Local News
Two sentenced for drug trafficking violations
An Anderson County man and Henderson County resident have been sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking violations.
The sentences were handed down Thursday by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis of the Eastern District of Texas.
Jason Michael Pryor, 34, of Palestine, pleaded guilty on June 9, 2009, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.
Pryor also agreed to a $10,000 forfeiture judgment.
Terah Elizabeth Harris, 21, of Chandler, pleaded guilty on June 24, 2009 to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison.
Harris has a previous 2006 drug arrest in Henderson County for possession of a controlled substance (less than 2 ounces).
According to information presented in court, a February, 2009 traffic stop led to the discovery of a drug trafficking ring responsible for transporting methamphetamine from Dallas to Tyler for distribution.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment on March 4, charging seven individuals with federal drug trafficking crimes.
According to information from the U.S. Attorney’s office, the investigation has resulted in the seizure of about six pounds of methamphetamine, firearms, and more than $30,000 in cash and automobiles.
Four co-defendants were sentenced previously. Jose Luis Abarca, was received 195 months in federal prison, while Marcus Ondre Mumphrey, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison. Eric Fernando Reyes was sentenced to 195 months in federal prison, and Kevin Wade Brown was sentenced to 131 months in federal prison.
An additional co-defendant has pleaded guilty, and is awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Baldwin.
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Mabank voters to decide on tax rate increase
MABANK — Voters will be going to the polls to decide whether or not to assess themselves a 13-cent tax rate increase.
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Famed Austin musician to appear on Wofford House porch
The East Texas Arboretum has scheduled a concert for Friday night on the porch of the Wofford House with Austin Musician Suzanna Choffel.
The show is scheduled for 8 p.m. A VIP party is set for 6 p.m. -
Renovations celebration
More than 50 community leaders, school board members, Athens Independent School District faculty and staff, Athens Chamber of Commerce members and friends gathered at Athens Intermediate School for the ribbon cutting to celebrate the new additions.
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Public voices views about city taxes
The Athens City Council cleared another hurdle in its desire to increase the tax rate for the residents of this city.
The hearing was held in council chambers Wednesday morning, giving members of the public a chance to state their views. -
HCSO continues to search for alleged copper thief
A citizen’s tip helped the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office identify two suspects following a theft of copper wire from an abandoned Cherokee Shores residence.
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County conducts first of two tax rate hearings
The Henderson County Commissoners Court Tuesday conducted the first of two public hearings on the tax rate in what has been a peaceful budget season.
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DA McKee leaves Iraq, returns home
The last American combat troops left Iraq last Friday, 7-1/2 years after the U.S.-led invasion, and two weeks ahead of President Barack Obama's Aug. 31 deadline for withdrawal from the country.
The final troops to leave, the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, rolled in convoy across the border and into Kuwait, officially ending combat operations, which began in March, 2003.
In that group was Henderson County District Attorney Scott McKee, who left his office and family in January to serve his country with the U.S. Army National Guard. McKee arrived in Dallas at DFW Airport on Saturday just in time for his 40th birthday Sunday.
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Burn ban for Henderson County now in effect
The Henderson County Commissioners Court imposed a burn ban Tuesday, at the request of Fire Marshal Darrell Furrh.
The ban took effect immediately after the vote, and will remain in place for two weeks. Furrh said he had talked with fire chiefs in the county, and was told that they had not seen a big jump in the number of severity of grass fires. -
Teachers of the Year
Maureen Bogowitz (left) and Rita Curington (right) receive a gift from Athletic Director Paul Essary Friday night before the Athens-Ft. Worth Nolan football game. Bogositz was the Region 7 Teacher of the Year and Curington was the AISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.
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Biker evades police in chase
A motorcyclist sped away from an attempted traffic stop in Athens Saturday and led law officers on a two county chase.
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Mabank voters to decide on tax rate increase
