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EAST TEXAS — State Senator Ken Paxton, a Republican candidate for Attorney General, demonstrated strong East Texas support Tuesday. During a campaign swing through the area, Paxton released a list of more than 220 Smith County business and community leaders, Republican activists, and current and former elected officials endorsing his candidacy. The list includes all three Smith County Republican County commissioners, Former Tyler Mayor Joey Seeber, Former State Representative Leo Berman, both State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) members who represent Smith County, and numerous GOP precinct chairs. Senator Paxton has previously been endorsed by State Representatives Matt Schaefer and Bryan Hughes, both of whom represent Smith County. Continue reading Paxton Draws Strong Support in East Texas

TEXARKANA (AP/Staff) – A Bowie County woman has pleaded guilty to sending ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Shannon Guess Richardson entered her guilty plea Tuesday in Texarkana, Texas. Her attorney, Tonda Curry, has said the plea deal caps any prison sentence at 18 years. A sentencing date has not been set. Curry said Richardson was ready to admit her role in sending toxic letters to Obama, Bloomberg and the head of Bloomberg’s pro-gun control group. Prosecutors say that before her arrest in Mount Pleasant in June, Richardson tried to frame her now-estranged husband for mailing the letters containing ricin, a powdery substance that can cause respiratory failure if inhaled. Richardson has had minor roles in the television series “The Walking Dead” and the movie “The Blind Side.”

TYLER — A Tyler man has been sentenced in Tyler to life in prison for continuous sexual abuse of a child. Officials with the Smith County District Attorney’s Office say David Brice Hartman, 42, had earlier pleaded guilty. The range of punishment for the offense is 25 years to 99 years or life. State District Judge Jack Skeen, Jr., assessed the sentence after reviewing a pre-sentence investigation and arguments from the prosecution and defense. Under Texas Law, there is no possibility of parole for continuous sexual abuse of a child.

GLADEWATER — Gladewater police are looking for two men who held up a convenience store over the weekend. The men, armed with a handgun, robbed the G and J food Mart in the 200 block of South Main Street around 11:00 Saturday night. The men, one armed with a handgun, are described as white males, one standing 5’9″, with a slender build and the other being 5’6″, with a slender build. No injuries were reported.

LONGVIEW — The Balloon Federation of America’s U.S. National Championship will remain in Longview for a 4th year. Officials with Longview’s Great Texas Balloon Race made that announcement yesterday. The championship had originally been set for three years. But a bid was submitted for a fourth year and that bid has been accepted by the national organization. Continue reading U.S. National Hot Air Balloon National Championship Stays in Longview Longer

NEW YORK (AP) — Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel is one of six finalists invited to New York for Saturday’s Heisman Trophy ceremony. The Aggies quarterback, and Tyler native, is trying to become the second player to win the award twice. But Florida State’s Jameis Winston is the overwhelming favorite to win this year.

TYLER — After being postponed last week by the weather, Tyler’s Christmas parade will take to the street tonight. The Jaycees Christmas Parade and the tree lighting ceremony on the square will now be held this evening at 6:00 in Downtown Tyler. The tree will be lit by one-year-old Micah Emory Read, who was named the 2013 Miracle Child, representing the Children’s Miracle Network at Trinity Mother Frances Health System. The tree lighting will take place after the parade.

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches man has been arrested for indecency with a child. The youngster is said to have been younger than 12. Taken into custody was Paul Thomas James Buchanan, 27. The incident is said to have occurred at a home of relatives he was visiting. Investigators tell KETK the youngster was able to escape Buchanan and went to the master bed room to tell her family what had happened. Buchanan was later arrested at a home on County Road 825. He was booked into the Nacogdoches County jail and his bond was set at $50,000

TYLER — The Smith County Jail has received a certificate of compliance after an inspection was completed by State officials. Sheriff Larry Smith said that the Smith County Jail was inspected on December 4 and 5, and there were no deficiencies noted. The Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards should issue the certificate of compliance after a review of the inspection report. “Jail inspections are done annually and without prior notification,” said Sheriff Smith. “I am pleased that my staff has worked hard to make sure that we are operating the jail at the level that I expect and that the State requires.”

GALLATIN — An investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department has resulted in the arrest of two persons on drug charges. Taken into custody was Steven Ray Davis, 42, of Gallatin, and Samantha Douglas, 26, of Jacksonville. Both have been charged with the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance and theft of a firearm. Their bonds total $45,000 each. Continue reading Drug Bust Nets Two in Cherokee County

MARSHALL (AP) — Three people have been hurt in a hatchet attack at a Wal-Mart in East Texas and police arrested a transient on assault charges. Marshall police Detective Sonya Johnson said Monday that Christopher Hamilton of Crawford, Ark., allegedly had the hatchet with him when entering the store. Two female workers and a male shopper were attacked early Sunday. Authorities are trying to determine a motive. Police don’t believe Hamilton knows the victims. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. spokeswoman Betsy Harden says one worker was treated and released while the other should soon be discharged from a hospital. The customer was slightly hurt trying to help the workers and he didn’t seek medical help. Hamilton was being held Monday on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with bond set at $225,000.

TYLER — An East Texan has joined two other men, one from California and one from Minnesota, in a three-way-tie for the Salvation Army world record for bell ringing. Andre Thompson(pictured with KTBB’s Melissa Kiser) rang the Salvation Army Kettle Bell from Tuesday, December 3, at 11:00 a.m., until Saturday, December 7, at 8:00 p.m., with only short, rare breaks. The Salvation Army declared a three-way tie at 105 hours, 25 more hours than the previous world record of 80. Continue reading East Texan Part of 3-Way Tie in Salvation Army World Record Bell Ringing Contest

WHITEHOUSE — A Whitehouse family has lost all their Christmas presents in a weekend fire. The fire was reported around 2:00 Sunday afternoon at a home in the 10700 block of County Road 2173. A total of 16 people. including 10 children, were at home when the fire started. All managed to escape safely. The family tells KETK they have had several problems in the past with the house electrical system. However firefighters have not yet release the official cause of the fire. Both the Whitehouse and Flint-Gresham fire departments have started collecting presents for the children.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY — TxDOT crews on Monday are scheduled to take pavement-core samples on State Highway 110 between Aberdeen Street south of Tyler, and the south entrance to Trane. Various daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Also this week, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 2710 between Farm Road 16 in Lindale and Farm Road 14 near Red Springs. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

LUFKIN — The so-called panty burglar has struck again. Angelina County Sheriff Greg Sanches says this person has been breaking into homes in his county since 2009, always only stealing women’s underwear. But in the latest burglary, roughly the 16th, he also took $100. Sanches says he also broke into a house right on U.S. Highway 59. Thus far, according to Sanches, “thank goodness, nobody’s been home, but there’s always that time when somebody…could be home.” The sheriff says that might be either an adult or a child who’s been left at home while an adult makes a quick run to the store. He adds that in a recent burglary, the thief stole underwear belonging to a little girl.

EAST TEXAS — Famed country music singer and East Texas resident Ray Price has been hospitalized due to his continuous battle with pancreatic cancer, and he is said to be in the final stages of the disease. That’s according to KETK. This was posted by Clifton Ray Price, the son of the country star, Saturday on Price’s Facebook Fan page:

“Dear Friends,

“My Dad is very sick. He is (at an East Texas area hospital). He has been in intensive care. He was admitted on Monday. I got to visit for a brief moment on the 22 of November at the ranch. I was invited back by my father the next day but the gate was locked. Continue reading Ray Price Reported in Final Stages of Pancreatic Cancer

TYLER — Longview Maintenance Supervisor Don McQuitty gave final instructions on Saturday to 21 Tyler district TxDOT employees who volunteered to help TxDOT’s Dallas District address ice and snow conditions in the Denton area. KETK reports the district also sent five pieces of its heavy equipment and eight ten-yard dump trucks to help in clearing and sanding roads and bridges. Crews in Dallas began working around the clock Thursday afternoon to get the roads in driving condition.

TYLER — A weekend fire has destroyed Central Redco Pallet Company in Tyler. Smith County Fire tells KETK fire crews were dispatched shortly after 6:00 Saturday morning, Tyler, Chapel Hill, and Winona crews responded to the blaze at East Northeast Loop 323 and U.S. 271. Officials say the pallet factory was fully engulfed in flames. There have been no reports of injuries.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man was arrested Thursday after police said he poured coffee on an officer, then hit him on the head with his coffee cup. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, arrest reports show Raymond Gately, 58, was charged with assault of a public servant. Police say Officer Bill England responded to a home in the 100 block of North Lane Wells Drive in reference to a dispute over a dog. England began speaking with Gately, who was being accused of taking his neighbor’s dog. According to the arrest reports, Gately grabbed England by his shirt, poured a cup of coffee on him, and hit him on the head with the coffee cup. Gately then reportedly reached for something around his belt line, which England said he believed was a weapon. England said he used a Taser on Gately, but Gately returned inside. Gately came out of the home later and was arrested.

LONGVIEW — A year after his parole following 32 years in prison for capital murder, Randall L. Wikert spent 34 hours on the run from local law enforcement in late October after he robbed Bank Texas. The Kilgore News Herald reports that on Friday, 44 days after his arrest, Wikert – his parole revoked – pleaded guilty in the case and accepted a 20-year prison sentence. Continue reading Bank Texas Robber Pleads Guilty

TYLER — Tyler police are continuing to seek the public’s help as they investigate a commercial robbery. On Friday at about 6:00 p.m., police received a 911 call from 914 W. Front, Atlas Credit Union, stating that a robbery had occurred. Employees said that an unknown black male about 5’08” to 5’11” and 160 to 180 pounds approached them demanding money. The suspect was wearing a black ski mask covering his face, a black sweater, and blue jeans, and led them to believe that he had a weapon. The employees gave the suspect what officials call an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect fled from the back of the building running south. No one was harmed during the robbery. Continue reading Tyler Police Still Seek Clues in Commercial Robbery

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches County man was arrested after investigators discovered hidden cameras throughout his house and “massive amounts of pornography,” according to authorities. KETK reports authorities had received information that Justin Lejeune, 31, was secretly recording visitors in his house on FM 3314. They obtained a search warrant, which was executed around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. While investigating, Nacogdoches County Sheriff officials and the Texas Rangers allegedly found several cameras aimed at secluded locations, such as bathrooms and guest bedrooms. There were numerous homemade video recordings of people who were unknowingly being taped, officials say. Lejeune’s computer was also allegedly found to have many images of child pornography. Continue reading Authorities: “Numerous Unknown Victims” Possible in Massive Porn Bust

TYLER — The city of Tyler is offering weather-related updates on a couple of items. Due to freezing temperatures and precipitation, Tyler Transit scheduled a delayed start time of 10 a.m. for today’s fixed route. Tyler Transit is coordinating with the Street Department on roadway conditions. Continue reading City of Tyler Announces Weather-Related Schedule Changes

EAST TEXAS — More communities have announced cancellations and postponements of Christmas-related activities. KETK reports those include several parades. The City of Lindale parade has been canceled and will be re-scheduled at a later date. The City of Jacksonville has postponed its parade until Thursday, December 12. Continue reading Christmas Activities Postponed, Canceled around the Area

TYLER – Numerous Smith County Sheriff’s Office employees were recognized for their service during Thursday night’s annual Smith County Sheriff’s Office Awards Banquet, which was held in the Galilee Room of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. Sheriff Larry Smith recognized employees who have served five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years, and 25 employees received awards for outstanding service during the past 12 months. “I want the public to know that the Smith County Sheriff’s Office has a great group of people who are dedicated to their jobs, their community and to service,” said Sheriff Smith. “These individuals deserve to be recognized for the long hours they work and the risks they take to protect the citizens of Smith County. I am proud of every single one of them.” Continue reading Smth County Sheriff’s Office Holds Annual Awards Banquet

NECHES (AP) — A flood warning for the Neches River near Neches has made its way onto the list of weather challenges for East Texas. It’s due to continue until Monday evening unless it’s cancelled before then. At 9:30 a.m. Friday the stage was 12.5 feet. Minor flooding is occurring, and more minor flooding is forecast. Flood stage is 12.0 feet. According to the forecast, the river will continue to fall to below flood stage by early Monday morning. At 12.0 feet, expect minor lowland flooding of the heavily wooded floodplain. Ranchers who may have cattle and equipment in the river bottoms should move them to higher ground.

LONGVIEW — One person is dead after an early morning collision between a train and truck in Longview. According to Longview Police, a train and truck collided around 2:20 Friday morning on Estes Parkway near Walmart. All lanes of travel were closed for a time. A wrecker was called to the scene to remove the truck from underneath the train. Longview Police have confirmed the driver of the truck is dead. He’s identified as Andrew J. Gooden, 29, Hempstead. Continue reading Victim in Fatal Wreck with Train Identified

KILGORE — Twenty-four students, including eight Canadians, graduated from the Kilgore College Fire Academy at its 89th graduation. It was held Thursday night in the Bert E. Woodruff Adult Education Center. The KC Fire Academy is accredited by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the State Firemen and Fire Marshal’s Association and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The academy offers certification schools for NFPA 1001 Basic Structural Firefighter I and II certification, the Texas Volunteer certification, Fire Inspector and Fire and Arson Investigation courses. It is also a designated institution by the Canadian Province of British Columbia. Continue reading Graduation at the Kilgore College Fire Academy

TYLER — A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal violations. Bobby Gene Loggins, 58, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love to an information charging him with making false statements to a bank. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million. A sentencing date has not been set. Continue reading Former Tyler Meat Company Executive Guilty of Loan Fraud

EAST TEXAS — Area school districts have reported a number of weather-related closings, delays, and early releases. Winona ISD released their students at 11:00. KETK reports that in the Palestine ISD, Washington Early Childhood Center, Northside Primary, and Southside Elementary will dismiss at 1:30 p.m., while Palestine Intermediate School, Palestine Junior High School, and Palestine High School will release students at 2:15 p.m. Closed today: Quitman ISD, Sulphur Springs ISD, Winnsboro ISD, and Texas A&M Commerce. A number of school districts got started late this morning. Check our News page for the latest information. Please send all school closings to: closings@ktbb.com