor from the very people they’re supposed to regulate. That’s just wrong.”

Governor Perry’s campaign responds, “Bill White is being a hypocrite, considering he received more than $2 million from his appointees to boards and commissions while he was Mayor of Houston. Bill White should come clean and release his tax returns for his years in public service. What is he hiding? Governor Perry will continue working to create jobs, improve education and secure our border.” White also stopped in Gilmer and Sulphur Springs Wednesday.

JACKSONVILLE — A two vehicle accident in Cherokee County has killed two persons and left one injured. The wreck just before 6:45 Wednesday morning occurred on U.S. Highway 69 near Love’s Lookout. Dead at the scene were Kerri Jenkins, 33, of Jacksonville and Tom Culwell, 67, of Fairfield. A passenger in Jenkins’s vehicle, Kern Jermaine Green, 33, is in fair condition at Mother Frances Hospital. According to a Department of Public Safety report, Culwell was heading south when his vehicle drifted into the north bound lane and collided head on with Jenkins’ vehicle.

TYLER — Jobs are on the list of things Smith County is considering to cut as part of its $8 million budget gap. But tuesday night, as KETK reports, county employees had their shot at defending themselves. Commissioners are looking at 34 full-time county positions to cut. One county employee told the packed house she fears for her job. District clerk’s office worker Terry Morrow says, “If I was to get cut from work today, I do not have a job to fall onto like the Commissioner’s Court does.” Morrow also notes, “What’s gonna happen when you call 911? Who’s gonna be there?” But some county citizens say the court should be loyal to the taxpayers, not just employees. According to one, “I don’t know what you’re gonna do about the budget. I just care about the taxes.”

At a different meeting Tuesday morning, it was hard to convince the crowd that a tax increase is the answer to the budget gap. Commissioners say there’s no other choice. But taxpayers argue raising taxes is not the answer. One Tea Party activist says she is watching, and any commissioner who votes for raised taxes will not be re-elected. One attendee, James Blair, says the county should be aware of what a tax increase will do to small businesses. Says Blair, “If you live in a lower-tax county and you’re a competitor of our, they’re gonna beat us out. They will have lower costs.” Smith County is two weeks away from a vote that could increase property taxes.

TYLER — Meghan Searer, 20, a patient with cystic fibrosis at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, is recognized for being awarded a $2,500 SolvayCARES college scholarship. She’s one of just 40 people in the United States to receive this scholarship, which was created 18 years ago to honor young adults with CF as they pursue their education past high school. The scholarships are awarded based on creativity, academic excellence, community involvement, and ability to serve as a positive role model for the CF community.

As part of the application process, Searer submitted an original drawing. During a Wednesday event, UTHSCT President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun presented her with the framed drawing and a book published by SolvayCARES with the names and profiles of the 2009 winners. Searer also received a Rotary Club Scholarship and a Patriot Scholarship, as well as a scholarship for being valedictorian of Hawkins High School in 2008.

CF is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene causes the body to make thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and causes serious lung infections. CF also hinders how the body breaks down and absorbs food. Solvay Pharmaceuticals, which is now part of Abbott Laboratories, funds the annual scholarships. For more than 20 years, Solvay has manufactured drugs to help people with CF manage their disease.

TYLER — Beginning Thursday, the Northeast Texas Public Health District is extending its immunization hours as the first day of school draws nearer. Immunization requirements change for students as they move from pre-school into kindergarten and from 6th grade into 7th grade. In an effort to assist parents in meeting these requirements, the Northeast Texas Public Health District will extend their hours on the dates and at the times listed below.

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on each date below:
Thursday, August 19
Friday, August 20
Thursday, August 26
Friday, August 27

In addition to the dates/times above, the Northeast Texas Public Health District is open each Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and each Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for immunizations. No appointment is required. A parent or guardian must accompany the student at the clinic. On August 23, 2010 students not having provided the school nurse with proof that these requirements have been met will not be allowed to attend school.

TYLER — The Tyler Junior College Board of Trustees Thursday will hold the second of two public hearings on a proposal to increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll in the preceding tax year by 33.57%. College officials point out that your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser
rate, or even decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. The second public hearing will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in the Board Room of the White Administrative Services Center on the TJC main campus.

The average taxable value of a residence homestead in the Tyler Junior College District last year was $129,446. Based on last year’s tax rate of .136950 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed last year on the average home was $177.28. The average taxable value of a residence homestead in the Tyler Junior College District this year is $125,771. If the governing body adopts the effective tax rate for this year of .138983 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $174.80. If the governing body adopts the proposed tax rate of .182926 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $230.07. College officials say members of the public are encouraged to attend the hearing and express their views.

TYLER (AP) — A licensed deer breeder from Austin must serve three years of probation for illegally transporting wildlife in east Texas. U.S. Attorney John Bales says 41-year-old Lance Clawson was sentenced Wednesday in Tyler. Clawson on April 14 pleaded guilty to smuggling whitetail deer from Oklahoma into Texas. He also was fined $15,000 and must pay $7,250 in restitution to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Investigators say Clawson, who operates a ranch and deer breeding facility near Goldthwaite, traveled to Muskogee, Okla., on Oct. 15, 2008, to buy fawns from a breeder. Clawson’s vehicle was stopped the following day by Texas game wardens as he returned with eight fawns. Texas law bans importing live whitetail or mule deer due to the threat of transmittable diseases.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Police say a 4-month-old baby boy is found dead Monday morning. According to KETK, it happened along the 1000 block of Border Street. Police say the mother of the child noticed he was not breathing and called 911. The baby’s body has been taken to Dallas for autopsy. No word yet if foul play was involved. The case remains under investigation.

CANTON (AP) – Starving horses and donkeys were among nearly 30 animals rescued in a raid at a home near Canton. A tip led Van Zandt County deputies and the SPCA of Dallas to the rural property where six horses, 14 donkeys, four cows, three miniature horses and two dogs were seized. SPCA spokeswoman Maura Davies says some of the animals rescued Tuesday were “skeletal” after not receiving proper food, water or shelter, especially during the summer heat. The 29 animals have been transported to a care center in McKinney. A custody hearing will be held Aug. 24. The owner also could face criminal neglect charges.

TYLER — A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to child pornography. William Robert Pate, 62, pleaded guilty in Tyler to possessing child pornography before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie. Pate faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to information presented in court, in March, investigators executed a search warrant at Pate’s home for suspected child pornography after images were reported being uploaded to an Internet website from Pate’s IP address. During the investigation, Pate admitted to downloading child pornography over the Internet and consented to a search of his computer. An analysis of the computer revealed approximately 97 images and 7 videos of child pornography. Some of the material depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on April 8, 2010 charging Pate with child pornography violations.

TYLER — A Carthage man has pleaded guilty to federal drug violations. Michael Odell Shires, 27, pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine in an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

Federal prosecutors say, on May 11, 2009, Shires purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a Walgreens in Longview in addition to making three other purchases that same day at other stores in the area, all in furtherance of his methamphetamine manufacturing activities. A federal grand jury returned a 256-count indicted on Feb. 2, 2010 charging Shires with federal drug violations.

Shires faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

MARSHALL — A Marion County man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Marshall to drug violations. Travis Earl Shelton, 35, of Jefferson, pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Chad Everingham.

According to federal prosecutors, on July 20, 2009, Shelton purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a Walgreens in Marshall in addition to making two other purchases that same day at other stores in the area, all in furtherance of his methamphetamine manufacturing activities. A federal grand jury returned a 27-count indictment in May, charging Shelton with federal drug violations.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has again ranked in the top tier nationally in the U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of “America’s Best Colleges.”

LeTourneau University is ranked in the top 10 among private schools in Texas and above all state universities in Texas in the same category. LETU is ranked 35th among all of the Best Universities – Master’s in the Western Region in the 2011 U.S. News rankings.

For 17 years, the university has been listed in the magazine’s top tier rankings. U.S. News ranks colleges and universities among other schools with similar programs and degree offerings. Indicators used to determine the rankings include small class sizes, high SAT and ACT scores of incoming freshmen, the student-to-faculty ratio, average graduation rates and assessments by administrators at other peer universities.

“We are always pleased to receive national recognition for our quality academic programs,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “We believe new programs in air traffic control, nursing and civil engineering will only increase our national recognition in the future.”

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville school trustees have called a bond election for November 2nd. At a meeting yesterday, trustees approved a nearly $50 million dollar package. If approved by voters, it would increase taxes around 19 cents per $100 valuation.

MARSHALL — Two East Texas men have pleaded guilty in separate child pornography cases in federal court in Marshall. Corey Robert Collins, 31, of Marshall, and Terry Don Briant, 49, of Gilmer, each pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Chad Everingham.

According to prosecutors, on May 19, 2010, investigators executed a search warrant at Collins’ home for suspected child pornography. During the investigation, Collins admitted to downloading child pornography over the Internet using his laptop, and consented to a search of his computer. A forensic analysis of the computer revealed 24 complete downloaded videos of child pornography. Some of the material depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct.

Also, on May 19, 2010, investigators executed a search warrant at Briant’s home for suspected child pornography and seized several digital cameras and computers. A forensic examination of a laptop was found to contain about 86 videos and 17 pictures of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of that material also depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct. Collins and Briant each face up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. Sentencing dates have not been set.

TYLER — A 62-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. William Robert Pate pleaded guilty in Tyler to possessing child pornography before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, on Mar. 26, 2010, investigators executed a search warrant at Pate’s home for suspected child pornography after images were reported being uploaded to an Internet website from Pate’s IP address. During the investigation, Pate admitted to downloading child pornography over the Internet and consented to a search of his computer. An analysis of the computer revealed approximately 97 images and 7 videos of child pornography. Some of the material depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on April 8, 2010 charging Pate with child pornography violations.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Pate faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford unveiled the university’s new logo before a crowd of nearly 500 employees Monday. The new logo includes the university colors of blue and gold and features a shield shape that is recognized as a traditional symbol of academic quality for universities. Inside the shield is a globe with latitude and longitude lines that form a stylized cross. University officials say the globe represents the university’s global vision to equip students to make an impact for Christ in every workplace in every nation. The officials add that the cross provides a visual element of the school’s core identity as an unapologetically Christian university. Also, according to officials, the letters “LETU” inside the shield are designed to be easily recognizable and unique identifiers for those for whom the name “LeTourneau” is difficult to spell.

“We are, as part of our strategic plan, going to do some new marketing initiatives, and so it was the right time to update our university logo,” Lunsford said. “The ‘LETU’ inside the shield is important as we begin to communicate with audiences that cannot pronounce or spell ‘LeTourneau,’ so they need to know us as ‘LETU.’ There are many ‘LU’s’ out there, but we are the only ‘LETU.’” Lunsford said the new logo will be rolled out within the next year. Officials say the logo was designed by Encore Multimedia of Longview to be representative for both the traditional and nontraditional students, as a gateway to a world experience.

LUFKIN — A six-year-old from Lufkin is being hailed as a hero after saving a toddler from drowning. “Everyone says I swim like a fish,” says Alexis Weeks. And Alexis did just that the other day when she saw the two-year-old girl sinking to the bottom of a pool. Alexis recounts, “I went underwater and I got her on my knee and then I holded her.” Alexis then swam her back up to the surface and over to the side. Alexis’s mom says she still can’t believe it, remarking, “We have the bragging rights to say that our daughter saved someone’s life. We’re really proud to say that.” Then is there any kind of reward? According to Alexis, after the rescue, the toddler’s mom said to tell the two-year-old’s dad he owed Alexis a hundred dollars or “somethin'” — but Alexis declined. She says she was just trying to help, and the fact that she did is better than any reward.

BOWLING, GREEN, Ky. — A Tyler man is reportedly killed, his wife injured, in a two vehicle crash in Kentucky. Police say a tractor trailer reportedly switched lanes on the interstate and hit a Corvette with Jan and Steve Hurst inside. According to KETK, the car flipped over. Steve Hurst died Monday afternoon.

LONGVIEW — The case against a Gregg County Constable started Monday. KETK reports a former Easton resident filed a suit claiming Constable Robbie Cox wrongfully evicted her in December of 2006 and threw her belongings in the yard. Cox’s wife, who owned the house, and his brother-in-law are also named in the suit.

TYLER — The Texas Downtown Association announces the finalists for the 2010 Presidents Awards Program, and Tyler is named in two categories. Gallery Main Street is among three finalists in the Best Adaptive Reuse category. The Downtown Tyler Artwalk is being considered for Best Promotional Event. Elsewhere in East Texas, the City of Winnsboro is among the finalists for Best Marketing Program.

Finalists will make a presentation at the Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference in El Paso on Nov. 11. Winners will be announced at the Awards Gala to be held that evening. The Texas Downtown Association, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a statewide nonprofit organization comprising more than 400 members involved in downtown revitalization projects. Visit http://www.texasdowntown.org for more information.