KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – On Wednesday, the hearing regarding more than 50 dogs that were found in terrible conditions took place in Tyler. According to our news partners KETK, the courtroom was overflowing with people and more spilling out into the hallway. They were all there in support of the animals found living in horrible conditions. Nearly 60 dogs were seized from a Smith County property belonging to the two brothers in court, Kerry and Michael Jones.

It was their first day in court after the discovery was made by law enforcement. A defense attorney asked for a delay, explaining that he and the other brother’s legal representative were just hired that day and needed time to review evidence and consult with his client. The prosecution presented no objection and the judge granted a continuance.

The almost 60 dogs will remain in the custody of the Smith County Animal Control, Nicholas Pet Haven, and Spence and White Veterinary Hospital for the time being. Continue reading Hearing for suspects of alleged dog fighting ring gets delayed

PITTSBURG, Texas – Here’s a feel good story: Tortilla the tortoise has been returned with the help of local animal control to its family in Pittsburg. Our news partners at KETK report that on Wednesday morning, officials made an announcement that they found an “unusual pet.” It took less than three hours for the owners to identify their hard-shelled family friend, and Tortilla, the African Spurred Tortoise, returned home.

OVERTON – The former Overton City Secretary and Municipal Court Clerk was arrested for using city funds for personal use by purchasing gasoline for her boat according to our news partners at KETK. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Katherine McCandless for felony theft on Sept. 16 and her bond was set at $10,000. According to the Overton Police Department, they were made aware of an unauthorized charge on their city fuel credit card on Sept. 10 and began investigating. In their investigation, police determined McCandless used the fuel card to purchase a 40 gallons of gasoline pumped into her personal recreational boat. Police said that McCandless made 20 unauthorized charges on the fuel card between June 5 and Aug. 19, totaling to $1,192.64. Rusk County Jail records indicate McCandless has posted bail.

CARTHAGE – The Carthage Police Department is trying to find answers after a man was found dead under an unoccupied tow truck, according to our news partners at KETK. Carthage PD said they were notified of a crash at 11:22 p.m. on Tuesday in the 800 block of S. Adams Street “involving an out-of-county tow truck and a passenger car.” Officers reportedly found both vehicles unoccupied, and found “the apparent tow truck driver” dead under the tow truck. The Carthage Fire Department helped work the scene and Texas DPS were contacted to help reconstruct the crash. Police are still investigating and the identity of the victim has not been released at this time.

GLADEWATER – Our news partners at KETK report the City of Gladewater said due to a water main break Wednesday morning portions of the city will not have water. Gladewater ISD officials said all students will be released early at 1 p.m. due to the S. Main Street water main break. City officials said they will provide updates as soon as they receive them on their Facebook page.

PALESTINE – According to our news partner KETK, a group of advocates for a Palestine man on death row filed a petition on Tuesday to stop his execution just 30 days before he is expected to be put to death. They argue the science used to sentence him is questionable. It’s been 21 years since Robert Roberson was convicted of murdering his two-year-old daughter Nikki. Experts who have studied or are involved with this case say she died of other causes. Nikki dealt with medical issues long before her death, including breathing apnea spells that started before the age of one.

“The death of Robert’s daughter Nikki was not a crime. It was a tragedy,” said one of Roberson’s attorneys, Gretchen Sween.

“My testimony helped convict him of murder and send him to death row, but for all the years since, I have believed that justice was not done,” one of the lead investigators on this case, Brian Wharton, said. Continue reading Palestine man, facing death penalty, files for clemency

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has died after a Monday night pedestrian car accident. According to our news partner KETK, 62-year-old Johnny Ray Johnston died about 7:50 Monday night. Police said that Johnston was walking on Alpine Road, about one block from Ed’s concrete construction, when he was hit by a Ford SUV going south. Reports said that Johnston failed to yield the right of way when he walked into the roadway where he was hit by the SUV. Johnston was taken to a hospital where died from his injuries.

CARTHAGE – A 17-year-old was arrested after allegedly trespassing on a Carthage ISD campus with an airsoft rifle on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, the 17-year-old was arrested by Cathage Police and charged with making a terroristic threat, criminal trespass and public intoxication and was booked into the Panola County Jail.

Police said they got a call at before school opened Tuesday morning, that a suspicious man was seen at the Carthage High School campus. Officers responded and talked to Campbell, who is not a Carthage ISD student. Police described him as “agitated and seemed to be intoxicated.”

Campbell had a backpack containing a gas mask, a long gun and multiple magazines. Police said the rifle was determined to be a brightly colored airsoft rifle.

The case remains under investigation by city, state and federal law enforcement.

TITUS COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report a 19-year-old woman is facing terroristic threat charges after allegedly making a threat against a school. The Titus County Sheriff’s Office said the FBI notified them of a potential threat made against an educational institution by a person believed to reside in the county. Investigators identified the suspect as Adriana Orona who was arrested on charges of terroristic threat, a third degree felony. Orona is being held at the Titus County Jail and is awaiting arraignment.

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County deputies captured a robbery suspect after a motorcycle pursuit Tuesday morning. According to Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh and our news partner KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office was in pursuit of a motorcyclist around 7:30 a.m. Sgt. Larry Christian with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect, 34-year-old Charles Griffith, was caught on Pearl Street. Griffith was arrested on an aggravated robbery warrant and charged with evading arrest with a vehicle and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance. He is being held on a combined bond of $1,850,000 at the Smith County Jail.

CASS COUNTY — Our news partner KETK is reporting that an East Texas District Attorney’s Office has addressed recent school threats in their community. The Cass County District Attorney’s Office in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Cass County Sheriff’s Department addressed the recent school threats and hoaxes in the community including Sulphur Springs, Gilmer and Texarkana.

“We want to reassure the public that each of these incidents is being thoroughly investigated and we remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Cass County residents,” the Cass County District Attorney’s Office said.

According to the DA, the first incident occurred on Thursday morning when rumors of a threat to schools were being shared on social media included Snapchat. Law enforcement conducted house visits and interviews to determine if any credible threats had been made. The DA’s office said no imminent threat was identified but law enforcement agencies increased their presence in and around schools as a precaution. Continue reading East Texas DA office releases statement after school threats

TYLER – This weekend, another attempt to assassinate former president Donald Trump took place at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. East Texas congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas) is now looking for answers. “I was devastated to hear about the second assassination attempt on president Trumps life,” said Moran. “This is totally unacceptable.”

According to our news partner KETK, Moran is demanding answers from those charged with protecting the former president. “What we’ve seen this summer is not in my opinion a lack of resources, it’s a lack of responsiveness and planning and logistical operations that should be in place for any protection of a person at this level,” Moran said.

The congressman acknowledged the secret service did their job in the moment but believes the safety of all political candidates must be ensured, no matter the party or platform. Continue reading Nathaniel Moran responds to Trump assassination attempt

TEXARKANA — According to our news partner KETK, 20-year-old man was arrested on Thursday after a search warrant revealed he had more than 50 items of child pornography. The Texarkana Police Department said a search warrant conducted in the 4600 block of Summerhill Road on Thursday led to the arrest of Trenton Weddel for possession of child pornography. Now, the Texarkana Police Department is asking anyone who suspects their child to have been in Weddel’s apartment to contact them.

The police department said Weddel came to their attention earlier in September after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

“They told us that a popular social media application had notified them that someone had used an IP address in Texarkana Texas to upload a pornographic video of a young girl,” Texarkana PD said.
Continue reading Texarkana man arrested for child porn

HENDERSON – A Henderson pharmacy has reopened after an early Monday morning armed robbery. According to our news partner KETK, Strong-Hurt Pharmacy on E Main Street was robbed around 7 a.m. Monday. Henderson PD said they have identified an unnamed suspect and they have been taken into custody. Officials also said several items from the robbery have been recovered.

SMITH COUNTY – If your not registered for vote in the Presidential Election on November 5, then you can register to vote starting Tuesday, September 17, on National Voter Registration Day.

Register to vote at the following times and locations on Tuesday in Smith County:
Texas College – The Connector, 2404 N. Grand Ave., Tyler 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tyler Junior College – Student Union, 1400 E 5th St., Tyler, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.       
Tyler Junior College – West Campus, 1530 SSW Loop 323, Tyler, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
UT Tyler, Patio at the Student Center, 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.
The Smith County Elections Office, 302 E. Ferguson St. Tyler, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Ebenezer AME Church, located at 1101 W. Queen St. Tyler, will be holding an event at 6 p.m.
The East Texas Food Bank will help its members register from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The deadline to register to vote in the November 5 Presidential Election is Tuesday, October 7.

There are also answers to your frequently asked questions, at  http://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/elections/voter-registration

For more about National Voter Registration Day, visit https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org

LONGVIEW – Johnston-McQueen Elementary School students will be released at noon Monday and Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, the school had a power outage around 8 a.m. Monday. After the power was restored, their air conditioning was still not functioning properly. School officials decided on early release Monday morning. Buses will be on campus at 11:45 a.m. Monday and Tuesday. Anyone with questions are asked to contact the school directly.

TYLER – With political campaign season in full swing, the Texas Department of Transportation advises political parties, candidates, and their supporters of where campaign signs can be placed along Texas roadways, according to a news release.

“We want to remind everyone that TxDOT has guidelines regarding placing signs in the right of way,” said Jeff Williford, public information officer for the Tyler District. “We know that a lot of signs will start showing up as we get closer to election day, but if a political sign is placed in the right of way, we are required to remove it without notice.” Continue reading TXDOT set to enforce political campaign sign laws

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department said that one teenager was wounded in a shooting Saturday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, LPD responded to call of shooting on West Edgefield Avenue, one block south of the South Green Laundromat. There officers found a teenage victim who had non-life-threatening injuries after being shot.

The police investigation revealed the shooting happened after “a verbal altercation escalated into an exchange of gunfire.” The suspect left the scene and was arrested at a residence in Harrison County. 18-year-old Alejandro Gonzalez of Longview was taken to the Harrison County Jail and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The name of the shooting victim was not released.

TYLER – Keith Miller, a Tyler personal injury lawyer known for his TV commercials, died in Tyler on Friday, that according to our news partner KETK. Miller was originally an insurance claims adjuster. This inspired him to become a personal injury lawyer so he could look out for people like his father did before him.

A press release from his law office states, that Miller’s firm will remain open while Miller’s clients will have their cases managed by his partner, Shane McGuire.

“Keith was a legend in the legal field,” McGuire said. “It was an honor to work alongside him on hundreds of cases. I will greatly miss our conversations, not just about legal strategy but about life. My family and I are deeply saddened by this loss.”

Miller attended Tyler Junior College before graduating from North Texas University in Denton. He then worked as a law clerk and investigator for Erskine, Smith & McMahon before he was hired at State Farm. Keith was an adjuster for two years before becoming an attorney.

Any clients with questions or concerns are urged to call Miller’s office at 903-597-4090.

TYLER – The City of Tyler is seeking feedback from residents regarding their Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Annual Work Plan. According to our news partner KETK, residents have until Oct. 20 to provide comments and suggestions about projects in the CIP program that will be funded by a half cent sales tax.

The city of Tyler said in a release, “Current projects on the Capital Improvement Plan include drainage improvements, street repairs, updates to Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, railroad crossing improvements, the South Tyler Mobility Study, upgrading traffic signals as part of year four of the Intelligent Transportation Master Plan and more.”

Those wanting to leave input on the Annual Work Plan, can go so here.

TYLER – The 2024 Tyler Film Festival, presented by Dobbs & Porter, brought together a diverse array of filmmakers during the three-day event at Liberty Hall. The festival premiered 25 short films from over eight countries with various genres, including documentaries, stop-animation, dramas, comedies and more. 

In a release from TFF, Craig O’Daniel, festival director and judge said, “The films that won awards this year impressed our judges with their meticulous attention to every aspect of filmmaking, resulting in masterful storytelling. We genuinely thank the teams for submitting their work and giving our little festival a worldwide showcase.”
Continue reading 2024 Tyler Film Festival winners revealed

BULLARD – Six Medal of Honor veterans, and two family members of recipients were honored in Bullard during a two day event. According to our news partner KETK, they were greeted on Friday morning by children with flags waving in hand.

“That was amazing, just enjoyable, gives a tingle,” Medal of Honor recipient and US Army veteran Robert Patterson said.
The war heroes told stories from the battlefield and gave advice to The Brook Hill School students on Friday. In the evening the Medal of Honor honorees were celebrated at the Texas Veterans Military Hero Dinner.

Major General Patrick Brady, who has served for over 30 years in the United States Army, is one of the most decorated U.S. veterans with 80 medals.
  Continue reading Medal of Honor recipients honored in Bullard

UPDATE: On Saturday, the Longview Police Department said that Jerry Randolph has been found.

LONGVIEW – A 30-year-old man was reported missing from Longview on Thursday. Police said that Jerry Randolph was last seen around 11 p.m. Wednesday night on Independence Drive and Patriot Circle, wearing a multicolored graphic t-shirt, jeans and brown hiking boots. Randolph is 5’5″ tall and weighs around 160 lbs with short black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Longview PD at 903-237-1199.

LONGVIEW — A Gilmer man has been arrested following a fatal Friday morning shooting in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police said at around 10:15 a.m., officers responded to a shots fired call on McCann Road, near Barksdale Federal Credit Union . When officers arrived, they reportedly found 20-year-old Dequalin Vaughn of Longview with a gunshot wound. Vaughn was taken to a hospital where he later died.

During their investigation, LPD detectives identified the suspect in the shooting as 23-year-old Eddie Floyd Hill Jr. Hill Jr. was found in Gilmer and booked into the Upshur County Jail for unlawful possession of a firearm, deadly conduct and murder. He was also wanted on felony charges from a case in Marshall.

UPDATE: The Amber Alert for missing 6-year-old Kameron Parrish has been canceled after he was found late Friday night, according to authorities.

INGRAM — An Amber Alert was issued for a 6-year-old boy who is missing after last being seen Thursday just before noon in Ingram. According to our news partner KETK, missing is 6-year-old Kameron Parrish. Kameron is described as being 4’8″, 55 lbs, and has brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a two-tone grey t-shirt with blue sleeves, blue jeans, and dark shoes. Authorities believe the child “to be in grave or immediate danger.”

Kameron was last seen with 32-year-old Talaya Graham, authorities said. Talaya was described as being 5’3″, 175 lbs, and has brown hair and green eyes. Officials are also also searching for 39-year-old Joseph Graham in connection with the abduction of the child. Joseph was described as a 5’5″, 175 lbs white man with brown hair and brown eyes. Law enforcement said he has a neck tattoo on left side, name in black and outlined in green.

Authorities said Graham is believed to be driving a Silver 2014 Nissan Versa with Texas license plate number TLS5425. She was also last seen in Ingram. Ingram is in Kerr County, 72 miles northwest of San Antonio.

Anyone with information regarding the Amber Alert can contact the Ingram Police Department at 830-367-2636. You can see more pictures in regards to this from our news partner KETK, at this link.

LONGVIEW – Two people were found with gunshot wounds Thursday night and the Longview Police Department are investigating. According to our news partner KETK, LPD responded to reports of a shooting around 11:30 p.m. in the Misty Glen Court area. Officers said they found one female victim and one male victim had non-life threatening gunshot wounds and were sent to a hospital for treatment.

Longview Police Department said this is an open investigation and are asking anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the police department at 903-237-1110.