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Two More Churches Burn
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 7:04AM
LINDALE -- Two Smith County church fires are under investigation this morning. Both were reported in the Lindale area last night. The first was reported around 8:30 at Dover Baptist Church on Farm Road 1995. Several miles away, and about an hour later, a fire was reported at the Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church near the Smith-Van Zandt County line on County Road 426. Both churches were destroyed by the flames. No injuries were reported. The causes of the 8th and 9th church fires remain under investigation. The two fires occurred the same day ATF agent Tom Crowley said last week’s church fire in Wills Point was deliberately set. The seventh church fire this year in East Texas destroyed the sanctuary of Russell Memorial United Methodist Church in Wills Point. The fire was reported around 5:23 a.m. last Thursday. No injuries were reported in that blaze. Signs of forced entry were found. ATF has said six church fires since Jan. 1 in East Texas are blamed on arson. Two more could be added to that list.
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Send To FriendWarrants Issued in Club Shooting
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 7:04AM
TYLER -- Tyler Investigators have obtained arrest warrants on two suspects allegedly involved in the shooting and assault on Markeeth Williams that occurred at Club Skyy shortly after midnight Monday. Tyler police are looking for two black males: Joseph Dewayne Williams, 25, for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Gerald Wayne McGee, 26, for Assault Causing Bodily Injury.
Gunfire at the club on Pointe North Road left Markeeth Williams, 27, wounded. Authorities say the victim was shot in the throat. Police say members of Williams’ family showed up at the club after the shooting and were taking him to the hospital when officers located Williams on Gentry. They called EMS to transport him to ETMC for serious but non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tyler Police or Smith County Tyler CRIMESTOPPERS.
Gunfire at the club on Pointe North Road left Markeeth Williams, 27, wounded. Authorities say the victim was shot in the throat. Police say members of Williams’ family showed up at the club after the shooting and were taking him to the hospital when officers located Williams on Gentry. They called EMS to transport him to ETMC for serious but non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tyler Police or Smith County Tyler CRIMESTOPPERS.
Guilty Plea in Child Porn Case
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 3:01AM
TYLER -- A Tyler man has appeared in federal court pleaded guilty to child pornography violations. Christopher Hull, 37, yesterday pleaded guilty to an information charging him with possession of child pornography when he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. According to information presented in court, last March, Hull was found to be in possession of equipment that contained visual depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Hull admitted to using his personal computer to view child pornography. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. Hull is currently in custody.Tylerite Elected to Global Philanthropy Task Force
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 3:00AM
TYLER -- Larry Goddard, Executive Director of the Tyler Independent School District Foundation, has been elected to a world-wide committee of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He'll mentor other countries regarding finding financial resources for worthy causes. The International Development Committee includes members from Jakarta, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Brazil among other countries. The multi-year term will involve Goddard in developing electronic memberships of fundraising professionals in remote parts of the world who are in need of advice and educational resources, but too remote to have colleagues nearby.“In America, our culture is to provide charitable donations to causes in which we believe and trust,” said Goddard. “Sadly, some other countries do not have the same cultural history; but it is a fast growing need, philanthropic giving on a global basis. I was surprised to be selected; there is much to learn, but I have gained knowledge on how a giving community like Tyler can be a model for cities in other countries to emulate. We have the culture they want.”
Mayor Bass Files for Re-Election
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:59AM
TYLER -- Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass has filed for re-election. She filed with the city clerk’s office yesterday. Bass will be seeking her second term at the post. She was first elected in 2008. Bass is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 30 years of experience. She holds a BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M - Commerce, and is a partner with Gollob Morgan Peddy & Co., P.C., Certified Public Accountants.According to the City of Tyler Web site, Mayor Bass has lived in Tyler for more than 30 years and has become extremely involved in the community. Highlights of her service include:
*She is currently serving as Foundation Treasurer for Pollard United Methodist Church; and,
*She has previously served as Chairman of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tyler Economic Development Council, and the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas. In addition, she served as board chairman for the Hospice of East Texas Foundation and as treasurer of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra Foundation;
*She served on the Texas Society of CPAs, her state professional association board, for over 20 year, including three terms on the Executive Board; and,
Bass was a Leadership Tyler class I participant. She subsequently chaired their board of directors and served on their advisory board.
Kara Camp Files for City Council
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:59AM
TYLER -- Kara Hodges Camp, registered pharmacist and community volunteer, filed Monday for the District 6 position on the Tyler City Council. Camp, 47, is running on a platform that focuses attention on the needs of Tyler homeowners to protect their property values, maintain neighborhood integrity, and improve safety and traffic. Camp said she also hopes to help the city better promote Tyler to businesses looking to relocate and to public events looking for new venues. In addition to chairing the city of Tyler Board of Adjustment, Camp has also served on the City of Tyler Public Library Board for six years, including serving as chairman of the Library Board. She was also organizer of Tyler’s first Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) under the Tyler 21 plan.Camp said she is seeking input from citizens in District 6 to voice their priorities for Tyler’s future. Her supporters are hosting a Kick-Off Campaign event February 25th to which the public is invited; call 903-520-2117 for details. You can go to http://www.karacamp.com to learn more. District 6 is currently represented by Charles Alworth, who must resign in May due to term limits. Businessman Jason Wright announced last July that he is also seeking the seat.
Longview City Council Filings
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:58AM
LONGVIEW -- 55-year-old business owner Richard Manley has filed for the Longview City Council District 5 seat, currently occupied by John Bolster. Two candidates have filed for District 6: incumbent Sidney Allen and Debbie R. Fontaine, the CEO and Co-owner of Edible Art Specialty Cakes & Cookies. Filing for a place on the May 8 ballot will continue through March 9 at the City Secretary’s Office, 300 W. Cotton Street.Search Continues for Missing Longview Woman
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:58AM
LONGVIEW -- Police in Longview continue their search for a missing person. Jerry Claxton is a white female, 62, 5'4," 140 pounds, with white/gray hair. Police say she walks with a limp due to prior stroke issues. Claxton was last seen last Thursday in the vicinity of the 1200 block of East Marshall Avenue, wearing black pants with a lavender top and white tennis shoes. Investigators don't suspect foul play, but family members are concerned about Ms. Claxton's welfare because of her prior medical history. You're asked to contact Longview police at 903-237-1199 if you have seen her.Two Die in Rusk County
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:57AM
HENDERSON -- Two persons have been found dead in Rusk County from what a Dallas lab says was carbon monoxide poisoning. They are identified as Matthew Thomas Rawley, and his wife Erica Nicole Rawley, both of Frisco. They were suppose to have left the Gator Run RV Park in Northern Henderson County late Sunday morning. When they had not arrived at their Denton County residence, a sister notified authorities. Authorities found the two dead in their trailer.Titus County Death
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:56AM
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Titus County officials hope an autopsy performed by a Dallas lab will identify a man found dead in the bed of a horse trailer and tell them how he died. The trailer was found Saturday morning on Farm Road 1402, also known as Harts Bluff Road. Based upon the clothes on the body, authorities feel the man may be Ryan Wayne Cannon, 41. He had been reported missing on January 4th. Authorities had been called to Cannon’s home that day in response to a disturbance. Family members told authorities that cannon appeared to be distraught and may have swallowed antifreeze and then ran into the woods.
Record Spring Enrollment at SFA
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:55AM
NACOGDOCHES -- Stephen F Austin State University is reporting a record spring enrollment. The school announced on Monday a spring student enrollment of 12,029, the highest spring semester enrollment in the university's history.According to the school’s website, the number of SFA students attending classes grew by 7.2% or 803 students between spring 2009 and spring 2010, marking the eighth consecutive reporting period with an enrollment increase. The highest previous SFA spring enrollment was recorded in 1984 with a headcount of 11,886.
"The growth we are experiencing at SFA is the result of improved and expanded initiatives in both the areas of recruiting and retention, as well as a concentrated effort from all areas of the university to keep recruiting and retention activities at the forefront of our mission," said Monique Cossich, executive director of enrollment management.
A new freshman residence hall and Freshman Success Center set to open in fall 2011 will augment the first-year experience for many SFA students and enhance recruitment and retention efforts.
SFA President Baker Pattillo credited the enrollment increase to hard work by employees in all areas of the university. "There is a concerted effort from every department on campus to recruit top-quality students to SFA," he said.
"I would like to express my appreciation to our enrollment management team, as well as administrators, faculty and staff members from across campus. Their dedication has led to the increasing enrollment we are currently experiencing."
State Headlines
Death Penalty Moratorium
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:52AM
FORT WORTH (AP) -- Houston hair care businessman Farouk Shami says he'd support a death penalty moratorium if he's elected governor. He and Democratic challenger Bill White debated in a televised event last night. White says he wouldn't back a moratorium and thinks it would be unfair to juries and victims if there was no question of guilt.
Perry's Border Plan
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:51AM
IRVING (AP) -- Governor Rick Perry says "aviation assets" would help Texas secure the border with Mexico. He's asking the Defense Department to allow unarmed Predator drones to do surveillance from Brownsville to El Paso. Perry's comments came as the Texas Municipal Police Association endorsed his re-election bid.
Trial in Restaurateur's Death
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:50AM
VICTORIA (AP) -- A prosecutor has told a jury that a teenager killed the founder of a popular San Antonio restaurant with an arrow, set the woman's house on fire and used her credit cards for a spending spree. Joe Estrada Jr.'s trial was moved to Victoria because of intense media coverage. He lived next door to Viola Barrios, who founded the popular Los Barrios restaurant. Estrada's lawyer will make his opening statement later in the trial.
Houston Officer Shot
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:49AM
HOUSTON (AP) -- An off-duty Houston police officer is in critical condition after being shot at an apartment complex. Police say the officer was wounded after he confronted two suspected burglars. Two men have been taken into custody.
Police Officer Arrested
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:49AM
DALLAS (AP) -- A Dallas police officer has been placed on leave after being accused of hitting and pulling a gun on a bar owner and bouncer early yesterday. Sgt. Hector Roa was off duty at the time.
Murray Charged in Jackson Death
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:48AM
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Houston cardiologist Dr. Conrad Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson's death. Murray was with Jackson when he died June 25. Authorities say he gave the pop star a general anesthetic and two other sedatives to get him to sleep.
Houston Transit Train and Bus Collide
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:47AM
HOUSTON (AP) -- A bus driver is among nine people taken to hospitals after a collision between a transit bus and light-rail train on the edge of downtown Houston. A Metro spokeswoman says the bus apparently ran a red light and hit the train yesterday afternoon. She says none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
KBR Asks Dismissal of Suit
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:47AM
PORTLAND, ORE. (AP) -- Houston-based Iraq war contractor KBR is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit by Oregon National Guard soldiers. They're suing over potential health risks from a cancer-causing chemical called hexavalent chromium.
No Gas Drilling in Dish
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:46AM
DALLAS (AP) -- The governing commission of the tiny north Texas town of Dish, 50 miles northwest of Dallas, in the Barnett Shale natural gas field, has voted a 90-day moratorium on new gas well drilling. The moratorium came in the wake of last month's report on tests by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The tests of 94 sites in the 5,000-square-mile Barnett Shale revealed two sites with extremely high levels of cancer-causing benzene and 19 more with elevated levels of the chemical.
American Airlines Charging for Blankets
Posted: Tuesday, 9th February 2010 2:45AM
DALLAS (AP) -- If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on American Airlines, it's going to cost you. The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class on domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours, starting May 1. The international flights are to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America. Spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said Monday that the decision was an economic one. She says blankets will remain complimentary in premium-class cabins and in all cabins for other international flights.
