KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LUFKIN – A man and a dog died in a crash on College Drive in Lufkin on Saturday morning, according to our news partner KETK and the Lufkin Police Department. Demarcus Hadnot, 26 of Pollok, was driving west on College Drive near the Texas Bible College when a Mercedes crashed into Hadnot’s Kia at around 10:15 a.m. on Saturday. A passenger from the Kia has been flown to a local hospital to be treated for injuries while the 65-year-old driver of the Mercedes received non-life threatening injuries.

Lufkin PD added that a dog riding in the Kia also died at the scene.

TYLER — Residents across East Texas will have the opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through marches, church services, educational programs and community gatherings. Our news partner KETK has compiled a list of events taking place across East Texas, including dates, locations and what each event will offer. You can view that list here.

TATUM – Following a search that revealed drugs, including more than 60 grams of meth, two individuals were taken into custody in Tatum on Tuesday. A Ford Escape SUV with a damaged windshield was seen traveling south on North Hill Street when an officer made a traffic stop, according to the Tatum Police Department and our news partner KETK. A probable cause search was conducted after the officer reported smelling a strong marijuana odor coming from the vehicle during the traffic stop.
Continue reading Two arrests made in Tatum after car search

ANDERSON COUNTY – Following a recent altercation that left a prisoner injured, five employees of the George Beto Unit state prison near Tennessee Colony were relieved of their duties. According to our news partner KETK, on January 6, an inmate was accused of assaulting a correctional officer. Staff members and the prisoner got into another alltercation after the assault. While the prisoner received medical attention from within the prison, the assaulted correctional officer received treatment at a facility outside the prison. It was not made public how serious those injuries were.
Continue reading Staff members let go from local prison

RUSK – Rusk city officials announced on Friday that Police Chief Scott Heagney is no longer employed by the city. According to our news partner KETK, Heagney was placed on administrative leave twice in 2025, once in April after a complaint was filed against him and for the second time in December because of an “internal personnel matter.”

“The City does not comment on personnel matters. However, City officials emphasize that the decision was made following appropriate administrative review and in the best interests of the City and the community it serves,” Rusk city officials said on Friday

The City of Rusk said public safety services will continue and that they’re trying to keep leadership stable after Heagney’s departure. Rusk officials added that they’ll release more information when it’s appropriate.

TYLER – Starting Tuesday, Jan. 20, and continuing through Tuesday, Feb. 10, the intersection and sidewalk at West Elm Street and South Bois D’Arc Avenue will be closed. Oncor crews will be working in the area to improve the electrical infrastructure to the Fair Building at 109 West Elm Street. 

Traffic control signs and devices will be in place. Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through the area.  

GILMER – Congressman Wesley Hunt of Houston made a campaign stop in Gilmer on Thursday as he runs for U.S. Senate. Hunt is running in the March 3 Republican Primary against incumbent Senator for Texas John Cornyn and fellow candidate Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General. If Hunt wins the Republican Primary, he’ll face the winner of the Democratic Party Primary in November. Our news partners at KETK had the chance to interview Hunt which you can watch here.

TYLER – Hundreds of Smith County business leaders met on Thursday to discuss the state of Tyler’s economy as the new year begins. The report was provided by renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman.

Perryman reports that since May, the state has lost 10,000 jobs, while the nationwide average is 50,000 jobs per month. East Texas has remained stable in providing career opportunities for residents. Currently, Tyler’s unemployment rate is trending below the state and national rates, as the city is projected to create nearly 12,000 new jobs a year over the next five years, with health services, mining and construction leading this growth. Creating not only opportunities for Texans, but for foreign workers, as well.

“The jobs in the East Texas area have basically stayed stable,” Perryman said. “So, it’s not like there’s been a whole lot of growth taking place compared to the state; it’s outperformed.” Continue reading Economic outlook predicting a job increase

RUSK COUNTY — American Rapper Finesse2tymes and his girlfriend FNG Shugga have been arrested in Rusk County. According to our news partner KETK, Ricky Hampton was arrested on Thursday on three charges, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and having a prohibited substance or item in a correctional or civil commitment facility. His girlfriend, Halle Mona Buckingham, whose stage name is FNG Shugga, was arrested on Wednesday on five charges including: Tampering or fabricating with physical evidence with intent to impair, Possession of marijuana, Possession of a controlled substance, Weapon Offence, U.S. Marshal Detainer.

This now marks Hampton’s third arrest in East Texas. In September 2025, Hampton was arrested in Smith County after officers smelled marijuana while conducting a traffic stop and spotted a hand-rolled paper cigar in the ashtray. Continue reading Rapper, girlfriend arrested again

SMITH COUNTY — A multi-vehicle crash is causing traffic delays at the intersection of Old Jacksonville Highway and Loop 49 on Thursday. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office and multiple fire units are working to clear the area. Four to five vehicles were involved in the crash, with at least one vehicle rolling over. Traffic is currently backed up at the location, and drivers are advised to avoid the area.

TYLER — A former Tyler ISD staff member was arrested on Wednesday night on a sexual assault charge, according to our news partner KETK. Arrest documents from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office reveal that a Tyler police officer was patrolling the area of Fun Forest Park around 9:20 p.m. when they witnessed two people who “were clearly nude” in the back of a vehicle.

Officers approached the vehicle and identified the woman as Anahi Arellano, a former instructional aide at Bell Elementary, along with a male companion. Initially, the male provided false information regarding his age, but it was later verified that he is 16 years old.

Arellano allegedly admitted to officers that she and the minor had “sexual intercourse” in the back of the vehicle, prompting her arrest. She was booked into Smith County Jail on Wednesday night, facing a sexual assault charge. Continue reading Former TISD aide arrested for sexual assault

TYLER – City offices will observe the following schedule on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall – City Hall offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19. Tyler Water Utilities- The Water Business Office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19. The deadline for delinquent accounts will be extended to Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m.

The kiosk at the drive-through offers 24/7 access for water utility customers with its ability to accept checks, money orders, credit/debit cards and cash payments. Those choosing to pay with cash should be aware that no change will be given.

Anyone wishing to make a payment may also use one of two available drop boxes. One box is located in front of the Water Business Office at 511 W. Locust St. The other is a drive-up box located in the Brookshire’s parking lot on the corner of South Broadway Avenue and Rice Road. Payments will be credited on the next business day. Please do not drop cash into these boxes. Payments may also be made online at CityofTyler.org, over the phone by calling (903) 531-1230, or at one of many businesses in Tyler that accept water utility payments. For a list of participating businesses, please visit the City’s website. Continue reading Tyler city schedule for MLK Day