Smith County News

By MALENA OGLES Staff Writer As the next defendant in the "Mineola Swingers' Club" case approaches trial, his attorney says he is looking for several interviews with children that were taped by Child Protective Services.

By BETTY WATERS Staff Writer HENDERSON -- Impelled by a recent fatal attack on a 10-year-old boy by two vicious pit bull dogs, friends and relatives of the victim began a drive Wednesday for state and national legislation banning pit bull dogs.

By MALENA OGLES Staff Writer A 37- year- old Longview man was found guilty Monday of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

The faith-based paradigm that is People Attempting To Help - a template for other faith-based efforts in cities across America - is calling on its roots, Tyler's faith community.

By ADAM RUSSELL Staff Writer The Smith County Commissioners Court approved $70,000 to purchase property and remodel project for Precinct 4 Monday during a regular meeting.

They are both familiar with the heat. Being homeless, with the sky as their roof, Roy and Johnson walk most of the day, finding refuge from the sun by walking in the shade, next to open doors of air conditioned buildings and keeping hydrated.

Smith County Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace James Cowart has confirmed to KETK that a 37-year-old, James Harlan,died Wednesday while working outside.

The Smith County Justice of the Peace says he is not ruling out that an East Texas man's death is heat related.

Smith County Chief Deputy Sheriff Bobby Garmon received the prestigious Texas Chief Deputies Association Melvin Drum Award for professionalism and dedication throughout a long and distinguished career in law enforcement last week.

Joe Carlyle announced today that he will run for Smith County Commissioner Precinct 2 next year in the Republican primary.

Since 2007 Smith County officials said they have steadily worked to improve county facilities, including the courthouse and offices outside the city, and that the pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together.

By ADAM RUSSELL Staff Writer The Smith County District Attorney's Office referred an anonymous investigation request to the Texas Attorney General's Criminal Investigation Division regarding possible illegal voting in the city of Winona "wet-dry" election, said county attorney Stan Springerley.

With potentially two major developments under way, the City of Winona could experience a significant economic impact, citizens learned Thursday night during the annual Winona Area Chamber of Commerce banquet.

By ADAM RUSSELL Staff Writer Election results in the Winona "wet-dry" race could reverse if a court finds that ineligible voters cast ballots against the May 9 alcohol proposition.

A Longview woman died Wednesday after a two-vehicle wreck in Smith County, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety report.

June 17, 2009 Tomas Cordero aka Tomas Alcoser was arrested by officers of the U.S. Marshals Dallas Fort Worth Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team today.

New construction in Smith County dipped 16 percent countywide in 2009 according to preliminary numbers released by the Smith County Appraisal District.

A woman got her $3,700 television back Friday afternoon after management at her former apartment complex took it for "back rent," according to police reports.

By COSHANDRA DILLARD Staff Writer Local public health officials said Friday that people should not let down their guards regarding the H1N1 flu as Texas Department of State Health Services officials confirm Smith County's first case of the virus.

By CASEY KNAUPP Staff Writer Shawn Steven Marr, originally charged with murder, pleaded guilty Friday to criminal negligent homicide and was sentenced to 15 months in a state jail for a 2005 accidental shooting.