KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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.

LAKE TYLER — A man who claimed he was stabbed at Lake Tyler by an unknown suspect says he lied. According to KETK, Ronnie Melton, 23, Van, says a girlfriend of his friend reportedly stabbed him in a dispute over car keys. Melton says he was trying to keep the girl out of trouble. He had said the incident reportedly took place at Hillcreek Park Sunday morning. Investigators say the incident actually happened at an undetermined address in Smith County over a dispute over some car keys. After the stabbing, he and his friends made up the story about him being stabbed by an unknown black male. Individuals involved in the incident will likely face criminal charges including aggravated assault, false report to a peace officer and fail to report a felony.

LONGVIEW — It’s now illegal to sell or possess K-2 in another East Texas community. The ban on the synthetic marijuana started Monday in Longview. According to KETK, the city passed an ordinance banning K-2 during last week’s city council meeting after citizens voiced concerns about the substance. Officials say they passed the ordinance for the safety of the residents. Authorities say they spent the weekend notifying gas stations and smoke shops that sell K-2. Police say if you’re caught selling or possessing K-2, you could be fined up to $2,000.

ARP — More developments on the case of a man who allegedly killed his father. KETK has learned the man reportedly stabbed to death by his autistic son was in jail at least twice before. David Wayne Wilson was at his home near Arp when witnesses say his son, David Adam Wilson, charged at him with a knife, stabbing him several times in the chest. The Wilson family tells police the 21-year-old had behavioral problems in recent weeks. They say he started a fight with his dad Monday night, after threatening several family members that day.

When deputies got to the house off FM 2089 near Arp, David Adam Wilson was hiding in a storage area. His father was already dead. The younger Wilson was taken into custody without incident. Investigators aren’t sure if David Adam Wilson was on his medication when it happened. He’s being held on a $500,000 bond. Authorities expect an autopsy report Wednesday.

TYLER — Thanks to the military, Tyler’s economy will be getting a boost. The reserve center on State Highway 110 is expanding. KETK-TV reports the over $24 million expansion is about 40% complete. The new installation is estimated to bring more than $150,000 to the local economy and about 300 armed forces every week starting in Next June. Officials say the reservists who will be flocking to Tyler to drill and take classes, will boost businesses such as hotels restaurants and dry cleaners. Tyler was selected for the facility because of its location, midway between Dallas and Shreveport. The project is said to be coming in ahead of schedule and under budget.

TYLER — Smith County commissioners offer you another chance to voice your views on the county’s proposed financial package for the coming fiscal year. At 5:30 p.m., there’s a public hearing on the proposed budget. Earlier today, commissioners held a public hearing on the tax rate. KETK reports there’s an increase in that figure currently on the table. Like the morning session, the afternoon gathering will be in the Commissioners’ Courtroom in the Courthouse Annex.

TYLER — The new school year is just around the corner and that may mean a change in your drive time routine. The City of Tyler notes that the Tyler Independent School District has adopted a new bell schedule for middle and high schools. Middle schools now will start at 8:25 a.m. and release at 3:40 p.m.; high schools begin at 8:40 a.m. and end at 4:10 p.m. All elementary schools will still begin at 8 a.m. and release at 3 p.m. You’re asked to please keep this information in mind when planning local trips.

School flashers will be in operation in marked school speed zones beginning Monday, August 23, 2010, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with the following exceptions:
* West Loop 323 near John Tyler High School – This school speed zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
* South Donnybrook near Robert E. Lee High School – This school speed zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
* Copeland Road at Hubbard Drive – This school speed zone will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, a new school speed zone with a speed limit of 35 mph has been added on West Front Street just east of West Loop 323 for the new Jones Boshears Elementary School.

School crossing guards will be on duty in designated locations during the hours of the school flasher operations. Crossing guards will raise a hand-held stop paddle and enter the crosswalk in preparation for allowing pedestrians to cross safely. Motorists are required to stop at pedestrian crossing locations while the school crossing guard is in the street; all vehicles should wait until the crossing guard returns to the curb before continuing through the crossing. Citizens are asked to review their commute route to avoid unnecessary delays.

“The first three weeks of a new school year are always very hectic as everyone adjusts to their new routines, especially when we have new schools opening,” commented City of Tyler Traffic Engineer Peter Eng. “Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and be patient with other drivers. Safety is more important that anything else. Each school has developed a traffic flow plan available to all parents to provide for the safe loading and unloading of students and also to get cars in and out of the school property as efficiently possible.” Drivers are also asked to please remember that the use of hand-held communication devices like cell phones is prohibited in school speed zones.

You can go to http://www.tylerisd.org for more information about Tyler ISD schools and school schedules. A list of designated school speed zones is located at http://www.cityoftyler.org in the City of Tyler’s code of ordinances.

TYLER — In an effort to assist citizens who have been unable to pay past due court fines because of economic conditions, the Tyler Municipal Court is launching a Second Chance Program. The program enables persons who have had warrants issued for non-payment of fines to reestablish a payment plan and bring their accounts current.

“We have seen an increase in the number of people who have warrants issued for their arrest due to the economy,” said Court Administrator Cam McCabe. “This program provides a second chance for violators to become current and take care of their fines.”

A $300 down payment is required to reestablish the payment plan. Warrants will be removed once the $300 is received and a payment plan is signed. To take advantage of this Second Chance Program, defendants must visit the cashier’s window at the Municipal Court to make the down payment and sign the payment agreement no later than Sept. 9.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview say they’re investigating the suspicious death of Lloyd Johnson Sr., 67. Around 12:32 p.m. Monday, Longview Officers responded to a check welfare call at 1404 Booker Street. According to a news release, officers arrived to find Johnson dead inside the location, apparently due to foul play. Detectives, crime scene personnel and Gregg County Justice of the Peace Sam Lawson responded to the scene. His body has been sent to the Southeast Texas Forensics Center in Tyler for autopsy.

HALLSVILLE — Two persons have been killed and two injured in a Harrison County accident. It was reported around 8:30 Sunday morning on Interstate Highway 20, near the 607 mile marker, between Longview and Hallsville. Initial reports are two teenagers from Azle, near Fort Worth, were killed. Their names had not been released pending notification of their next of kin. The accident remains under investigation.

GILMER — One person has been killed and two injured in an Upshur County accident. The accident happened around 9:00 Saturday night on State Highway 300. Marcey Robertson, 40, of Mount Pleasant, died after being airlifted to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. Injured was Oliver Palmer, 74, of Houston and his wife, Delores Palmer, 64. She is listed in serious condition at Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center. Her Husband was treated and released. The Department of Public Safety report said Robertson’s car, which was north bound, drifted into the south bound lane of traffic and collided with the Palmer vehicle.

LONGVIEW — Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a Longview fire that extensively damaged a home. KETK-TV reports the Sunday morning fire occurred near the intersection of Idylwood and Clover. No injuries were reported.