MARSHALL — Two Longview men have pleaded guilty to a Daingerfield bank robbery. Latarious Martez Hughes (pictured), 21, and Kenneth Duane Hooks, 23, both pleaded guilty in federal court in Marshall Tuesday to their involvement in the armed robbery of the 1st National Bank of Hughes Springs, Daingerfield Branch, in February. Hughes is facing up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Hooks is facing up to twelve and one half years in prison and a $125,000 fine. A sentencing date for the pair has not been set. All but $7,566 of the stolen cash was recovered from Hughes and Hooks’ residence. Both men will be required to repay the missing $7,566 to the bank.
LAKEPORT — The Lakeport police chief has been injured and a woman arrested following an altercation. The incident occurred during a traffic stop shortly after noon on Tuesday on Farm Road 968 near the Shady Grove mobile home park. According to KETK, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office says Chief Wesley Freeman suffered head injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Arrested was Felesia Meshaun Ford, 40, of Longview. She was taken into custody by Harrison County sheriff’s deputies on Interstate Highway 20. Her charges include aggravated assault of a public servant, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and she is named in some Gregg County warrants.
NASHVILLE, TENN. (AP) — Country stars Miranda Lambert of Lindale and the late Johnny Cash, along with famed blues musician Steve Cropper, were honored with stars on the Music City Walk of Fame. The artists represent the kind of multi-genre talent that has been drawn to Nashville, Tennessee, for decades. Lambert, a two-time Grammy winner originally from Texas, said she recently moved back to the city and felt more inspired by the city’s music than ever before.
SMITH COUNTY — Concrete repair work is underway today for the Interstate Highway 20 eastbound outside lane in Smith County at Mile Marker 566-567 (in the vicinity of Highway 155). Crews will have a work zone in place till 6:00pm. Motorists are reminded to slow down, pay attention, be patient, and be prepared to stop as brief delays may be necessary during this work.
LAKEPORT — The Lakeport police chief was injured Tuesday afternoon in an altercation during a traffic stop that triggered a wild chase. KETK reports the injury occurred on FM 968 near the Shady Grove mobile home park. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office says Chief Wesley Freeman suffered head injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Harrison County Lt. Jay Webb said Freeman was dragged behind a truck. A pursuit of the vehicle began around noon and lasted for about 40 minutes. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — Three people were arrested after Longview police responded to a vehicle burglary around 5:30 Tuesday morning on Alice Drive and found some stolen property. KETK reports that while officers were responding, they were told the victim was chasing the suspect, who was reportedly hidden in some bushes nearby. Officers say they found and arrested a man hiding in the bushes near Eva Street and Gilmer Road. The suspect told police his wife was in the area waiting to pick him up. Officers found a car a few minutes later and were able to stop and identify the two people inside as suspects. Police also found stolen property in the vehicle, and both of those suspects were also arrested. Read the rest of this entry »
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jennifer “Jenny†Downing Yoakum of Longview and two others to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for terms set to expire August 31, 2021. Acording to a news release from Abbott’s office, Yoakum is a pharmacist who specializes in veterinary medicine and and is pharmacist-in-charge at Med Shop Total Care, Inc. in Longview. Yoakum is a member of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists, Texas Pharmacy Association, Alliance of Independent Pharmacists of Texas, National Community Pharmacist Association, and Texas Veterinary Medical Association.
TYLER ─ Two days of celebration are scheduled later this month at The Children’s Park of Tyler at South Broadway and East Dobbs. The park holds its 13th Annual Day of Remembrance Oct. 24, with the Grand Opening Celebration of Phase II and Alison’s House Oct 25. According to a news release, The Children’s Park offers opportunities for play and meditation while celebrating the lives of children, including those who have died. Phase II entails an expansion of the park, while Alison’s House provides a new addition for small events as well as new sitting areas and “critters waiting to be climbed on,†according to the release. For more information, visit http://www.childrensparktyler.org or call 903-939-1597.
CANTON — County Judge Don Kirkpatrick issued a burn ban Tuesday morning for Van Zandt County. KETK reports the ban will be in place for seven days, after which the Commissioners Court meets to consider ratifying and extending the burn ban. Officials say the ban is based on the recent increase in wildfires resulting in property loss. The current Drought Index is 700 on an 800 scale. The Drought Index is expected to reach 750 in the next 14 days. Anyone who disregards the order faces a significant fine.
LONGVIEW — Longview Mayor Andy Mack is set to deliver his State of the City Address today at Pinecrest Country Club from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Mack will be answering a few questions from the community. You can submit your questions in advance to [email protected] or send him a private message on his Facebook Page – “Andy Mack.” Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — City and county officials gathered at a Longview news conference to discuss a joint effort against crime which has rocked the city. Mayor Andy Mack said it is but a handful of people who are causing the problem. According to the mayor, “We don’t have a crime or a homicide problem in Longview. We have a gang and a drug problem and we’re going to stop it.” He said the issue is serious and they are taking it seriously. Longview has had a record-high 12 homicides this year. Longview police chief Mike Bishop said over the past few weeks they have had “extra patrols, extra units and extra personnel on the streets to deal with the gang and drug problem.” He said over that period they have made several key arrests and that Longview has been noticeably quieter.
CHEROKEE COUNTY — Two more suspects have been arrested by Cherokee County deputies on charges stemming from a fatal shooting September 28. Tony Scott Brazier, 47, was found dead inside his home on FM 235 South around 3:30 a.m. The names of those arrested and the current charges are not being released at this time due to the nature of the ongoing investigation. The U.S. Marshal’s Service arrested Doye ‘Duke’ Haney Junior, 26, Whitehouse, at the Hampton Inn on Troup Highway September 29.
GILMER — An Upshur County man has been charged with murder in the death of his wife. Roger Dale Mullins Jr., 33, is charged in the death of Angela LeeAnn Mullins, 24. He remains in the Upshur County Jail under a $1 million bond. The woman’s body was found Friday night following a standoff with law officers. She was found in the couple’s home west of Gilmer off of Farm Road 49. Officers had been called to the home following a report of a man with a gun. After Mullins surrendered, officers entered the home and found the woman’s body.
TYLER — A former school board president and former U.S. Army Major General, is announcing his campaign for the state senate. James “Red” Brown kicked off his campaign Monday in an effort to succeed retiring Senator Kevin Eltife. Brown said he will shake-up the status quo and bring hands-on, East Texas experience to set priorities and change how state government works. He is seeking the Republican nomination for state Senate District 1. “Our government has to do better,” Brown said. “We have to do better for our school kids, better for parents, better for hardworking taxpayers and better for East Texas. I know we can get better results and I want to serve as a strong East Texas voice in the Texas Senate.”
HENDERSON — The Rusk County Commissioners have approved a burn ban for the county. The ban, which was lifted in late August, was approved by the commissioner’s court at Monday morning’s meeting. The county reported only 0.02 inches of rain last month. The unconditional burn ban, which means no burning whatsoever, takes effect immediately. It will remain in effect in the unincorporated areas of Rusk County for a period not to exceed 90 days. It is just one of just over a dozen counties now under a burn ban, including Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Nacogdoches, Upshur and Wood.
TYLER — The punishment phase of the James Calvert murder trial has started in state district court in Tyler. Jurors last Thursday came back with a guilty verdict in the nearly three year old case. Calvert was convicted in the shooting death of his wife. Since he was found guilty of capital murder, he could get life in prison or the death penalty. Read the rest of this entry »
JACKSONVILLE — The cause of a fatal Jacksonville fire remains under investigation. The fire was reported around 3:30 Sunday morning at 723 Palestine Street. Jacksonville Fire Chief Keith Fortner tells KTBB the elderly victim was Lila Baty. She is said to have lived alone in the home. The house was extensively damaged by the fire, which is thought to have started in an east front room of the house. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting in the investigation.
MARSHALL — A Marshall woman is in custody after reportedly shooting at a man and barricading herself in a home. The incident was reported shortly before 12:45 Sunday afternoon at a residence on Beaver Street. According to a Marshall Police Department news release, the woman was later arrested and no injuries were reported. The woman’s name has not been released.
TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of October 5. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.
Motorists are advised to slow down and pay attention on Interstate Highway 20 as pavement repairs continue in the eastbound outside lane Monday, October 5 from Mile Marker 563 to 564 in Smith County. Motorists should be prepared for closures and delays. Crews will be working from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Please slow down and pay attention when driving through this and all work zones. It is important to remember that traffic could be stopped and backed up waiting to get moved through the work zone so pay attention to advance warning signs and other traffic control devices. Law enforcement is providing assistance with traffic. Read the rest of this entry »
GREGG COUNTY — A tax cut for homeowners, shifting part of an existing tax account to highway work and enshrining the right to hunt are among seven issues Texans will weigh on a Nov. 3 Constitutional Amendment referendum. Monday is the last day to register to have a say on the ballot. According to the Longview News-Journal and KETK, early voting is Oct. 19-30. Read the rest of this entry »
CHEROKEE COUNTY — An arrest affidavit has shed more light on what led to a fatal shooting earlier this week in Cherokee County. On Monday, September 28, Tony Scott Brazier, 47, was found dead at his home in the 4000 block of Farm to Market Road 235. KETK has obtained an arrest affidavit detailing what events led up to the fatal shot. Read the rest of this entry »
UPSHUR COUNTY — The body of a woman is recovered from a house following a standoff with authorities. The suspect has been taken into custody. Gilmer Police and Upshur County Sheriff’s Deputies received a call around 11:30 Friday night about a disturbance involving a man with a gun at a house on FM 49 in western Upshur County. When police arrived at the scene, they became involved in a standoff with the man. After several hours the suspect was taken into custody. When authorities searched the house they found the body of a woman. The name of the victim or the man have not been released. The investigation is still underway.
TYLER — Tyler Police have identified a motorcyclist who was killed in a crash Friday night. It happened just after 8:00 on the 800 block of Gentry Parkway near Palace Avenue. According to police, Arturo Luna, 38, Tyler, was heading east on Gentry Parkway when a truck pulled out of a driveway and collided with the motorcycle. Luna was taken to East Texas Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The crash remains under investigation.
LONGVIEW — A man who was shot in his neck early last week has died from his injuries. Police said shortly before 4:00 Tuesday morning, officers were called to a shooting in the 100 block of West Pliler Street. According to KETK, when authorities made it to the scene, they found a victim in the front yard with a gunshot wound to the neck. The victim, identified as Cedric Sherow, was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. He died Friday. The gunman left the scene before officers arrived. Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN (AP) — A woman has been arrested in the August drowning of her 3-year-old nephew in an East Texas pond. That comes a month after her boyfriend was arrested in the death. Angelina County Sheriff Greg Sanches said 19-year-old Billie Jean Cuttler was arrested Friday in Louisiana in Mason Cuttler’s death. Her attorney couldn’t be reached for comment. Investigators say her boyfriend, 17-year-old Bobby Woods, knew the boy couldn’t swim and shoved him into a pond Aug. 17. Woods was arrested Aug. 28. Sanches wouldn’t elaborate on Billie Jean Cuttler’s role. Woods and Billie Jean Cuttler were indicted on capital murder charges Thursday. Woods told authorities he wanted the child dead to make room in a Lufkin-area home shared by three families for his girlfriend’s unborn child. Sanches says Cuttler isn’t pregnant.
SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man accused of a murder for hire plot has been sentenced to prison. According to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, Chip Patrick Owens, 32, of Tyler, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of criminal solicitation. KETK reports, Owens tried to hire a hit man to kill his wife, Andrea Owens, and a man she was allegedly having a sexual relationship with. Court documents revealed Chip Owens tried to pay a former Marine a total of $11,000 for the murder. He admitted giving the man a .9mm pistol for the job. The gunman later became a police informant. Chip Owens was taken into custody December 12, 2014, after the informant brought evidence to authorities.
LUFKIN (AP) — A woman has been arrested in the August drowning of her 3-year-old nephew in an East Texas pond. That comes a month after her boyfriend was arrested in the death. Angelina County Sheriff Greg Sanches said 19-year-old Billie Jean Cuttler was arrested Friday in Louisiana in Mason Cuttler’s death. Her attorney couldn’t be reached for comment. Investigators say her boyfriend, 17-year-old Bobby Woods, knew the boy couldn’t swim and shoved him into a pond Aug. 17. Woods was arrested Aug. 28. Sanches wouldn’t elaborate on Billie Jean Cuttler’s role. Woods and Billie Jean Cuttler were indicted on capital murder charges Thursday. Woods told authorities he wanted the child dead to make room in a Lufkin-area home shared by three families for his girlfriend’s unborn child. Sanches says Cuttler isn’t pregnant.
TYLER – Republican East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert will be given the Heritage Sentinel Award during an event Saturday from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at the New Life Worship Center in Tyler. Sentinel Awards are presented to members of Congress with a higher than 90% rating on the Heritage Action Scorecard. Gohmert has a 95% rating. According to its website, Heritage Action “is a widely respected government relations team and dedicated grassroots activists that advance conservative policy.”