NEWS

Sheriff's deputies nab

would-be burglar

Mark Steven Massie, 37, is being held without bond on Smith County parole and probation violations after the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department arrested him for the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, failure to identify fugitive from justice and burglary of a building.

The arrest came as a result of a call from an area citizen who told deputies he observed Mr. Massie at the storage buildings just south of the Highland Lanes Bowling Alley on U.S. Highway 69 south of Jacksonville. The citizen said the lock on the door was cut and the suspect was carrying items from the building to a white van. The citizen gave deputies a description and the license number of the van, according to a press release from the sheriff's department.

Detective Nathan Acker followed the van in an unmarked sheriff's vehicle into Jacksonville. The driver of the van tried to elude Detective Acker, who contacted the Jacksonville Police Department for assistance. The van was stopped on Edgewood street by three Jacksonville police units, a state trooper and a sheriff's unit. Mr. Massie was arrested at the scene.

The press release stated that the van was reported stolen in Longview and the license plates were reported stolen from a church van in Tyler.

The incident happened on June 12.

Alto nominates Judge R.E.

Christiansen to the CCAD

During a special meeting Thursday, the Alto City Council voted to nominate Municipal Judge R.E. Christiansen to the Cherokee County Appraisal District. Judge Christiansen was nominated to succeed Randall Birdsong, who resigned.

The council also heard reports on generator costs as they prepare to apply for grants to obtain them. Copies of the applications for the position of general clerk were distributed to the council members, who will review them before making a decision at a later meeting.

Monday, the council held its first budget workshop.

VBS planned at Ponta

The Ponta Baptist Church, Highways 110 and 204, will sponsor Good News Farm, a vacation Bible school program, from 6:30-8 p.m. June 25-29. Activities are available for youth from age two through teenagers. Jack White will teach the adult class.