KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — Longview Police Detectives are asking the community for help with an aggravated robbery case that landed the 80-year-old victim in the hospital. On July 31 at around 5:07 p.m., Longview Officers were dispatched to an area hospital by emergency room personnel after the victim, John Morris, was brought in by his wife with a head injury.

Mrs. Morris told officers that two men had robbed and beaten Mr. Morris at the bait shop they operate beside their home in the 400 block of West Pliler Precise Road. Mrs. Morris said that around 4:30 p.m., two men arrived at the bait shop in a white or tan, older model, four-door passenger car, and Mr. Morris walked next door from his home to help them, thinking they were customers. After several minutes, Mrs. Morris saw the vehicle drive away, but Mr. Morris did not come back inside the house. When Mrs. Morris went to investigate, she found Mr. Morris lying on the ground inside the bait shop bleeding heavily from a wound to his head. Mr. Morris’s wallet containing cash, credit cards and VA insurance paperwork was missing.

The suspects were described as two black males, and they left behind a foam minnow bucket at the bait shop. It is believed the two suspects had been to the bait shop before and may frequent local fishing areas. If anyone has information about the suspect’s identity, they are urged to contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.com or 903-236-STOP. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1000.00 for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police search for a couple accused of stealing beer. The two suspects reportedly robbed a convienence store in late July. Security footage shows a woman called the store clerk over to the far side of the store to distract her while a man grabbed the beer. According to KETK, the two left the store in a waiting car.

LONGVIEW — A company with a big presence in East Texas is expanding. Longview’s Eastman Chemical will add to production by about 10% starting in 2011. According to the company, there’s been an increase in demand for products. Eastman will also expand their plant in the Netherlands to help accommodate the growing needs of their product.

TYLER (AP) — An East Texas police officer has been placed on unpaid leave after authorities say a juvenile suspect pulled a gun from a duffel bag that wasn’t searched and opened fire while in custody. Tyler police say no one was injured during the July 24 incident at the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center. Police say the 16-year-old boy was taken into custody on outstanding warrants when he arrived by bus from his hometown of Kansas City, Mo. Chief Gary Swindle said Monday Officer Jessica Doughten violated policy by not checking a suitcase and duffel bag the 16-year-old boy had with him.

Police say the teen grabbed the gun in a holding area and shot at an intake officer. The boy is facing several charges. The criminal investigation into the juvenile suspect’s actions has led to the following charges:
– Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant
– Possessing a Deadly Weapon in a Penal Institution
– Possession of Marijuana in a Penal Institution
– Directive to Apprehend for Felony Assault out of Kansas City, Missouri
– Failure to Appear out of Kansas City, Missouri

On July 24 at 12:22 a.m., Tyler Police and Smith County Pct. One Constables responded to the Attention Center in reference to a shots fired call. Responding officers gained entry into the building and confronted a 16-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri, in a secured hallway within the facility. Police say the juvenile had a gun to his head attempting to get officers to shoot him. According to police reports, officers on the scene were able to convince him to put the gun down after talking him down. Earlier, police received information that the juvenile was on a bus from Kansas City to Tyler and had outstanding warrants. Officers contacted the juvenile on the bus at the bus station in Tyler and took him into custody. Officers transported him to the Tyler Police Department and then to the Juvenile Attention Center.

Authorities say while the juvenile was being held in a secured intake room in the facility, he gained access to his personal duffel bag that contained a handgun hidden in his clothing. Police say the juvenile removed the handgun from the bag and fired several shots within the intake holding room. The intake officer took cover and was not struck by the gunfire. No juveniles housed in the facility were in any danger during the incident. The juvenile had been searched at the time of the arrest; however his bag was not searched prior to being placed into the trunk of the patrol vehicle. The juvenile was transported to East Texas Medical Center for minor injuries he sustained by cut glass during the incident. He was treated and released back into the custody of officers.

TYLER — County Judge Joel Baker is scheduled to present a proposed budget later this week. And it appears as if more cuts will be needed to make ends meet. The county is barely getting by on the current budget, but the new one may have to be over $7 million lighter than the current one. The county commissioners looked over their budget needs Tuesday.

The question is, where will the new cuts come from? KETK-TV reports Judge Baker says they cut every expense possible before they looked at cutting jobs. Now, they’re looking at eliminating part-time and temporary jobs in the county, along with a few full-time positions. Up to 30 jobs could be lost if the court approves. There is also a proposal of tax increase of about $55 a year to the average homeowner. According to Judge Baker, “No one wants a tax increase, but, unfortunately, they still want the services that the county provides.”

BULLARD — A Tyler man could be facing charges following a three vehicle accident in Cherokee County that killed one person and injured two. The wreck happened Monday on U.S. Highway 69 South of Bullard. Killed was Alice Glass, 80 of Jacksonville. She was air-lifted to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center where she died around 5:00 Monday afternoon. Her husband Ernest Glass, 90, was injured. Also injured was Ghulan Jiwani, 23, of Tyler. He is thought to have fallen asleep and his car and drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic, hitting the Glass vehicle. The driver of the third vehicle in the accident was not injured.

MARSHALL — Triple digit temperatures have triggered heat advisories and warnings across East Texas — and in Marshall, city officials are offering a “cooling center” for its citizens. Marshall Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Pritchard says, “Whether they’re working outside, or whether they’re just homebound, we want to avoid — at any cost — anybody who just can’t cool themselves down.” Pritchard says the center will be open till further notice.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will hold two public meetings to gather input on Tyler Transit’s 2010 Paratransit Plan on Thursday, Aug. 12, at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Taylor Auditorium of Tyler Public Library, 201 South College Avenue. The input will be used to update the Paratransit Plan, the document that describes how the City provides transportation to elderly and disabled residents as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008.

Previously, the City of Tyler has held several public meetings to gather input on the future of Tyler Transit fixed routes and to update the City’s plan for how it serves citizens with ADA-accessible transportation needs (paratransit service). Officials say the Aug. 12 meetings are intended to collect additional information from groups including other transportation providers, paratransit users, regulatory agencies and advocacy groups about how the Tyler Transit paratransit service should be operated in the future. As a part of this Plan update, Tyler Transit has requested information from area transportation providers about their available resources and future plans. The City is encouraging any who have not responded to provide that input.

A copy of the 2010 Paratransit Plan is available online on the Transit page of the City’s website at http://www.cityoftyler.org and at the Tyler Transit office at 210 E. Oakwood. Anyone unable to attend these meetings can provide comments on the Transit page of the City’s website, at the Tyler Transit office (during business hours), or by calling the Transit Office at (903) 533-8057.

“It is important to update Tyler Transit’s paratransit plan,” said Director of Airport and Transit Services Davis Dickson. “The Paratransit Plan is a guide for our customers to understand the paratransit services we provide. It is critical that we receive public input as we move forward to ensure that we meet the transportation needs that enhance the social and economic quality of life for people with disabilities.”

Currently Tyler Transit operates five fixed bus routes and provides paratransit service within the city limits of Tyler. Service hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tyler Transit office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transit passes can be purchased Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Transit office.

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview wins the title of “Tea Town U.S.A.” According to KETK, aside from bragging rights, the city gets $10,000 for park improvements. The online McAlister’s competition put Longview up against cities all across the state and nation to become the official “Tea Town.” Longview won the race by over 12,000 votes — and the city’s already decided which park will get the facelift. The city will pair with AMBUCS and fix up Spring Hill Park to make it ADA-accessible. Officials say children of all abilities will be able to play within the entire playground and intermingle. According to officials, there will be ramps so there will be absolutely no restrictions to any child to be able to play on the new playground. The city will be awarded the money at a ceremony later this month.

HENDERSON — A Rusk County man pleaded guilty to a capital murder charge Monday. Joe Don Turner, 34, Reklaw was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and waived the right to appeal. Turner admitted that he murdered Eugene Snitker, 76, on March 9, 2010 at Snitker’s home in Rusk County during an aggravated robbery.

KINGSPORT, TENN. — Eastman Chemical Company has announced plans to expand production of hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins at both its Longview, Texas and Middelburg, The Netherlands, facilities.

According to a company news release. the Middelburg expansion, which is the third expansion of its Regalite hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins at this site since 2006, will increase current capacity by more than 20%. It is expected to be completed in the second half of 2011. In Longview, the company is planning a capacity increase of greater than 10% for its Eastotac hydrogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon resins. This expansion is planned for completion in early 2011.

“Around the world, demand continues to grow for Eastman’s hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins,” said Brad Lich, vice president and general manager of Eastman’s coatings, adhesives, specialty polymers and inks business. “These investments are a demonstration of our commitment to growing with our customers and to meeting demand in developing regions in advance of further capacity investments.”

Eastman’s hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins are used as raw materials essential in hot-melt and pressure sensitive adhesives, and as binders in nonwoven products such as disposable diapers, feminine products, and pre-saturated wipes. They are also used in a wide range of applications including plastics and rubber modification. Due to their versatility and broad compatibility, Eastman’s hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins can be formulated with a wide range of Styrenic and Polyolefinic polymers, and offer excellent color, stability, and adhesion.

“We are proud to announce these expansions in Middelburg and Texas,” said Ruud van der Eerden, business manager, hydrogenated and C9 hydrocarbon resins. “These two expansions will better allow us to serve growing markets and assure our customers that we are well positioned to reliably meet their needs now and in the future.”

FORT CAMPBELL, KY. (AP) — The military says a Fort Campbell soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near a security checkpoint in southern Afghanistan. The military said Sgt. Kyle B. Stout, 25, of Texarkana, was a cannon crewmember assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. He joined the Army in July 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell in November 2006. He is survived by his parents, Billy M. and Robin C. Stout of Wake Village, Texas.

BEAUMONT — East Texas is very much part of the picture after Attorney General Eric Holder announced the release of the Department of Justice’s first ever National Strategy to Combat Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction. That’s the word from U.S. Attorney John Bales, who oversees the Eastern District of Texas. As part of the effort, the U.S. Marshals Service announced plans to launch a nationwide operation targeting the top 500 most dangerous, non-compliant sex offenders. Additionally, officials say the Justice department will create a national database to allow federal, state, tribal, local and international law enforcement partners to work more closely together on sex offender cases.

Bales says the department also created 38 additional Assistant U.S. Attorney positions to devote to child exploitation cases, and over the coming months will work to fill the vacancies and train the new assistants. The Eastern District received a position and hired Christopher T. Tortorice in December 2009 to prosecute Project Safe Childhood cases exclusively. “A fair test of the morality of any society is how that society protects its children,” said Bales. “Child pornography, child exploitation, child sex tourism are present cancers in our body politic and they are a direct threat to our children. We will not rest while our children are at risk.”

Since FY 2006, the Department of Justice has filed 8,464 Project Safe Childhood (PSC) cases against 8,637 defendants. In the Eastern District of Texas, some of those cases include:

· Albert Slatter, Jr., a 59-year-old assistant band director for the Longview ISD, was sentenced to federal prison on Apr. 29, 2010, for possessing images of child pornography on his home computer.
· Patrick Sanders, a 52-year-old man, pleaded guilty on Apr. 22, 2010, to possessing child pornography on his computer at the Boys and Girls Club in Lufkin where he was the Director. Sanders faces up to 10 years in federal prison when sentenced.
· Thomas Alvin Boyd, 43, of Tyler, was indicted on July 14, 2010, and charged with using 3 boys to create child pornography from about 2001 to 2005. If convicted, Boyd faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
· Charles Orange, 45, a convicted sex offender from Longview, was indicted on July 14, 2010, and charged with possessing, receiving and distributing child pornography. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison.

As part of its public outreach efforts, the department re-launched http://www.ProjectSafeChildhood.gov, the Project Safe Childhood (PSC) public website. Officials say PSC is a department initiative launched in 2006 that aims to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children.

TYLER — Preparations are in high gear for the East Texas State Fair. Senior Citizens of the Year nomination forms are now available to nominate area adults, “55 or better.” The fair will celebrate the 41st annual Senior Day on opening day. All active adults in that age range are admitted free on Thursday, September 23. The East Texas State Fair Senior Citizens’ Day committee will accept nomination forms and a 500-word essay detailing the nominee’s community service and involvement along with what makes them the “Senior of the Year” until August 20. Nomination forms are now available online and at the East Texas State Fair office located at 2112 West Front Street.

Also, the fair invites area artisans to begin to plan their Creative Arts Competitive Exhibits submissions. Creative Arts catalogs were mailed out last week and are now available online. If local residents are interested in participating but did not receive a catalog in the mail, they are available at the fair office. You can go to http://www.etstatefair.com for senior citizen nomination forms, Creative Arts catalogs and pre-registration forms, and additional information about the fair.

LONGVIEW — A fire in Longview appeared to be intentionally set. It happened Sunday night around 10:22 at the Highland Village Apartments at 5515 W. Loop 281. Authorities say a fire was set to the exterior bedroom wall of one unit and that an ignitable liquid was intentionally used. Evidence was recovered at the scene. No injuries were reported. Fire damage was limited to the exterior and a portion of the wall inside the bedroom. Security is being provided by Highland Village Apartments. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information about this fire they can contact the Longview Fire Marshals’ office 903-237-1119.

HEREFORD (AP/Staff) — Funeral services are scheduled at 10:30 Wednesday at First Baptist Church of Hereford for longtime Panhandle radio broadcaster Clint Formby, who died at age 86. A statement on the Web site of KPAN in Hereford says Formby had been suffering from cancer. He began broadcasting daily commentary as the “Day by Day Philosopher” in October 1955 and was featured on NBC’s “Today Show” in 2007 for hosting more than 16,000 episodes of the six-day-a-week program without missing one. Formby was, at one time, a part owner in KTBB-AM.

TYLER — Patriot Classic volunteers have presented The University of Texas at Tyler with a check for $96,744.45. The presentation came at the home of Tyler City Councilman Mark Whatley and Dr. Sherri Whatley, UT Tyler vice president of technology and chief information officer. The Patriot Classic fundraiser benefits the UT Tyler scholarship program. Each Classic event is staffed by community volunteers and supported by numerous organizations.

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

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 850 east of Tyler between Farm Road 2607 and Farm Road 3053 in Overton. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal-coat operations on State Highway 149 between State Highway 322 in Lakeport and Farm Road 2906 (Easton Road). Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

Also this week in Longview, the newly-installed traffic signals on State Highway 300 at George Richie Road and Cheryl Street are scheduled to be activated as early as Wednesday. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in and around newly signalized
intersections.

RUSK COUNTY — Beginning as early as Tuesday, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal-coat operations on State Highway 64 between the Henderson Star and State Highway 42. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 3062 between Malakoff and the end of state maintenance near Star Harbor. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on U.S. Highway 175 between Jacksonville and Farm Road 855 in Cuney. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge and ditch maintenance on Farm Road 1804 (Hoard Road) just south of U.S. Highway 80. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on Farm Road 1255 northeast of Canton between Interstate Highway 20 and Farm Road 773, followed by base and pavement repairs in various locations on FM 773 between Farm Road 16 and State Highway 64, and on Farm Road 1653 between SH 64 east of Canton and Martins Mill. Crews will also be performing base and edge repairs on Farm Road 857 south of Silver Lake between Farm Road 1255 and Farm Road 1253 in Smith County. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on U.S. Highway 287 between Farm Road 645 and Bethel. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department, in conjunction with the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, will be hosting the 19th annual Citizen Police Academy beginning Thursday, September 9th, and concluding on Thursday, October 21st. Classes will meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m. each night at the Longview Police Department’s Roy Stone Training Center.

The purpose of the academy is to familiarize citizens with the operations of the police department. Classes will cover topics such as patrol procedures, criminal law, narcotics, search and seizure, tactical operations, criminal investigation, juvenile law, sex offender registration, identity theft, and a SWAT firearms demonstration. Students also have the option to ride with a patrol officer and witness the street activity that officers encounter on a day-to-day basis. Classes are open to the public, and there is no cost — and no exams to take!

Applications can be obtained at the Longview Police Department Records Division, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or you can call the Longview Police Department Administration Office at 903-237-1111. You may also go to http:// http://www.longviewpolice.com to obtain an application. Click on the “Programs” bar at the top of the page and then select the “Citizen Police Academy” link to download an application. The deadline to apply for the academy is September 7th, and class size is limited, so you’re urged to apply soon.

TYLER – Baffled by recycling? Is composting a dirty word? Do you want to learn to live “green” but don’t know where to start? The answers to these questions and much more will be available at the second annual “Living Green: A Sustainability Symposium” to be held Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Harvey Convention Center. Cost for the day-long symposium is $5 for adults; admission is free for children under 12 and anyone with a student ID.

The program is presented by the City of Tyler, Keep Tyler Beautiful and the Texas Conservation Alliance and will include:
· Presentations on recycling, conservation and sustainability issues;
· “Green” vendor displays and exhibits; and,
· Demonstrations on how you can learn to sustain our planet.

“This symposium is the perfect opportunity to learn more about ways that each and every one of us can make a contribution toward making our planet healthier,” said Cheryl Roy, Keep Tyler Beautiful board member and Symposium co-chair. “The symposium will cover a variety of subjects from recycling to green building to energy conservation.”

Presentations and speakers include:
· Where Does My Trash Go by Kristi Boyett, City of Tyler
· What is Sustainability? by Jim Bundscho, Ben Wheeler Development
· Recycling Concrete by Hal Williams, Williams Construction
· Does Your Home Make You Sick? by John Vaselli, UT Tyler TxAire Project
· You CAN Afford to Build Green! by Anwar Khalifa, Pyramid Homes
· Getting Kids Outdoors by Alan Byboth, Camp Tyler Foundation
· Trash to Treasure by Jim Wooldridge, Habitat ReStore
· Lower Your Energy Bill Without Spending a Penny! By Joe Stowe, Stonebridge Heating & Air Conditioning
· Earth Kind by Mark Chamblee, Chamblee Roses
· Clean Living with Natural Gas by Claude Figueroa, CenterPoint Energy
· Practical Ideas for Living Green – A Homeowner’s Experience by Rick Labicki

“The unique thing about this symposium is that you will find ideas, products and companies from right here in East Texas,” said Ms. Roy. “We want to provide a one-stop shop for people to find out how to live green.” Symposium sponsors include: Republic Services, Pyramid Homes, Natural Awakenings Magazine, Stonebridge Heating & Air Conditioning, Brookshire’s and CenterPoint Energy. Vendor booths for green businesses and organizations are available by calling (903) 714-2172. Log onto http://www.LivingGreenInTyler.com for more information.

TYLER — As the award-winning Tyler ISD Foundation moves into its 20th anniversary year, there’s a lot to look back on — but it’s really all about preparing kids for the future. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Executive Director Larry Goddard points to the foundation’s grants to teachers for innovative projects — and the impact those can have on students. “The students don’t know what careers are out there,” says Goddard. “We have health occupation grants that we’ve given, and it just opened a wide world of activity for those students.” And Goddard says that’s just one example. He adds that the classroom project grants can have a critical impact on kids’ lives — starting in kindergarten. Goddard says the teachers are thinking, “What will these students need to know in the year 2023 (when they’re on track to graduate from high school)?”

The foundation funds projects not typically covered by tax dollars. The fall fundraising campaign begins in October. You can go to http://www.tylerisd.org/tisdfoundation to learn more. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to listen to the “Staff Meeting” show online beginning early Monday morning.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation has announced that it plans to break ground on two Tyler District construction projects during the month of August, and that it completed two projects in the district during July. That keeps the number of total projects under construction at 28 across the eight-county district. “We’re seeing a lot of construction activity right now,” said TxDOT public information officer Larry Krantz. “And if the weather keeps cooperating with us throughout the next month to six weeks, we should be able to close the books on several projects during that time.”

In the meantime, TxDOT has plans to begin two projects in the coming week. In Kilgore, TxDOT contractor Knife River Corp., South, is scheduled to begin approximately two months of pavement repairs and resurfacing on SH 31 between SH 42 and Business US 259. The $981,000 project let to contract in May. In Cherokee County, TxDOT contractor Reynolds & Kay is scheduled to begin adding shoulders to FM 855 between US 175 and CCR 3415, and to FM 747 approximately 5 miles south of US 79, west of Jacksonville. The $540,000 project let to contract in June. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

The list of projects completed in July included a $2.3 million repair-and-resurface project on Interstate 20 in western Van Zandt County by Austin Bridge & Road, and a $240,000 project by Simon Traylor and Sons on SH 149 in Gregg County to add a left-turn lane at FM 349. “We’ve done a lot of work on Interstate 20 in the past few years,” Krantz said. “And we’re going to continue to work on it.” In fact, Krantz said TxDOT plans to let four projects to contract worth an estimated $4.3 combined during the second week of August, including a estimated $946,000 project to repair and resurface the westbound lanes of Interstate 20 between SH 110 and the Van Zandt County Line.

The other three projects include an estimated $2.5 million project to add shoulders to and resurface FM 344 in Smith County between US 69 in Bullard and FM 346 in Teaselville; an estimated $800,000 project to add turn lanes on SH 110 on either side of FM 1805 in Van to allow safer access to the Van Sports Complex; and an estimated $75,000 project in to beautify and landscape the traffic islands in the Henderson Star intersection.

TYLER — Patriot Classic volunteers have presented The University of Texas at Tyler with a check for $96,744.45. The presentation came at the home of Tyler City Councilman Mark Whatley and Dr. Sherri Whatley, UT Tyler vice president of technology and chief information officer. The Patriot Classic fundraiser benefits the UT Tyler scholarship program. Each Classic event is staffed by community volunteers and supported by numerous organizations.

LONGVIEW — Officials with the Longview Economic Development Corporation say LEDCO has been busy the last several months. According to press materials, they have 39 prospect projects open and are getting inquiries every week. 25 Longview companies are now using the WorkKeys program. LEDCO is helping the Workforce Solutions Center get new equipment so more job seekers can take the WorkKeys Assessment at the same time. You can log on to http://longviewusa.com/workkeys for more information. Also, the North Business Park is open and ready for business — and LEDCO’s Buy Local program has expanded to include “I Shop Longview” to encourage people to spend locally. Officials say bringing just 5% of out-of-area spending back to Longview can have an impact of $225 million on the local economy.

The LEDCO board of directors voted Wednesday to make Susan Mazarakes, CEcD, the executive director. Mazarakes began work at LEDCO in 2002 and has worked in several areas including workforce development, business retention, business attraction and retail development. She has been serving as interim executive director since December. Go to http://longviewusa.com/ to learn more.

LONGVIEW — Visitors from far and wide spent much of the weekend enjoying the Great Texas Balloon Race at Gregg County’s East Texas Regional Airport. Balloon flights began on Friday morning with a flight over the City of Longview. The various other activities included the popular balloon glows, which entertained crowds Friday and Saturday night. Organizers call the balloon race a world class event attracting the very best competitive pilots from across the United States and the world.

ATHENS – A Henderson County woman’s disappearance is turning into a possible murder investigation according to KETK. Friday, Henderson County authorities arrested 46 year-old Avery Lee Denton in connection with 50-year-old Sandra Gail Anderson’s disappearance. He’s charged with tampering with evidence. Officials say they found what they believe to be Ms. Anderson’s burned remains at Denton’s house. The possible remains are being sent for testing.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview say five local retailers have been cited for selling alcohol to minors. On July 24, the Longview Police Department, partnering with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and Longview Partners in Prevention, conducted off-premise minor stings at area retailers to validate compliance with Texas law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors. 33 different alcohol retailers were checked by the undercover team, and five of them allegedly sold alcohol to the undercover minors. The locations cited were:

1. 3607 S. Eastman Road – DC Shamrock
2. 1929 Hwy 80 East – Tiger Mart of Longview
3. 701 S. Eastman Road – Kwick Food Mart
4. 1001 Young Street – Cowboy’s # 13
5. 701 W. Marshall Avenue – Kroger # 959

At these locations, the individuals who allegedly sold alcohol to the undercover minor were listed in offense reports for “making alcohol available to a minor.” This offense is a class A misdemeanor, and the reports will be filed with the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. In addition, the TABC issued administrative citations to each business.

CANTON — Van Zandt County authorities make two arrests in a recent burglary — in which the stolen items landed in a pawn shop. On the 13th of July, burglary was reported at a residence on VZCR #3104 in Edgewood. The same day, according to authorities, several items belonging to the victim were pawned at a local pawn shop by suspects Thomas Brown and Shelly Izzo. Authorities say the complainant purchased the property back from the pawn shop rather than have a property hearing. Felony warrants were obtained on Brown and Izzo by the Sheriff’s Office.

On the 30th of July, Sheriff’s Office Investigators and Deputies arrested both suspects at the Adult Probation Office in Canton after being contacted by one of the probation officers. Both suspects were interviewed, and the investigation continues. Officials say the cases will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for filing.

LINDALE — More recognition for the Lindale Independent School District. On Friday, the Texas Education Agency released its 2010 accountability ratings. Lindale ISD was rated Exemplary, the highest accountability rating. Lindale Junior High School, E.J. Moss Intermediate School, Velma Penny Elementary School, and Lindale Primary school were also rated Exemplary. Lindale High School received a rating of Recognized.

Districts and schools are rated based on student performance on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). For the first time, the accountability rating also included student performance results in reading and math for TAKS Accommodated, a standardized test for special education students. A school district’s dropout and completion rates are also factors in the accountability rating. Rates for the 2008-2009 school year are examined and LISD had no dropouts during that school year.

“I am so excited that our district achieved an Exemplary rating,” LISD Superintendent Stan Surratt said. “Our community is buzzing about this great achievement from our students and teachers. The teachers, principals and staff should be commended for their dedication to our students and the leadership they have shown in the classroom. Their hard work and efforts have certainly paid off. I am so proud of the entire district. LISD is certainly an Exemplary district in every way.”

CRAFT — Due to conditions which have occurred recently in the water system, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Craft-Turney Water Supply to notify all the customers involved in the repair area to boil their water prior to consumption. According to KETK, the area included in this boil water notice is from the intersection of Highway 69 South and FM 22 (Craft), going south on Highway 69 – all county roads off 69 South up to Seven Mile Hill, including the last half mile of CR 1514.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials will notify you. If you have questions regarding this matter you may contact Rhonda Briggs, Office Manager, at 903-586-9301.