KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – You could hear the boos and cheers from outside the UT Tyler Ornelas Activities Center as a debate was held Saturday night on CSCOPE. According to KETK, everyone in attendance seemed to have extreme opinions — either loving it or hating the optional curriculum of online lesson plans designed to help teachers adhere to state academic requirements. Basically, it is a guideline for teachers to follow as they plan their year. It is used in 877 school districts across the state, nearly 80 percent of Texas Schools. Continue reading CSCOPE Issue Debated in Tyler

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

TYLER – This week in Smith County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to resume shoulder work on Interstate Highway 20 between Farm Road 2015 and U.S. Highway 271. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

Looking ahead to September, TxDOT contract construction crews from APAC-Texas, Inc. are scheduled to begin work on Tuesday, September 3 to add a center turn lane to Farm Road 14 between County Road 328 and County Road 329. The $932,000 project is scheduled for completion in 2014. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

TYLER — A report in the social media of an attempted child abduction in Tyler turns out to be false. The youngster later admitted he made up the story. It all started with a 9-1-1 call just after 1:30 Sunday afternoon. Officers were told that a ten year old boy had walked out of south Tyler restaurant to his father’s car to retrieve a cell phone. He said a white male approached him and attempted to force him into a vehicle. The boy screamed and fought back enabling him to escape. There were no witnesses to the offense and all of the information about the incident came from the child. During the course of the investigation it was found that several of the statements by the boy did not make sense or even appear to be possible. After over an hour of investigation the boy admitted that he had made the entire story up and that there had not been any attempt to abduct him. The boy was unharmed and no charges will be filed in this case.

TATUM (AP) — A small East Texas town barely a half-hour from the Louisiana border has relied on coal mining and power plants for jobs and economic development for generations. One of the region’s major mining companies is on the brink of bankruptcy. Aside from the potential economic damage, heavily mined land around Tatum could go unrestored. Luminant and its parent company are struggling with more than $30 billion in debt. But the state has allowed Luminant Mining Co. to expand without a reserve fund to pay for reclamation. To do so, it must produce an unaudited financial statement every 90 days. The company insists it has enough money to meet its responsibilities. Environmental groups are worried that if Luminant has to file for bankruptcy, the reclamation bill will fall to taxpayers.

TYLER — Human trafficking is a visible global problem. KETK reports Smith County law enforcement held a public seminar on Saturday to bring awareness to fight against human trafficking. Officials say it’s a growing problem in Texas and right here in East Texas. Executive Director JoAnn Fleming of Grassroots America – We the People remarked, “Right here in our own backyard, so that is just not acceptable.” The issue involves sex trafficking and human smuggling, and officials say it’s targeting innocent women, men, and children every year. Continue reading Local Residents Address Human Trafficking

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department reminds Longview area motorists that with the beginning of the school year, drivers are asked to be extra vigilant about safety while operating their vehicles on the roadways. A few other driving tips include:

– School zones will be closely monitored by patrol and traffic units and not all school zones have signs with flashing lights.
– Watch for children at crosswalks and other areas near schools where they may be attempting to cross the street.
– When school buses are stopped for loading or unloading and their red flashing lights are activated, it is illegal to pass a bus. Continue reading Longview Police Issue Safety Advisory for Start of School

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department reminds you that local public schools are back in session Monday and most private schools have already started. Police say their goal is to help keep kids safe, and they’ve issued a few reminders about safety tips for children returning to school.

School Zones : Last school year officers issued 2,585 citations for speeding in a school zone and 626 citations for cell phone usage in a school zone.
* Be alert for the school zone signs posted near schools.
* Keep alert for the children and the crossing guards as they make their way across the street.
* Slow down and prepare to stop if the crossing guard so indicates. Continue reading Tyler Police Issue Back to School Safety Tips

TYLER — The SPCA of East Texas takes another step in its continued battle against the problem of unwanted animals. Over the weekend, the agency held the first in a series of adoption days at its temporary facility at 5318 Old Bullard Road in Tyler. The SPCA’s Deborah Tittle-Dobbs told KETK, “Every Saturday from 10:00 till 4:00, we will be there with our dogs. We’re also partnering with O’Malley’s Alley Cats, and they rescue cats and kittens, so O’Malley’s will be there with us.” Tittle-Dobbs says the facility and program offer a temporary solution while the SPCA works toward a permanent facility on Grande Boulevard. You can go to http://www.spcaeasttx.com to find out more about the local SPCA and its work.

LONGVIEW — One person was last reported in critical condition following a two-vehicle wreck in Longview. Longview police officer Kristie Brian tells KETK the accident happened just after 6:30 Saturday night at the intersection of H.G. Mosley and West Marshall Avenue. Police say a Toyota Tacoma truck carrying a trailer, and an SUV were involved in the accident. Details are limited at this time. We will continue to keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

TYLER – Tyler ISD administrators, teachers, and staff enjoyed a morning of inspiration and celebration at a district-wide Convocation event held Friday at Green Acres Baptist Church, according to a TISD news release. The event focused on the “I AM Tyler ISD” theme that celebrates the many success stories of alumni, according to school officials. Superintendent Gary Mooring also thanked the more than 2,600 employees for what school officials term their immense dedication in helping Tyler ISD students succeed. Continue reading Tyler ISD Kicks Off School Year with Convocation Event

PALESTINE — A missing person report has now turned into a death investigation. KETK reports that on August 16, Linda Kay Blackshire of Palestine was reported as a missing person. The report was filed by a close friend of Blackshire’s. On the night of August 17, Blackshire’s car was located near Richland Chambers Lake on FM 488 in Freestone County. Officials say the car was located on the side of the road in good condition. There were no signs of foul play and no signs of a struggle at the location. Police located the keys, a cell phone, and Ms. Blackshire’s purse still inside the car. On Monday, the body of a woman was located in the water at Richland Chambers Lake just south of the dam. An autopsy was conducted, and the body was identified as Blackshire. Continue reading Missing Palestine Woman’s Body Found in Lake

AUSTIN — 29-year-old Ray Hawkins, Jr., of Jacksonville, was arrested by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force Thursday afternoon in south Austin without incident, according to authorities. KETK reports that Hawkins was sought by Cherokee County authorities for his alleged involvement in three armed robberies of Jacksonville convenience stores. Officials say others involved in this case have been convicted and sentenced. Continue reading Armed Robbery Suspect from Jacksonville Caught in Austin

CANTON — Van Zandt County Sheriff’s deputies arrested John Michael Miller Jr., 28, Canton, just after 9:00 Wednesday night at I-20 and State Highway 64. Miller was wanted on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after Miller allegedly fired several rounds from a 9mm handgun at a Canton man the previous evening. Upon arrest, deputies recovered meth and drug paraphernalia in addition to ballistic body armor, illegal weapons and suspected stolen property. Miller was taken to the Van Zandt County jail where he remains under a $50,000 bond. The incident is still under investigation and the Sheriff’s Office anticipates the filing of additional charges.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a report of a burglary on the East Texas Medical Center campus early this morning. According to officers, it happened around 2:55 at ETMC’s marketing services building at 815 Beckham Avenue. Drew Pace, Tyler, 22, was arrested by Tyler P-D after he was detained by hospital security. Hospital employees said they noticed the building had been burglarized and saw Pace walking away from the location. They said he was covered in blood with numerous cuts on his arms and legs. One of the buildings windows was shattered with blood found all around. Pace was treated by paramedics and taken into custody. He was booked into the Smith County Jail for burglary of a building and possession of marijuana.

TYLER — A minivan/motorcycle accident has sent two persons to East Texas Medical Center for treatment of non life threatening injuries. The accident happened around 5:15 Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Loop 323 and Donnybrook. Investigators said Tony Peters, from Flint, was operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on the loop. Scott Plummer, of Tyler, was operating a Dodge Caravan eastbound on the loop in the inside lane. Tony Peters appears to have failed to yield right-of-way and turned into the path of Scott Plummer to go south on Donnybrook. Tony Peters was thrown onto the hood of Scott Plummer’s vehicle. Plummer was also injured in the crash.

NEW BOSTON (AP/STAFF) — Authorities say a teenager has died in an apparent accidental shooting while with several other youths at a car wash in Northeast Texas. The victim is identified as high school senior Semaj Williams, a member of the football team. Police Chief Tony King says officers are investigating who had the gun when it discharged Wednesday night. King says the shooting of the youth does not appear to be intentional and nobody was immediately arrested. An autopsy has been ordered. Some officials with the New Boston Independent School District went to the scene following the shooting. The first day of the new school year in New Boston is next Monday.

KILGORE — A traffic stop by Kilgore Police had led to two men facing drug charges. Police found in the men’s car 2.5 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale and numerous small plastic bags. They also found a forged check, stolen checkbook and debit card, as well as stolen jewelry. KETK reports police arrested Bobby Lee Hampton, 38, of Hallsville and Dale Schelling, 26, of Longview. Continue reading Two Busted for Drugs in Kilgore

TYLER — Accused kidnapper/killer James Calvert appeared at a pre-trial hearing Wednesday in Tyler. KETK reports Calvert’s being charged with capital murder, kidnapping, and evading arrest. He’s accused of killing his ex-wife last October. Jelena Sriraman, 30, was found shot to death in a house on Bain Place in Tyler. Police said Calvert took off with his son Lucas, prompting an Amber Alert. Authorities located the two in Louisiana, and Lucas was found safe. Calvert’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 30.

TYLER — Smith County Judge Joel Baker has issued a burn ban for Smith County, effective immediately, due to extremely dry conditions. The burn ban is effective for seven days, and may be renewed upon review of conditions next Thursday. “We have been monitoring the situation closely and have determined that a burn ban is necessary. Many factors are considered prior to the issuance of a burn ban, and I always consult with the County Fire Marshal in evaluating the issuance of such an order,” Judge Baker said. Continue reading Burn Ban Issued for Smith County

LONGVIEW — The intersection of Tryon Road and Hollybrook Drive is again open to traffic along Tryon Road. In addition, a small portion of Hollybrook Drive has reopened to provide access to the J. L. Everhart Elementary School in time for the new school year. According to a news release from the city of Longview, Hollybrook Drive is still closed from Eastman Road to J.L. Everhart and from Loop 281 to Tryon Road. Continue reading Tryon Road Intersection Partially Reopens

TYLER – A Houston woman, Lindsay Mason, 24, has pleaded guilty in Tyler to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The plea came Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. According to federal prosecutors, on June 29, 2011, Mason agreed with others to acquire and distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas and elsewhere. Mason was personally responsible for assisting in the possession of 49.3 grams of pure methamphetamine. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on February 27, 2013, charging Mason and three others with drug trafficking violations. Mason faces a minimum of five years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

TROUP — The water in the city of Troup has now been declared safe to consume without boiling. On August 20, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Troup Public Water Supply to issue a boil water notice. At that time, customers were informed that due to the presence of contaminants or an interruption in service, water from the system had to be boiled prior to consumption. According to a statement from the city ,”Our system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore adequate pressure, disinfectant levels, and/or bacteriological quality and has provided TCEQ with testing results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling as of August 22, 2013.” If you have questions, contact John Phillips at 903-842-3128. If a customer wishes to reach TCEQ, he or she may call 512-239-4691.

TYLER — As part of the Tyler 1st comprehensive planning process, the City of Tyler is seeking input from residents about the future of Tyler’s Downtown. Residents may provide input in two ways:

· By going to http://www.Tyler1st.org and taking a quick survey.

· At a Public Open House from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 27 at Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin St. Continue reading City Seeking Input on Downtown for Tyler 1st Plan

LONGVIEW — The man shot by a Longview police officer earlier this month is in jail after being released from the hospital. KETK reports Shaun Antonio Thompson, 26, was booked into Gregg County Jail on Wednesday on a charge of aggravated assault against a public servant. Thompson was shot by a Longview officer on August 12, at the Penwood Apartments in the 500 block of Scenic Drive. Continue reading Man Shot by Longview Officer Jailed after Hospital Stay

TYLER — Tyler Junior College has embarked on what college officials term its most ambitious capital project to date — the Robert M. Rogers Nursing and Health Sciences Center. TJC officials and representatives of the Robert M. Rogers Foundation held an official groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the building site, located at the corner of Fifth Street and Fleishel Avenue. The facility establishes a new western border of the TJC main campus. Continue reading TJC Breaks Ground on Robert M. Rogers Nursing and Health Sciences Center

LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating the February death of an infant as homicide. Four-month-old Ja’Kavieonna Elliott was pronounced dead at 12:49 the morning of Feb. 21, according to an autopsy released by Gregg County Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace B.H. Jameson. Jameson ordered the autopsy after the infant was brought to the hospital where she was pronounced dead following an unsuccessful attempt to revive the baby. The autopsy, conducted by forensic pathologist Robert Lyon at Forensic Medical of Texas in Tyler, noted the infant’s skull and ribs were fractured, and “healing rib fractures” were present at the time of her death. Continue reading Infant’s Death Probed as Homicide

TYLER — Firefighters were kept busy after the Tyler Fire Department was dispatched to a structure blaze at the Wood Trail Apartments at 1909 Shiloh Rd. on Wednesda. The initial call was received at 6:49 p.m. A neighbor smelled smoke and, upon further investigation, noticed flames coming from an upstairs balcony and quickly alerted the occupants throughout the building. Five engines and one Ladder Company, along with a district chief and an investigator, responded to the scene. Continue reading Tyler Apartment Fire Apparently Caused by “Make-Shift” Ashtray

MARSHALL – A sentence has been handed down and a guilty plea has been accepted in Marshall federal court in an East Texas heroin conspiracy. Paul Allen Wiginton, 55, (pictured) of Gilmer has been sentenced to six months in federal prison; he’d pleaded guilty on July 12 to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. According to information presented in court, on August 23, 2012, Wigington distributed approximately 2.2 grams of a mixture containing heroin to another person in exchange for $500. Wigington admitted to purchasing the heroin from co-defendant Cynthia Blaylock at her Upshur County home. Continue reading One Sentenced, One Pleads Guilty in Heroin Conspiracy

HENDERSON — A Rusk County man has been sentenced to two years in prison and will be forced to pay a $10,000 fine after a jury found him guilty of possession of a controlled substance. KETK reports Kenneth Gene Jackson was arrested September 19, 2012, after Trooper Ricardo Fabbiani reportedly noticed he was not a typical stranded motorist. Fabbiani conducted a pat down on Jackson at a local gas station. Jackson was found to have methamphetamine in his front shirt pocket. Although the defense counsel argued the search was unlawful, it took the jury only 20 minutes to come back with a guilty verdict. Jackson was previously convicted for aggravated sexual assault of a child.

LONGVIEW — The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has released an autopsy report on a Gregg County inmate who died last week. KETK reports Debra Ingram Duffie, 52, died at a Longview hospital after being transferred from the jail. The autopsy report reveals the deceased inmate was suffering from hypertensive heart disease with severe coronary atherosclerosis with a history of hepatitis C. Duffie had bruises on the front of her scalp, on her stomach, and on her lower extremities, but no internal injuries were found. Findings also brought to light that Duffie had hydronephrosis of the right kidney and mild peripheral atherosclerosis. However, a cause and manner of death have not been determined due to a pending toxicology report. Continue reading Autopsy Report Released on Inmate; Cause of Death To Be Determined