KTBB News, Weather, Talk

ATHENS — Deputies arrested two Henderson County men Tuesday evening in connection with a home burglary. According to KETK, at 7 p.m., The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office stated it received a 911 call from a resident on FM 3273 in the Cross Roads area. The caller told dispatchers there were two men breaking into a home. A Malakoff police officer, along with a deputy, found and pulled over a suspect vehicle on Railroad Street in Malakoff. Authorities say they determined the two men were responsible for the burglary in Cross Roads. The suspects were still in possession of all the stolen items, according to the Sheriff’s Office. John Wesley Dodd of Cross Roads and Jamie Lee Phillips of Athens were arrested and booked into the Henderson County Jail for burglary of a habitation. Both men remain in the Henderson County Jail on $50,000 bond.

AUSTIN (Staff/AP) — A veteran Lindale firefighter seriously injured during a January house fire received a prestigious Star of Texas Award Wednesday morning from Governor Rick Perry. KETK reports Joe Yeakley was battling the blaze when part of the roof collapsed on him. Yeakley was among dozens of police officers, firefighters, and first responders honored with the awards, distributed during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol. All recipients were killed or severely hurt in the line of duty. The award was created to honor police and other emergency personnel who exhibited extraordinary service to the state. Some 363 awards have been distributed since it was first distributed in 2004.

GLADEWATER — Three people were taken into custody for an alleged oilfield theft on Wednesday evening. KETK reports that around 6:00pm, officers were called to the area of Locker Plant Road on reports of a possible oilfield burglary in progress, according to the Gladewater Police Department. Once authorities made it to the scene, they were given a description of a suspect vehicle seen leaving the vicinity. Officers were able to find the vehicle and three alleged burglars inside. There was also a trailer hooked up to the vehicle with several pieces of stolen pipe, officials say. Authorities arrested Tony Joe Sprayberry, 52, of Mt. Enterprise; Beth Maxwell, 26, of Kilgore; and Daniel Sunday, 38, of Kilgore for theft greater than $1,500, less than $20,000.

MARSHALL — A former Marshall Police Department narcotics officer is accused of alerting a drug dealer that he was being investigated. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, the federal charges against William “Brody” West were filed August 5 in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Texas in Marshall. He is charged with misprision of a felony, which accuses him of withholding information on a crime or deliberately concealing knowledge of a felony. Continue reading Former Officer Accused of Alerting Drug Dealer

TYLER — Classes at Hogg Middle School resumed as usual today. Yesterday morning, a small electrical fire in the school’s server room resulted in the Tyler ISD canceling classes at Hogg for the day. Students or parents with further questions are asked to call the Hogg front office at 903-262-1500.

RUSK (AP) – Riding the rails in East Texas could be part of a history lesson for some students. The Texas State Railroad has announced reservations are now being accepted for its fall educational school runs. The special train trips happen on three Fridays this month, beginning September 12. The train departs from the Rusk Depot on 90-minute round trips. The Texas State Railroad was established in 1881. Spokeswoman Janet Gregg said Tuesday that the special runs will help students learn the history of the railroad, especially use of its 1890′s turntable. Railroad officials are offering discounted rates for education groups.

TYLER – A Dallas man has been arrested in Tyler for drug violations. Taken into custody was Robert William Zandstra, 27, of Dallas. He has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1, one gram or more but less than four grams, in a school zone, a 2nd degree felony. The ATF also entered the case because of the weapons that were found and additional charges may be filed. Continue reading Mobile Meth Lab Seized in Tyler

AUSTIN (AP) — Longtime Texas journalist Donnis Baggett has been selected as recipient of the 2014 James Madison Award presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Baggett, executive vice president of the Texas Press Association, will receive the award September 12 during the John Henry Faulk Awards luncheon at the foundation’s Bernard and Audre Rapoport State Conference in Austin. The Madison award is given to those demonstrating a commitment to upholding the principles of the First Amendment. Baggett leads the press association’s governmental affairs program, focusing on protecting open records, open meetings and public notices. Baggett worked for Texas newspapers, including the Longview News-Journal, for nearly 40 years before joining the press association in 2012. Foundation President Diana Fuentes said Baggett “has spent his career working for freedom of the press and open government.”

TYLER — A 53-year-old Dallas man has pleaded guilty to smuggling charges in a Tyler courtroom. KETK reports Carlos Delgado Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury May 14 and charged with smuggling dead hummingbirds from Mexico into the United States. According to the indictment, from February 2013 through January 2014, Rodriguez was alleged to have unlawfully imported approximately 61 dead hummingbirds of various varieties into the United States for sale. The five-count indictment specifically alleged that the importation of dead hummingbirds violates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), the Lacey Act, the federal smuggling law, and Texas state law. Rodriguez pleaded guilty August 27 and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A date for sentencing has not been set.

GLADEWATER — An East Texas man is behind bars after a call concerning shots fired led to the discovery of meth, according to authorities. KETK reports that on Monday around 6:00 p.m., Gladewater police officers responded to the area of Phillips Springs and Paradise Hill in reference to possible shots fired. Upon arrival, police located a 30-year-old female and Randy Holloway, 35, of Gladewater, who said they had been the ones responsible for firing shots. Officers say through the course of the investigation they seized illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia and made two arrests. The woman was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, and Holloway was allegedly found to be in possession of meth. He was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The name of the female suspect was not immediately released.

TYLER – Students returned to campuses this week to see large amounts of progress made on Tyler ISD Bond 2013 construction projects, according to a news release from TISD. Bond 2013 projects include the new Career and Technology Center (CTC), two new middle school campuses at the existing Moore MST Magnet School and Boulter Middle School locations, the new Three Lakes Middle School in South Tyler, and renovations and additions to Dixie and Rice elementary schools. Continue reading Tyler ISD Bond 2013 Construction Update

LONGVIEW — Authorities have arrested the fourth suspect in a mid-August Longview-area bank robbery. According to KETK, law enforcement officials said Jarray Rashad Todd was arrested at his home in the 4300 block of Patton Drive in Longview on August 30 for aggravated robbery. The suspect was wanted on an FBI warrant out of Dallas in connection with a recent Austin Bank robbery. Continue reading Fourth Suspect Arrested in Longview Area Bank Robbery

TYLER – A new study by the East Texas Food Bank and Feeding America shows that 252,900 people in East Texas turn to food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves and their families each year. According to a news release from the East Texas Food Bank, this includes 64,700 children and 68,800 older adults. You can go to http://EastTexasFoodBank.org/ETHungerStudy to view the Hunger in America 2014 local report. Go to http://FeedingAmerica.org/HungerinAmerica for the full national report. Continue reading Face of Hunger in East Texas Revealed by New Feeding America Report

KILGORE — Kilgore police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a woman suspected of theft at a local retail store. Anyone with information on the person pictured at left is asked to e-mail Det. John Rowe at john.rowe@cityofkilgore.com or call him at 903-218-6906. If desired, you can contact text an anonymous tip to 847411 + KILGORE + your tip. Please refer to KPD Incident #1408-1494.

ATHENS — Dry weather is beginning to take its toll in parts of East Texas. KETK reports an outdoor burn ban has been issued for Henderson County. According to the County Commissioners Court, the ban was announced Tuesday and will continue for 14 days.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Foundation, the Tyler Independent School District, and the Tyler Area Business Education Council have partnered to award the first-ever Tyler ISD Distinguished Alumni Award. The honor will be given annually to a Tyler ISD graduate whose achievements, strengths of character, and citizenship serve as a model to inspire and challenge current students, according to a TISD news release. Officials say award finalists will have achieved excellence and made impactful and significant contributions to their profession or community. Continue reading Tyler ISD Seeking Nominations for First-Ever Distinguished Alumni Award

SMITH COUNTY — A suspect has been arrested in a Smith County armed robbery. Taken into custody by Tyler police was Jose Alberto Aguilar, 30, of Tyler. He was a suspect in Monday afternoon’s robbery of the convenience store in the 1200 block of East Northeast Loop 323. Around 11:00 Monday night, police received an anonymous tip that Aguilar was walking on Walton Road near Pearl Street. A few minutes later, he was taken into custody without incident. Continue reading Suspect Arrested Following Gas Station Robbery

DIANA — New Diana ISD residents rejected a tax rate increase on Saturday. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, it was voted down by a 247 to 169 margin. The district proposed a hike of 13 cents in the maintenance and operations portion of the tax rate in an attempt to generate more state and local funding as well as increase staff pay. If passed, it would have boosted state money by about $300,000, local by over $200,000, and would have seen staff get a two percent pay increase. trustee’s will review the decision at their next meeting on September 8.

TYLER — Several changes to Tyler’s Downtown Business District parking become effective today. Extended parking is now available at the Fair Plaza Garage at Elm Street and College Avenue, across the street from the Tyler Public Library. According to a city news release, an automated gate system will allow a driver, without a monthly agreement, to obtain a ticket upon entering the garage. The ticket should be paid at an electronic kiosk, and the “paid” ticket is inserted upon exit. The new garage has 384 parking spaces, with both monthly leased parking and daily/hourly parking available. The garage will operate Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., except on official city holidays. Continue reading Downtown Parking Changes Begin Today in Tyler

HARRISON COUNTY — A Longview man has died when his vehicle overturned in Harrison County. The Department of Public Safety said the driver, Kenneth Pearson, was on Farm Road 449 East when his SUV left the road for unknown reasons and overturned just before 2:45 Sunday afternoon. Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Judge Nancy George pronounced Pearson dead at the scene about an hour later.

LINDALE — Lindale police are asking for the public’s help in locating the pictured individual. KETK reports that the person of interest is seen running out of the Lindale Wal-Mart with an HP 19 All-in-One PC and getting into a blue Honda. The incident occurred August 12 around 11:00am. If you know this person, you’re asked to contact Detective Mike Lazarine at (903) 882-3313.

AUSTIN (Staff/AP) — Republican State Representative Dan Flynn of Van continues to keep an eye on a controversial issue. That’s after the Texas Racing Commission voted to allow machines using a new form of betting at dog and horse tracks called historical racing. The machines allow people to bet on races that have already happened. The videos are stripped of any identifying information so people can’t tell what races they’re betting on. A track now must receive the commission’s OK on specific plans for adding the machines. There are four horse tracks in Texas and three dog tracks. Continue reading Commission Approves Historical Racing

TYLER — Two people get a scare — but luckily, not much more — in a Sunday afternoon motorcycle wreck in Tyler. KETK reports It happened just before 4 at the intersection of Rice and Old Jacksonville. Police say a motorcyclist and his passenger were pulling out of a parking lot and were struck by a passing SUV. Both were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.

SMITH COUNTY Three people are hospitalized with serious injuries following a two vehicle accident in Smith County. The Department of Public Safety reports a pickup with five people pulled out of a driveway and was T-boned by a septic truck on Farm Road 2767, east of County Road 211. The accident happened just after 10:00 Monday morning. The three people injured were in the pickup. The septic truck driver was not injured. The names of the victims were not immediately released. None of the victims were children.

EAST TEXAS — DPS Troopers in Lufkin are on the look out for the man involved in a late night chase. The chase began just after 10:30 on Jim Stephens Road in Angelina County. According to KETK, troopers pulled over a 2004 Pontiac passenger car for a traffic violation. The operator of the vehicle initially stopped, then began evading the trooper in the vehicle. Continue reading Suspect Sought in High Speed Chase

SMITH COUNTY — An early morning robbery is under investigation. Smith County Sheriff’s Office received reports that a convenience store was robbed early Sunday at the 11800 block of Highway 64. Just before 3:00, 911 Dispatch received a call about an armed robbery. According to KETK, the caller advised that she had just been robbed at gunpoint and that the suspects had fled the scene. Witnesses said that two unidentified black males came into the store, one holding a gun, and instructed the clerk to give them the money. When the clerk refused, the suspects then took the entire register and fled the scene in an older model silver passenger car. The cashier was not injured.

GREGG COUNTY — A Radio Shack in Longview was burglarized overnight Friday. It happened at the Radio Shack at 2414 Gilmer Road early Saturday morning. It’s unclear what was taken during the burglary. The store was open for business Saturday. Longview police did not provide additional details.

HARRISON COUNTY — A Harrison County grand jury this week indicted District Clerk Mellinda Craig on misdemeanor charges of assault causing bodily injury, deadly conduct and criminal trespass. A complaint says that on March 1, Craig hurt her niece by hitting her twice in the face with her hands as the girl attempted to stop an altercation involving Craig at a family member’s house in Hallsville. According to the Longview News-Journal, the complaint also says that on June 26 Craig engaged in conduct that placed another victim in imminent danger of serious bodily injury by pointing a firearm at him. The victim sent a video to an investigator. Regarding the criminal trespass charge, the complaint says that on June 21, Craig remained on the victim’s mother’s property without her consent after being told to leave. Texas Rangers arrested Craig, 44, in July.

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD officials said Friday that staff members and a bus driver at Ned E. Williams Elementary School are at fault for a 4-year-old child being dropped off a couple of miles from his home, violating district safety precautions put in place after a similar incident four years ago. According to the Longview News-Journal, The child’s mother said she was terrified to learn her son, a pre-K student at Ned E. Williams in south Longview, was dropped off at an apartment complex about two miles from his home. Longview ISD children who ride the bus have tags attached to their backpacks or in some cases on their clothing that show their name, address and bus number. The bus driver, who has worked for the district for three years, will go through extra training as a result of the incident.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department has identified the man killed in a shooting early Thursday. It happened just before 4:00 in the 100 block of Garfield Drive. Tyson Patterson, 33, Longview, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said another person was injured and released from the hospital a short time later. So far, no arrests have have been made and no suspects have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities.

Patterson had a lengthy criminal record including: criminal trespass, evading arrest, assault causing bodily injury and resisting arrest.