Suspect Arrested in Child Alcohol Poisoning Case

TYLER -  A one year old child who had a blood alcohol level of over .2 will be released from the hospital today.

Tyler police say Demarion Crow had been listed in critical condition Saturday when he was airlifted to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.

A suspect in the incident, Ronchekal Demune Yon, 25, is charged with injury to a child, a third degree felony. Tyler police say that Yon allegedly was intoxicated when he put vodka in a cup and gave it to his girlfriend’s son while the mother was present at their home. One of her relatives arrived Saturday and called 911.

Yon remains in the Smith County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Child Protective Services will take custody of the boy following his release from the hospital later today.

One Dead in Early Morning Tyler Wreck

A two-vehicle accident has claimed the life of one person. The Texas Department of Public Safety says the early morning wreck occurred on Highway 64 East at County Rd. 230 in Smith County.

No names have been released at this time.

Man Caught in Middle of Home Burglary

A burglary suspect is in custody after Tyler police caught the man breaking into a home at 521 East Line Street in Tyler.

John Dennis Handy, 71, is charged with residential burglary. Police recovered electronic equipment that belonged to the resident.

A witness called police after they observed the suspect breaking a window and entering the house.

Reward for Missing Rusk County Man

HENDERSON - A $3,000 reward is now being offered for any information leading to the visual location of a Mt. Enterprise man who was last seen February 15, 2012.

The Rusk County Sheriff’s office continues their investigation into the whereabouts of James “Jimmy” Tidwell, 58.

Mr. Tidwell’s employer reported him missing on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, advising authorities February 15, was the last day he had reported to work at Flanders Electric in Longview.  An investigation was initiated and Wednesday, February 29, his abandoned truck was located on FM 95 and Hwy 315, approximately 5 miles from his home located in Rusk County.  On March 3, investigators formed search and rescue teams in effort to locate Mr. Tidwell but were unsuccessful.

All information must be received through the Rusk County Crime Stoppers tip line at (903)655-TIPS(8477). The reward will be paid in full when Mr. Tidwell is visually located.  All callers will remain anonymous; we do not want your name, just your information.

More Texas Students Receiving Their Diplomas

AUSTIN - A new report released today says Texas’ average high school graduation rate is up almost 2 percent in seven years. The study indicates 75.4 percent of high school students graduated in 2009. That’s almost even with the national average for the year. The national graduation rate rose 2.9 percent over the same period.

The report didn’t provide state rankings, but comparing results manually showed that Texas and Colorado are tied for 28th.

The report will be presented Monday in Washington at the Building a Grad Nation summit primarily sponsored by America’s Promise Alliance, a children’s advocacy organization founded by ex-Secretary of State Colin Powell. It was authored by representatives from Civic Enterprises and the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University.

County Seeks Public Input on Culvert Policy

TYLER – Smith County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday March 20 on proposed changes to the County’s current policy on the installation, repair and maintenance of culverts in private driveways and county right of way.

Smith County currently installs culverts in the right of way at the site of new homes and businesses. Landowners purchase the culvert pipe and county crews install it. After the initial installation, the county continues to repair and replace damaged culverts.

The public hearing will be held in Commissioners Court at 9:30a.m.

Hazardous Materials to Travel Through Texas

LUBBOCK — Trucks carrying low-level radioactive waste from 38 states could be traveling Texas highways next month. They’ll be headed for a dump site near the New Mexico border.

A Texas commission overseeing the disposal is expected to approve final rule changes this week.