KTBB News, Weather, Talk

EAST TEXAS – Looking for somewhere to celebrate the 4th of July? Our news partners at KETK have put together a list of events and firework shows being held across the area. You can find that list here.

ATHENS — An old Athens motel will be converted into a new affordable housing complex. According to our news parter KETK, a Dallas construction company has partnered with the City of Athens. Wallace Ventures’ is converting the old Quality Inn motel off Highway 31 that was vacant for more than 10 years, into “Athens Reserve”, a 122 unit studio apartment complex. Each apartment will just under 300 square feet.

Athens City Manager Elizabeth Borstad said, “The Athens Reserve project is a significant transformation for this property, turning an abandoned hotel into efficient and affordable housing. This initiative provides a practical housing solution while enhancing the local area.”
Continue reading Affordable housing complex coming to Athens

TYLER – Starting Monday July 1, the Tyler Police Department have added more officers on the street to shore up STEP. According to Andy Erbaugh, Tyler PD Public Information Officer, STEP is, the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program. The program is based on accident data in the Tyler city limits and it lets officers target problem areas. Through Sunday, July 7, officers will be watching for speeding, seat belt violations, intersection problems and impaired driving.

The Tyler Police Department asks that you don’t drink and drive. And, they wish you a safe and happy holiday!

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Marshal’s office is reminding all residents that, in accordance with the Tyler Fire Code, the discharging of fireworks without a permit within city limits is strictly prohibited. This regulation is enforced to ensure the safety and peace of all community members.

As the City and community continue to recover from recent storms, it is especially critical to adhere to this ordinance. The presence of storm debris across Tyler poses significant hazards. Fireworks can easily ignite this debris, potentially leading to dangerous fires that could threaten homes and lives.

“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in keeping our city safe, particularly during this critical time of recovery and rebuilding,” said Fire Marshal Joey Hooton. “Let’s work together to ensure a safe and peaceful Fourth of July holiday for everyone.” Continue reading City of Tyler urges residents to refrain from fireworks

PALESTINE — Two people were arrested on Friday in Palestine after reportedly holding a woman against her will at a Palestine motel. According to our news partner KETK, the Palestine police officers were dispatched to a motel in Palestine after receiving text messages from their 911 system from a woman claiming she was being held by a man and asked for help. Officers knocked at the door of the motel room and got no answer. Hotel staff told officers that the room was rented by a woman identified as Cesilia Salinas. Salinas was wanted on felony warrants from Smith County and had a bond totaling $500,000.

“The texts indicated that the victim was in the room with the male and a female who were drunk and using methamphetamine. The victim claimed she was being thrown to the bed when she tried to get up to leave and she stated she was scared,” Palestine PD said. The victim reportedly said Salinas was flushing methamphetamine while officers were attempting to breach the door. When officers entered the room, they found Salinas hiding in the bathroom. Continue reading Two arrested for unlawful restraint in Palestine

AUSTIN (AP) – A Texas court on Monday set an execution date for Robert Roberson, who was sentenced to death in 2003 for killing his 2-year-old daughter but has consistently challenged the conviction on the claim that it was based on questionable science.

Roberson has maintained his innocence while being held on death row for more than 20 years. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals previously halted his execution in 2016. But in 2023, the state’s highest criminal court decided that doubt over the cause of his daughter’s death was not enough to overturn his death sentence.

His new execution date is set for Oct. 17. Continue reading Texas sets execution date for East Texas man

SMITH COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a Collin County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) investigation has led to a Smith County minor being arrested in connection to multiple bomb threats made to East Texas Brookshire’s stores and other locations nationwide. The suspect was also reportedly linked to bomb threats at schools in the Tyler area, Cy-Fairbanks ISD near Houston and Mission ISD. The suspect’s activities also reportedly spanned across Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The CCSO said investigators identified over 100 locations targeted by the hoaxes. The investigation was assisted by the Tyler Police Department, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.

KILGORE – A former Kilgore ISD choir teacher has been sentenced to 10 years in jail in connection to an improper relationship with a student in 2022. According to our news partner KETK, 38-year-old Phillip Nix of Seymour was arrested in July of 2022, after the Kilgore Police began an investigation of him based on information given to them by the district.

Kilgore ISD told police about an improper relationship between Nix and a teenage student in March of 2021. Nix reportedly worked at Kilgore High School as their choir director from the fall of 2019 till the end of the 2021 school year when he resigned.

Gregg County court records reveal that Nix pleaded guilty to one count of an improper relationship between educator/student on Monday. His 10-year sentence began Monday at the Gregg County Jail.

SMITH COUNTY – Our partners at KETK report the Smith County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is currently investigating a murder that took place on Sunday evening. At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday deputies of the sheriff’s office responded to a shooting in the 8900 block of CR 4136. Smith County Communications had reportedly received information that a man had been shot multiple times and was not breathing. Officials said that when the deputies arrived, they found the man in a bedroom of the residence and he confirmed that he had been shot. Deputies began lifesaving measures until EMS arrived, however the man, identified as 21-year-old Kelly Torrez, was pronounced dead shortly after. The sheriff’s office identified Melvin Guevara, 21 of Tyler, as the suspect. Continue reading Man charged with murder after Sunday night shooting

TYLER – Tyler Animal Services is partnering with Special Olympics of Texas to raise funds for the nonprofit. During the month of July, adoption fees for dogs and cats will be waived with proof of a donation to the Special Olympics of Texas. Donations can be made in person at the Tyler Animal Shelter located at 4218 Chandler Hwy Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Continue reading Tyler Animal Services offering free adoptions with donations

ATHENS — The Athens Animal Services said on Monday that their shelter had been broken into and vandalized. According to our news partner KETK, the shelter said all three buildings were broken into, causing several thousands of dollars in damages. Officials from the shelter provided a link for those wanting to help. Those who wish to make a monetary donation can do so at Athens City Hall. For donation items such as newspapers, towels, blankets, toys and food, people can drop them off at animal services.

EAST TEXAS — The deadline for applying for FEMA assistance has been extended to Aug. 15. This means disaster survivors in Texas now have a little more time to apply for FEMA assistance. However, disaster survivors are encouraged to not wait. The sooner they apply, the sooner they may be eligible for assistance to help with their recovery from the recent storms.

Homeowners and renters in Austin, Bell, Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Falls, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hockley, Jasper, Jones, Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Smith, Terrell, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker and Waller counties with uninsured losses from the storms and flooding that occurred April 26-June 5 may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, click here.

Texans do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters can go online here.

CUSHING – Our news partner KETK is reporting that one driver was injured after being ejected in a rollover crash on FM 225 near Cushing on Sunday. The crash happened on Sunday afternoon at around 2:19 p.m. in the 7900 block of FM 225. The Lilbert-Looneyville Volunteer Fire Department said that the rollover happened when the truck’s front left tire blew out and the driver lost control before being ejected from the vehicle. The driver was then taken by Nacogdoches County EMS to be treated at a local hospital. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS also responded to the scene.

KILGORE – Kilgore officials have said that a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 shutdown east bound traffic on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened near the 589 A exit and involved multiple vehicles and reported livestock. Law enforcement will continue to be on the scene for a while as they clear vehicles and livestock from the roadway.

The Kilgore Police Department reported that Interstate 20 was shutdown at Highway 42 and diverted on to FM 1252.

NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches Police Department said that a man drowned at Lake Nacogdoches on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to the west side park at the lake at around 7:11 p.m. after getting reports of a man who possibly drowned. Nacogdoches PD, Nacogdoches Fire Department, Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Game Wardens all searched the area for the man. The Nacogdoches Police and Fire Rescue Dive Team were then called in to help and they found the man hours later, reportedly near where he last went under the water.

Preliminary Information gathered from the area showed that Caleb Arthurs, 37 of Nacogdoches, was swimming at the lake with friends and family when he was last seen, a Nacogdoches PD press release shows. Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 has requested that an autopsy be done and Nacogdoches PD said more information will be released when available.

The City of Nacogdoches Parks and Recreation Department announced that the swimming area at Lake Nacogdoches West will be closed until further notice.

LAKE LIVINGSTON – The Trinity River Authority declared a “potential failure watch” for the Lake Livingston Dam spillway on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the dam’s spillway was reportedly “adversely impacted” by the heavy rainfall that recently hit the area and caused flooding across Trinity and Polk counties. Officials said that while there is no immediate danger of the dam failing, there is a potential remote chance that the dam could fail. The dam will continue to operate as necessary but the dam’s spillway will be monitored, evaluated and repaired as needed.

To learn more about the declaration, call 877-352-3247 or visit the Trinity River Authority online. Continue reading Potential failure watch condition for Lake Livingston Dam

SHELBY COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, the Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative has announced that there will be a planned power outage near Huxley on Wednesday. The outage will last from around 1:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. while crews perform substation maintenance. The following areas will reportedly be affected by the power outage: FM 417 to around the 4000 block, north on FM 3172 to the FM 139 bridge, Huxley, Huxley Bay, Ragtown, Rolling Hills and Doyle English.

The cooperative said that affected customers will get a call on Tuesday. To learn more call 866-392-2547 or visit Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative online.

HENDERSON COUNTY – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said that a man was arrested after suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl were found during a traffic stop on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, at around 3 p.m. on Thursday a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office deputy reportedly did a traffic stop on a white 2019 Dodge Challenger for an alleged traffic violation. A Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office K9 deputy also assisted in the stop, according to officials. K9 Vinnie did a “free air sniff” and reportedly alerted the deputies for narcotics. The Challenger was searched and suspected methamphetamines and suspected fentanyl were found.

Aaron Chase Calvert, 28 of Mabank, was then arrested for two counts of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance between four and 200 grams. He’s being held in the Henderson County Jail on a total $200,000 bond.

TRINITY COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a woman accused of hitting a motorcyclist and evading arrest is wanted in Trinity County, the sheriff’s office said. According to a release, the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to an accident in front of the Riverside Exxon on Thursday where a truck reportedly hit a motorcycle. Angela Fannin, identified as the truck driver, reportedly didn’t stop to give the motorcyclist aid.

“The Trinity Police Department responded to Fannin’s residence attempting to apprehend her. Fannin fled on foot to an unknown location at this time,” a release said.

Anyone with information on Fannin’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 936-642-1424.

TYLER – Smith County Emergency Services District #2 (ESD2) said one person died after a two-vehicle crash occurred on Old Jacksonville Highway near Toll 49 on Friday. Nikki Simmons with Smith County ESD2 said the crash occurred when a Jeep and an SUV collided. The driver of the Jeep reportedly died after being ejected during the crash. Smith County ESD2 responded to the scene along with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, DPS, the Smith County Fire Marshall’s Office and UT Health EMS.

According to our news partner KETK, the driver of the SUV was taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. The roadway was cleared as of 7:56 p.m.

HARRISON COUNTY – Officials in Harrison County said they are looking for a wanted fugitive. According to our news partner KETK, Kyler McBride, 28, is wanted for the following charges: engaging in organized criminal activity, two charges of burglary of a building, criminal mischief, theft of material alum./copper/brass (less than $20,000), theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000 and criminal trespass. McBride is described by authorities as a white male, 5’7″, about 190 pounds with brown hair and eyes.

Anyone with information on McBride’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Harrison County Criminal Investigation Division at 903-923-4000. Continue reading 28-year-old wanted for engaging in organized crime

TYLER – The Tyler City Council authorized the filing of applications to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for grants to develop a new park and renovate another on the Legacy Trails. According to our news partner KETK, the city plans to build Stewart Park, which would be the city’s 29th park and the first time a new park has been added since 2004.

City officials added that their parks and recreation department applied for a $500,000 grant for the development of the park. If granted, the funds will be awarded through a grant matching program. The release also said, “T.B. and Gladys Stewart donated the nine acres alongside Frankston Highway, where the future park will be developed, to the City of Tyler in 2012. The donation included the Stewart home, which Mr. Stewart built from scratch. Parts of the home will be salvaged to create a pavilion, and a historical marker will be added.”

The City said that the master plan of the property also includes becoming a trail head for the second phase of Legacy Trail, which was funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Tyler – Tyler ISD announceS that Layne Fumo, a 5th-grade math teacher at Caldwell Arts Academy, was named one of six Texas finalists for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Mrs. Fumo is one of three math educators chosen for this honor. This recognition marks Mrs. Fumo’s exceptional contributions to K-12 STEM education and underscores her commitment to inspiring students in the field of mathematics. Continue reading Caldwell teacher finalist for presidential award

LONGVIEW – Our news partners at KETK report a Gilmer man was charged with capital murder in connection to Wednesday’s Longview shooting that led to the death of a Taco Bell employee. The Longview Police Department said they arrested Brent Leslie DeLuca, 31 of Gilmer, on Thursday, and also charged him with unlawful possession of metal or body armor by a felon. The police department said DeLuca was taken into custody without incident and is being held on a $75,000 bond for a separate warrant. He is awaiting arraignment on the capital murder charge.

HARRISON COUNTY – Our colleagues at KETK report officials in Harrison County said they are looking for a wanted fugitive. According to the sheriff’s office, Kyler McBride, 28, is wanted for the following charges:
Engaging in organized criminal activity
Burglary of a building, two charges
Criminal mischief
Theft of material alum./copper/brass, less than $20,000
Theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000
Criminal Trespass Continue reading 28-year-old wanted for engaging in organized crime

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, East Texas schools are urgently searching for applicants ahead of the new school year. Longview Independent School District is currently hiring more than 20 positions. LISD and Chapel Hill ISD are hiring transportation, child nutritionists and groundskeeper positions. Tyler ISD is also looking to add people to their team: principals, coaches, teachers and several other roles.

They want to bring in great people before the first bell rings in August so schools are ready to lead students into a new successful school year. All districts are looking for people who are passionate about shaping young minds.