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GREGG COUNTY — Two Longview teens were arrested Monday, one charged with armed robbery and the other with possession of marijuana. It happened after police stopped a vehicle that matched the description of one involved in an armed robbery at Parkway Garden Apartments. According to the Longview News-Journal, witnesses and victims identified Conan Lars Rowley, 19, as the person who robbed them at gunpoint. An officer found a loaded .22 caliber pistol inside his vehicle.

Zane Cooper Selman, 17, was a passenger in the vehicle and was arrested and charged with possession of less than five pounds of marijuana. The officer found 4.3 ounces of pot in Rowley’s vehicle. Selman was held under $5,000 bond on the charge. Rowley was charged with aggravated robbery and held under $10,000 bond.

TYLER — Tyler-area cyclists will still be allowed to use Toll 49 for now. KETK reports the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority Board tabled a motion during its meeting Tuesday afternoon that would have banned cyclists from the road. The ban was considered due to safety issues concerning cyclists and motorists sharing the road. NET RMA received several letters both for the ban and against the ban.

Several Tyler cyclists traveled to Henderson to attend and speak about their concerns if the board decided to ban bicyclists. After about 30 minutes of discussion, the Smith County representative on the board made the motion to table the item for 60 days, and it was seconded and passed. If necessary, the board can call a meeting to decide the fate of cyclists before the 60 days are up.

TYLER (AP) – A retired Tyler dentist on trial in the shooting death of his wife has been returned to jail after he was accused of violating the terms of his bond. Bobby Ray Nichols, who’s under a murder charge, was returned Sunday to Smith County Jail on his murder charge, and his bond increased to $3 million. He had been free on $750,000 bond. Tyler police Officer Don Martin confirms that the 76-year-old ex-dentist is accused of violating a bond provision prohibiting him from possessing alcohol. Nichols is on trial on a murder charge in the June 29 killing of his 71-year-old wife, Rosalind Nichols. His defense attorney was scheduled to begin presenting evidence today. If convicted, Nichols could be sentenced to up to life in prison.

CHAPEL HILL — Authorities say a toddler was run over and killed Tuesday at around 3:25 p.m. by a Chapel Hill school bus on Pearl Street near the intersection of Gallion Avenue. According to KETK, Justice of the Peace Mitch Shamburger says the bus was dropping off a child as the child’s mother walked across the street. Shamburger says the mother did not realize her 1 1/2-year-old daughter had come out of the gate and gone in front of the bus. That’s when the bus ran over the toddler, identified as Arra Preciado. Witnesses tried to stop the bus, and Shamburger says the vehicle proceeded some 75 feet before stopping. The investigation continues.

LONGVIEW — A memorial service for Longview businessman and civic leader Cassity Jones is set for Wednesday at 2:30 at First United Methodist Church of Longview. According to the website of Kilgore’s Rader Funeral Home, interment will follow at Longview’s Rosewood Park.

Jones died Monday at his Longview home. He was 94, according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Best known in East Texas for the lumber company that carried his name, he had worked as a building contractor, developer, automobile dealer, grocer and wholesaler, among other pursuits. Those who knew him said Jones was a caring but quiet and hardworking man who loved his family, friends, and business associates. The Cassity Jones family of companies includes Cassity Jones Lumber, Home Plus Floors, A-1 Rental, Winn Tile Co., and CJ Commercial. The companies have stores in Longview, Carthage, Tyler, Henderson, Marshall, Nacogdoches, Terrell and the Dallas area.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP/Staff) – Environmentalists are looking ahead to what they say will be the first test of President Barack Obama’s commitment to fight climate change — a commitment he made in Monday’s inaugural address. They say that test will come as Obama decides whether to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast. On Tuesday, the Republican governor of Nebraska gave his approval to a new route for the pipeline through his state — a move that adds to the pressure for the White House to approve or reject the project without delay.

Opponents have urged Obama to deny a federal permit for the project — a permit that would be needed because the pipeline crosses an international border. A coalition of landowners and environmental groups say it would contaminate a massive groundwater supply. Canadian pipeline developer TransCanada and some workers’ unions say the project is safe and will create thousands of jobs. Work has already begun on the pipeline’s southern route, which would carry it through much of East Texas — a region that continues to see its share of battles over the pipeline.

MARSHALL — An East Texas sheriff says he could support gun-carrying teachers — under certain guidelines. Teachers and administrators carrying firearms in Texas schools is being hotly debated statewide. In rural Harrison County, Sheriff Tom McCool says he’d support teachers carrying firearms if they received advanced firearm training “equal to any law enforcement officer, if not even more so.” McCool says friendly fire is not acceptable in a school.

JACKSONVILLE — The auction of Lon Morris College property has been completed with major purchases by the Jacksonville Independent School District and an office supply company. The winning bids for the multi-day auction totaled nearly $2.2 million. According to KETK, Jacksonville ISD agreed to purchase the Wilson Administration Building, in addition to the Lon Morris College gymnasium, swimming pool and athletic fields. Jacksonville-based office supplier 11 x 17 agreed to purchase most of the school’s academic buildings, Memorial Chapel and student residences. The list of all winning bidders and the individual properties are detailed in a filing submitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Tyler on Jan. 22, 2013.

Lon Morris College, Texas’ oldest junior college, filed for bankruptcy protection last summer. Dawn Ragan of Bridgepoint Consulting in Dallas is the chief restructuring officer for the school’s bankruptcy estate, which is represented by Houston attorney Hugh Ray III and other lawyers from the Texas offices of McKool Smith. Proceeds from the sale will be used to pay creditors and the school’s former employees, according to Ms. Ragan.

The sale is subject to the approval of the bankruptcy court, which has scheduled a hearing on Feb. 4 to review the auction results.

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police are searching for two thieves who took audio equipment from a department store. According to KETK, it happened at Walmart on the 2500 block of Daniel McCall Dr. in Lufkin on December 4th. The store’s surveillance video shows two men working together to steal two Kicker brand “sub in a box” car audio speakers. They put the speakers in their cart and then left the store without paying. One of the men wore a brown t-shirt and blue jeans. He has collar-length brown hair and a goatee. The other man wore a blue t-shirt and khaki shorts. He was clean shaven. The store’s loss prevention employee told authorities that the same men are believed to have stolen from the store again on December 17th. If you can identify either of the suspects, or provide any information concerning this crime or the location of the stolen property, call Crime Stoppers of Lufkin at (936) 639-TIPS or submit an anonymous tip at http://www.LufkinCrimeStoppers.com

TYLER — Hundreds turn out for Tyler’s annual observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The activities began on the downtown square, continuing with a march down Broadway and an interfaith service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Guest speaker Fred McClure told KTBB that Dr. King’s message of freedom “also includes a message of responsibility and the importance of commitment, and to being able to have an impact on the societies in which we live.” McClure heads up the George H.W. Bush Library foundation at Texas A&M. He added that the responsibility of keeping King’s dream alive goes “back to the very depths of our communities,” including schools and houses of worship. “And there,” he said, “I think we have the opportunity to impact and influence the lives of generations yet unborn.”

LONGVIEW — Longview’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Citywide Celebration featured a parade from Broughton Recreation Center to Mt. Olive Baptist Church. A Memorial Service followed at noon at the church, with guest speaker Reverend J.H. Creal Sr. Under the theme “The Dream, From the Community to the World,” Longview held several events in Dr. King’s honor. Monday’s activities began with the Table of Brotherhood Breakfast at Johnny Cace’s Seafood and Steakhouse.

TYLER — Investigators are looking into the cause of a major Tyler house fire Monday afternoon that took the life of a dog. Firefighters were able to save the house from destruction, but not before extensive fire and smoke damage was done. KETK reports dispatchers received a call for help around 1 p.m. on the 800 block of David Street in south Tyler. One man was home when the fire broke out, but he was unable to extinguish the flames and was forced out by heavy smoke, according to Deputy Fire Marshal Tony Gumber. Besides the dog’s death, there were no injuries.

SMITH COUNTY — A Department of Public Safety trooper was involved in a minor crash Monday afternoon. According to DPS officials, the officer wrecked shortly after noon at FM 2015 and I-20. KETK reports the trooper was turning around on FM 2015 when the front end of his vehicle clipped a truck. There was minor damage to the vehicles, but there were no injuries. Authorities say the trooper had been searching the area for a motorcyclist who had been speeding.

TYLER — Tyler police are on the hunt for whoever robbed two local doughnut shops. On Monday at approximately 7:00 a.m., officers responded to Tyler Donut at 508 W. Front St. in reference to an aggravated robbery. Upon arrival officers contacted an employee who advised that a black male entered the store and produced a handgun demanding the money. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands, and the suspect fled the scene southbound from the store. The suspect is described as approximately 5”10, 200 lbs., wearing dark clothing. Investigation into this case continues.

At approximately 7:30 a.m., officers responded to Country Donuts at 215 N. Beckham in reference to a theft. Upon arrival officers contacted an employee who advised that a black male entered the store and grabbed the cash register and ran out of the store with it. Customers chased the suspect, causing him to drop the cash register, but he was able to enter a vehicle and flee the scene. The suspect is described as approximately 5’7” to 5’10” , 195 lbs., wearing a gray hoodie. The suspect left the scene in a tan/cream vehicle. This case is also still under investigation. At this time it is unknown if the two cases are connected.

TYLER — Hundreds turn out for Tyler’s annual observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The activities began on the downtown square, continuing with a march down Broadway and an interfaith service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Guest speaker Fred McClure told KTBB that Dr. King’s message of freedom “also includes a message of responsibility and the importance of commitment, and to being able to have an impact on the societies in which we live.” McClure heads up the George H.W. Bush Library foundation at Texas A&M. He added that the responsibility of keeping King’s dream alive goes “back to the very depths of our communities,” including schools and houses of worship. “And there,” he said, “I think we have the opportunity to impact and influence the lives of generations yet unborn.”

UPSHUR COUNTY — One man is critically injured in a one-vehicle rollover accident in Upshur County Sunday night. Department of Public Safety officials said said it happened around 9:20 on Highway 271. The single vehicle was traveling north when the driver reportedly hit the brakes, causing the car to flip at least once. The 26-year-old male passenger was air lifted to a Tyler hospital. The driver was taken by ambulance with possible non life-threatening injuries. The man was not wearing a seat belt.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — A Nacogdoches County court-at-law judge ruled Friday that his court does not have legal jurisdiction over the dispute between landowner Michael Bishop and TransCanada. Bishop filed suit against TransCanada arguing he was coerced into signing an easement agreement which allowed the construction of the TransCanada pipeline across his property. According to the Longview News-Journal, Bishop accepted payment of $70,000 for the easement.

Then he filed suit saying the easement was invalid because he signed it under duress and that TransCanada committed fraud by not divulging the pipeline will transport diluted bitumen. Bishop asked Judge Jack Sinz to rule on whether diluted bitumen is crude oil — an issue Sinz said his court did not have jurisdiction over. Bishop said he would appeal the decision.

TransCanada spokesman David Dodson said, “As far as we are concerned, the issue is over. We feel we are done. We had agreements with him. We have a writ of possession. But we are prepared to go to district court if necessary.”

TYLER — Gun rights advocates across America headed out to local gun shops and gun shows to support the first ever national gun appreciation day. The Lone star gun show in Tyler had an estimated 4,000 people show up according to a worker from the Harvey Convention Center. According to KETK, a sea of supporters showed up on Saturday to get inside. Some waited hours just to get inside. With rifles and AR’s by their sides people were showing their support by showing off their firearms, waving flags, and speaking up about why they came.

January 19th was declared National Gun Appreciation day, but for some East Texans, only one day to appreciate their fire arms isn’t enough.

LUFKIN (AP) — Officials say a Lufkin man was arrested after walking into the sheriff’s office lobby in Angelina County with a gun and screaming at dispatchers. 50-year-old Kester Lyn Havard was arrested Saturday night and remained in Angelina County jail Sunday on a terroristic threat charge. Bond was set at $100,000. Online jail records did not list an attorney for him. Bart Riley, the sheriff’s office patrol supervisor, told The Lufkin Daily News that the man told them he was there to get a reaction out of the deputies because of a case involving a woman he claimed officials were doing nothing about. Riley says “the things he was saying didn’t even make sense.” Riley says paramedics examined Havard, who didn’t appear to be drunk or have a medical issue.

KILGORE — A driver accused of hitting two Good Samaritans in the aftermath of a wreck Friday on Texas 31 was treated for minor cuts, the Department of Public Safety said Sunday. Luis Antonio Gauna, 18, of Longview was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center. A 15-year-old Longview girl who was riding with Gauna also was taken to Good Shepherd with minor injuries. According to the Longview News-Journal, off-duty medical personnel and others who happened on the wreck site west of FM 2767 and the Country Tavern were attending to the two men who were hit as emergency service vehicles arrived, a witness said.

Dulis Rolando Cervantes, 28, and Jason David Albright, 33, both from Tyler, were fatally struck as they attempted to help a driver injured in a wreck that occurred around 6:40 Friday night. According to the DPS report, Albright was pronounced dead at Good Shepherd Medical Center about an hour after the wreck. Cervantes was pronounced dead at the wreck site. DPS officials have not released the identities or conditions of the motorists involved in the original wreck. Gauna reportedly topped a hill and did not see the men assisting the wreck victim.

TYLER — On Saturday, Grassroots America – We the People joined in the National Gun Appreciation Day. The Smith County-based group invited Second Amendment supporters to gather at Lock & Load at 10 a.m. Attendees heard from local elected officials about gun control efforts, were offered a copy of the Constitution, and from there, visited the Lone Star Gun Show at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler. The Lock & Load Indoor Shooting Range is at 3408 SSW Loop 323, Tyler (near Sweet Sue’s).

Go to http://gunappreciationday.com/index to learn more.

KILGORE — Two men were killed Friday evening when they were hit on a darkened highway while trying to assist a motorist injured in a wreck that had just occurred. Dulis Rolando Cervantes, 27, and Jason David Albright, 33, both of Tyler were killed, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. It happened along the stretch of highway near the Country Tavern restaurant, which shut down both lanes for about two hours. Authorities said one vehicle rear-ended another in the eastbound lanes of Texas 31 west of its intersection with FM 2767.

According to the Longview News-Journal, the driver of one of the cars was injured when Albright and Cervantes came to her aid. An oncoming car reportedly hit the two men. Cervantes was declared dead at the scene. Albright was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center where he also was declared dead.

DPS officials said at least two other injured people were transported by ambulance from the scene. It was unknown if the driver of the car that hit Albright and Cervantes was injured, or whether any other passengers involved in the original wreck were injured.

KILGORE — Local authorities arrested a Kilgore woman after she was caught in the act of burglarizing a business.According to KETK, on Thursday, two Kilgore police officers responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle at a vacant building on Southport Street. When they arrived at the scene, officers discovered Jennifer Leigh Greenberg, 28, of Kilgore, taking items from inside the building. Greenberg was also caught with methamphetamine, according to the police report. She was taken into custody and booked into the city jail on burglary of building, possession of a controlled substance, possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a report of a burglary. It happened around 11:00 Friday night in the 500 block of Seagle Street. According to authorities, the victim claims she was in her living room when she heard a loud noise inside the house and went to her bedroom and locked the door. The two suspects reportedly forced the door open and ordered the victim to the floor. The victim said the men took her purse, wallet and an undetermined amount of money. Both suspects then fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim was not harmed during the incident.

The first suspect was described as a tall, thin black male, wearing a black ski mask, and was carrying a black shotgun. The second suspect was a shorter, heavy set black male, also wearing a black ski mask and was carrying a black handgun. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tyler Police Department.

TYLER — Tyler investigators have identified two more individuals who they say are connected to Wednesday’s aggravated robbery of the Food Fast at 4201 University Blvd. They are identified as Darryl Earl Daniels Jr., 23, and Ashad Rael Coats, 25, both black males from Tyler. The Tyler Police Department has an outstanding warrant for engaging in organized criminal activity (first degree felony) on each suspect. Bond was set at $100,000. Additional charges are pending further investigation. Another suspect, Jaqun Dawson, is still in a local hospital and will also be charged with engaging in organized criminal activity. Dawson had suffered a gunshot wound when he was caught.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the two above suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

GREGG COUNTY — Due to the ongoing terminal renovation project at East Texas Regional Airport, the lane nearest the terminal building will be closed for construction, materials storage, and equipment staging beginning Monday. Traffic will be reduced to one lane directly in front of the terminal building. Airport director Roy Miller says the lane closure will be for a minimum of 90 days. For additional information, you can contact Airport Administration at [email protected] or 903-643-3031. Miller also advises that airport administration offices will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reopen at 8.00 a.m. Tuesday.

KILGORE — Local authorities arrested a Kilgore woman after she was allegedly caught in the act of burglarizing a business. KETK reports that two Kilgore police officers responded Thursday to reports of a suspicious vehicle at a vacant building on Southport Street. When they arrived at the scene, officers reportedly discovered Jennifer Leigh Greenberg, 28, of Kilgore, taking items from inside the building. Greenberg was also caught with methamphetamine, according to the police report. She was taken into custody and booked into the city jail on charges of burglary of building, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.

KILGORE — Multiple agencies responded to the scene of a major fatal wreck near Kilgore late Friday morning. KETK reports the crash took place at around 11 a.m. in the 3300 block of SH 135 in front of Champion Technology. The victim in the wreck has been identified as Ruben Rios, 20, of Kilgore. Authorities say Rios slammed into a semi that was turning into a business. The driver of the tractor-trailer, Christopher Parrish, 47, of Whitehouse, was not injured. Witnesses say the crash sounded like an explosion.

KILGORE — Kilgore continues to be a haven for manufacturing jobs in East Texas. Economic development staffers tell KETK commercial property in Kilgore is worth twice as much as residential property. That’s partially due to lack of housing as well as the large number of job opportunities — a benefit to the city, since businesses pay the lion’s share of tax revenue.

GREGG COUNTY — The house fire that killed a 91-year-old Longview man Thursday afternoon was started by an overloaded electrical plug, authorities said Friday. The body of Emmit Brook was found in a front bedroom of the home where he had lived for 30 years, the same room where the fire started. According to the Longview News-Journal, the 68-year-old man, who was asleep in a back bedroom of the house in the 500 block of Idylwood Drive, near South Ward Elementary School, narrowly escaped after being awakened by neighbors. He was treated at Good Shepherd Medical Center for second-degree burns on his face and hands, Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary said. Zackary said Brook lived in the house with his daughter and her husband. His daughter was out of town at the time of the fire.