KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Tyler police are seeking help finding suspects in an early Sunday shooting. Just before 3:00 yesterday morning the Tyler Police Department received a telephone call regarding a shooting on West Gentry Parkway. Officers quickly arrived on scene, but were unable to locate the victims or any witnesses. Within minutes officers learned that the victims had traveled to an address on W. Martin Luther King Blvd. Officers contacted the victims: Lindale Shinette, 20, from Galveston; Melvin Harris, 19, also from Galveston; and Kendrick Staley, 21, from Tyler. All stated the incident occurred at the Shell gas station located at 1118 W. Gentry Parkway.

According to the victims, they were talking with some women when they were approached by several black males who wanted them to leave the area. In an attempt to avoid a confrontation the victims agreed to leave, but before exiting the parking lot the suspects opened fire on the victims. The victims’ vehicle was struck several times, but none of the victims sustained any injures as a result of the incident. Tyler Police Department investigators were notified and responded to the scene. The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the 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, or any, felony case.

LONGVIEW — Longview authorities continue today their search for the vehicle involved in a fatal hit and run accident. It happened around 11:30 Saturday night, in the 600 block of East Marshall Avenue. Killed was Pagan L. Newsome, 60, of Longview. She had attempted to cross East Marshall Avenue and was struck by a vehicle that had been traveling westbound. After striking Newsome, the vehicle then fled the scene.

Newsome was pronounced dead at the scene by Gregg County Justice of the Peace Arthur Fort. Investigators believe the vehicle that struck Newsome could possibly be a white pickup truck that may have hood and windshield damage. Newsome had been at Good Shepherd Medical Center attending to a family member at the emergency room when she left to possibly walk to a nearby store. Anyone with information about this accident is urged to contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.com or 903-236-STOP. A reward of up to $1000 could be paid for information leading to the arrest of the driver that fled the scene.

SMITH COUNTY — Firefighters in Lindale responded to a blaze at a plant nursery late Friday afternoon. KETK reports it happened at Blalock Wholesale Nursery on Highway 110 North just south of Interstate 20. Authorities say it spread from a smoldering burn pile that workers thought was extinguished. The fire spread to huge stacks of plastic pots, which shot out giant plumes of black smoke as they burned. No reports of injuries.

BULLARD — An update on a man who has been arrested and charged with having sex with a minor. Authorities now tell our news partner KETK 26-year-old Steven Wayne Morris was let go from the Bullard Police Department in June. Morris met the 15-year-old girl while he was a patrol officer at her high school. However, Morris told the Texas Rangers he did not know the age of the girl. Morris was placed on paid leave in May. He had served as an officer for the Bullard Police Department for two years.

TYLER — Tyler police need help solving an aggravated robbery. Friday at 3:46 p.m., officers responded to a report of the incident at 1922 ESE Loop 323 Ste. # 1912 (Cash Store). Upon arrival officers determined that a black male entered the business, produced a handgun, and demanded money. There were two employees inside the business with no other customers in the store. The suspect took what police term an undetermined amount of money. The suspect then left out the front door on foot. The two employees exited the rear of the business and sought assistance in another business in the same shopping area. No injuries were reported in the robbery.

The suspect is said to be in his early to mid 20s, 6’2” – 6’4.” Major Crimes Investigators, Crime Scene Investigators and a K-9 Unit responded to the scene for further investigation. There were apparently two unidentified witnesses at the scene who pointed out to the initial officer in which direction the suspect left on foot. These witnesses left the scene before officers could obtain their information. Police say they would like to contact these witnesses and ask them to call Tyler PD at (903) 531-1090 or Crime Stoppers at (903) 597-2833.

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Martha Hernandez of Diboll to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for terms to expire Nov. 19, 2015. The commission investigates allegations of judicial misconduct or judicial disability and disciplines judges. Hernandez is vice president of First Bank and Trust East Texas. She is a board member of the Corporate Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas, the United Way of Angelina County, and the Housing Authority of Diboll. She also serves as a board member of the St. Patrick School Advisory Board, Our Lady of Guadalupe Financial Board, Angelina Beautiful Clean, and the Katherine Sage Temple Child Care Center.

LONGVIEW — A Longview police officer has sustained non-life-threatening injuries at the hands of a hit-and-run driver. Officials say Officer Dennis Phillips was driving eastbound on Cotton at Fredonia when he was struck by a pickup that ran a red light. Authorities say the driver fled the scene, but a suspect was located shortly thereafter at the county courthouse, where he was scheduled to appear in court on an unrelated charge. 37-year-old Michael Louis Boyd of Longview, who is pictured here, was charged with failing to stop and render aid, expired driver’s license, failure to maintain financial responsibility, and failure to stop for a red light.

TYLER — Officials with Brookshire’s Friday announced plans for another Brookshire’s WWII Heroes Flight that will take 36 World War II veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial and other sites. The company met with the veterans, as well as guardians that will assist them, Thursday night to explain the details of the trip. The second flight will take place on October 5-6. There is no charge for the veterans selected for the trip.

“Our first trip to Washington with World War II veterans was so rewarding for all of us we’ve decided to do it again with a new group of east Texas veterans,” said Rick Ellis, chief marketing officer for Brookshire Grocery Company. Ellis added that the response from the veterans desiring to go in May was overwhelming. “We received more applications for our May trip than we could possibly take,” Ellis said. “In fact we received so many that our October flight is already full from those who applied earlier and we still have additional applicants.”

In addition to the World War II Memorial, the group is expected to visit the Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the United States Capitol. “We are very grateful for the service provided by these veterans,” said Ellis. “The freedoms we enjoy today were defended by these veterans and many others from different conflicts.” Veterans participating in the trip are from many different communities, including Tyler, Longview, Kilgore, Wills Point, Overton, Gladewater, Pittsburg, Canton, Whitehouse, Hideaway, Chandler and Mineola.

While the October flight is already full, veterans interested in participating in possible future opportunities can apply by calling (903) 534-3076 and requesting an application. Noting that the World War II Memorial was not built until 2004, Ellis added, “Most of these veterans have never had a chance to see their memorial. We’re thrilled to provide this opportunity to these 36 from our market area.” “We realize time is of the essence for this generation,’ Ellis said. “While there’s no way of having an exact figure, the estimates are that we are losing them nationally at a rate of about 1,000 per day. We don’t have a lot of time left to honor them in this way.”

TYLER — Heated debate Thursday as TJC held the second of two public hearings on raising the tax rate more than 33 percent. One former student spoke up for it, saying, “I wanted a better opportunity. I got my GED, I came to TJC. I still support the tax increase for maintenance and infrasrtructure needs.” Others, like George Stephenson, weren’t so supportive. “Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that we can just rely on somebody else and take their money,” said Stephenson. “Well, some people call that stealing.” As KETK explains, if the tax increase passes, it will go toward paying back $28 million taken out by the board last year for maintenance tax notes.

LUFKIN — A woman accused of killing a Lufkin man in a drive-by shooting is out of jail. Kendall Thompson, 19, posted $100,000 bond Wednesday. She’s accused of firing the shots that killed Joseph Cooper outside of his home in January. According to KETK, Thompson’s trial starts in October.

LONGVIEW — Over a year in prison is the sentence given to a Longview man for leaving his two kids in a parked car. According to KETK, a Gregg County jury found James Michael Guin guilty of child endangerment Wednesday. Witnesses say Guin and his girlfriend left the children inside a van while they went inside a bar. It happened last year. Police also found drugs inside the vehicle.

LONGVIEW — A White Oak EMT found dead last week is remembered in Longview. According to KETK, friends, family and co-workers gathered to remember Casey Steenlan, 33. She was the mother of four and an EMT trainee. Steenlan died last Friday from what authorities say was from carbon monoxide poisoning after a generator from an ambulance was left on.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a welfare check and reportedly find a man stabbed in the neck. It happened Friday morning around 2:40 in the 2200 block of North Palace. The victim claims he was walking across the railroad tracks when he was assaulted by an unknown suspect who cut his neck with a knife. The victim was taken to East Texas Medical Center where he received treatment. So far, no suspects have been arrested and the case is under investigation.

WHITEHOUSE – Smith County authorities believe they know who has been burglarizing homes along a street in Whitehouse. An arrest warrant has been issued for Lindsey David Maynard III, 34. He is believed to be armed and dangerous and authorities say if you spot him you should not approach him. Instead, contact authorities.

WHITEHOUSE — An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death of a man found lying in a ditch near Whitehouse. Around 1:30 Saturday morning, Smith County authorities received a welfare concern call. Dwight Wayne Pawul, 41, who had been taking medication, had been drinking heavily. When they went to his home on County Road 2194, there was no trace of the man.

Then, around 7:00 that morning, it was reported that Pawul was found in a ditch near the intersection of Farm Road 756 and County Road 129. He was rushed to East Texas Medical Center where he died earlier this week.

TYLER — This weekend, as parents prepare for the start of the new school year, they can expect some savings on some of their purchases and retail merchants hope to get an economic shot in the arm. The tax-free weekend continues through today. You won’t pay a tax on such items as clothing, most school supplies and backpacks.

According to KETK-TV, the tax-free weekend comes at a time when retailers are struggling. The tax free holiday does bring some hope to retailers who looking for some big sales over the weekend. The savings on average come out to about eight dollars for every one hundred dollars spent.

LONGVIEW — Authorities are following up on a shooting incident. On Thursday at approximately 12:13 p.m., Longview Officers were called to 505 East Grand Avenue for a “shots fired” call. Upon arrival officers were told by the resident that two males attempted to burglarize his home and he shot at them as they attempted to leave with his property. An adult suspect was being held by the resident, and the other suspect was later located by officers. Neither suspect was injured during the incident. The matter is still under investigation at this time, and detectives have responded to determine if arrests will be made — and, if so, what charges will be filed.

LONGVIEW — Persons with any outstanding warrants may be arrested at anytime, but the City of Longview will be giving additional attention to the issue during an upcoming warrant roundup Friday, August 27 – Saturday, August 28. The purpose of the roundup is to pursue outstanding warrants associated with unpaid fines and tickets from the City of Longview. Prior to the warrant roundup, Longview Municipal Court mailed notification letters to approximately 5,700 defendants representing more than 10,372 outstanding warrants. Worth more than $3.8 million in total, the outstanding warrants range in value from $70 for a parking offense to $900 for a failure to provide insurance offense.

According to Municipal Court Administrator Sharon George, “As the result of our last Warrant Roundup in May, we were able to clear or serve 299 warrants values at $126,705. Also, two of the Municipal Court’s top ten were arrested, each with over 20 outstanding warrants. We encourage anyone with an outstanding warrant to pay the fines as soon as possible to avoid an arrest.”

Longview Municipal Court offers several options for payment. Customers may pay by phone at 903-237-1186; pay online at http://www.LongviewTexas.gov (online payments require an additional convenience fee); or pay in person at the Municipal Court, 302 W. Cotton St. For convenience, there is also a drop box located in the lobby of the Municipal Court. It should be noted that individuals trying to resolve cases prior to the roundup will not be arrested at the court window.

Warrant payments may be cash, credit card, or money order. No personal checks will be accepted. A government issued picture ID card or driver license will be required when appearing in person. For more information, including to check an outstanding balance, contact the Municipal Court at 903-237-1186.

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.