KTBB News, Weather, Talk

EAST TEXAS — Thursday was another day off for a number of East Texas students following damage from Monday’s storms. Jacksonville, New Summerfield, and Henderson all canceled classes Thurday. According to KETK, officials said Henderson ISD was closed due to unexpected difficulties with efforts to restore power at the middle school. ​School officials say they’re confident that all campuses will be open Friday. In New Summerfield, elementary students will be out the remainder of this school year. Secondary students, because of final exams, will be updated on a day to day basis. Carlisle had a two hour delay on starting classes Thursday. Troup schools had an early release.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man remains jailed, charged with assault of a family or household member with a prior conviction and possession of less than 28 grams of a controlled substance. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Kelan Tevorion Richardson, 24, is held on a total of $11,000 in bonds. He was arrested Tuesday in the 700 block of Texas 31 after Longview police said he was beating a woman in a parking lot. The woman said Richardson asked her to bring him a cigarette, then punched her several times in the face after she brought it, police said. Police said Richardson also dropped a plastic bag that contained 20 pills of Xanax from his pocket while talking to an officer. Officers said the drugs weighed 3.1 grams, according to the arrest report.

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview man found dead in March near the Boorman Trail was connected to the burglary of a nearby pawn shop a few days before and apparently was running from police when he fell into water and drowned. According to the Longview News-Journal, the body of Kendrick Fitzgerald Hill, 32, was found March 6 floating face down in shallow water near the trail. According to an autopsy performed by Forensic Medical of Texas in Tyler, Hill died of hypothermia and drowning, and his death was ruled accidental. Hill also tested positive for PCP. Continue reading Longview Man Found Dead in Creek was Also Burglary Suspect

GLADEWATER — Because of unsafe conditions, Lake Gladewater Park is being closed. According to a notice on the city’s Facebook page, In the interest of public safety, the city of Gladewater has decided to close the Lake Gladewater Park due to the potential for unsafe water conditions caused by the area’s recent rainfall and runoff amounts. The lake has seen a significant increase in the water level and with more runoff and rain expected in the near future this is the logical and responsible thing to do to protect our citizens. Boaters who live on the lake are strongly encouraged to stay on the north side of the lake and avoid areas south of the boat ramps. Both public boat ramps are also closed as a result of this decision. The entire park will remain closed until deemed appropriate and safe to reopen.

SMITH COUNTY — Three Smith County residents have been hospitalized after being overcome in their home by carbon monoxide. A family member found the three around 2:00 Wednesday afternoon in a home on County Road 3174. The grandmother and two grandchildren were all unconscious. They had been exposed to the gas from a generator. They were using the generator after storms knocked out the power. The three are listed in stable condition at East Texas Medical Center.

LONGVIEW — The U.S. 259 exit on Interstate 20 was closed Wednesday ight after a truck spilled oil on the road. The liquid was on the surface of the exit ramp and access road, and trailed east on U.S. 259 to where the truck was parked. in a truck rest stop area behind a restaurant. Sand was placed underneath the truck to absorb residual fluid. Fire crews sprayed the access road and intersection with water to clean up the spill.

TYLER — The top performing students of the Tyler Independent School District and 35 influential TISD educators will step into the spotlight tonight during the Tyler ISD Foundation’s A Night of Shining Stars. The academic excellence recognition event will be held at 6:00pm at the Ornelas Activity Center in Tyler. The TISD Foundation, in cooperation with the Tyler ISD, will host the eighth annual A Night of Shining Stars to honor the top 20 graduating seniors of the class of 2015 from John Tyler High School and Robert E. Lee High School. The top 20 students will be honored as Shining Stars. Each student selected one Tyler ISD educator who they felt made the biggest and most positive impact in their educational careers to be recognized alongside them as a Distinguished Educator. Continue reading Tyler ISD To Honor Top Graduates, Influential Educators

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s deputies continue to search for a burglary suspect in a wooded area. KETK reports the other suspect has already been captured. Lt. Gary Middleton said the search began around midday Wednesday. The search is taking place on County Road 1102 off Highway 155 South near FM 344. Continue reading One Burglary Suspect Arrested, One Sought

LONGVIEW — Longview police have arrested a man in connection with Monday’s attack on a Pine Tree ISD bus driver — and he also faces charges in a Monday night incident. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Michael Jesse Najera, 36, of Escondido, Calif., is being held in Gregg County Jail on more than $1 million bond. He faces an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge in addition to other charges stemming from the second attack. Continue reading California Man Held in Two Monday Attacks in Longview

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Engineer Frank Davis said late Wednesday afternoon that county roads still closed due to recent storm damage are all in precinct 3, to the west and northwest of Lindale. They include CR 4119 and CR 445. Both roads and culverts have been washed out and will be closed for several weeks until pipes can be ordered to repair the culverts, according to Davis. CR 499 was washed out due to a broken dam on a private pond and remains closed. CR 4129 is closed to drivers after a wooden bridge was damaged and moved 4 feet by water and debris. Davis says road and bridge crews will have to reposition and repair the bridge, which could take weeks. CR 496 and CR 411 remain closed after suffering washouts from the May 10 storm.

SMITH COUNTY — The dam of a private pond on Smith County Road 448 has failed, causing water over County Road 455. But officials say the water over the latter road later dissipated and the thoroughfare remains open to drivers. According to KETK, Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks says the dam broke late Wednesday morning. Brooks stated nearby Brush Creek flooded and took on 10 surface acres of extra water at a maximum depth of 22 feet. He said water then flowed down into a nearby lake and contained the runoff.

PALESTINE — The city of Palestine website reports that power has been restored at the local water treatment plans and water restrictions have been lifted. Power was lost at the plant due to the storms of May 25, so the city temporarily asked citizens to conserve water wherever possible, turn off sprinklers, and limit unnecessary water usage.

MARSHALL — The Dallas FBI’s Tyler Resident Agency, the East Texas Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Marshall Police Department announced a $10,000 reward Wednesday in a cold case dating back more than 18 years. According to KETK, the agencies seek information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the murder of Edgar Dwight Dawson in February 1997. On February 21, 1997, Dawson was found dead in the driver’s side seat of his vehicle; he had been shot one time in the chest. Officials say the investigation, conducted by the Marshall Police Department and the East Texas Violent Crimes Task Force, went cold after all credible leads were exhausted. The case was reopened in 2014 after the Marshall Police Department announced a commitment to clear the city’s cold case murders. Continue reading $10K Reward Offered in Cold Case

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) – A Texas woman was sentenced to five years in federal prison for defrauding a Kansas couple in an adoption scheme. Thirty-five-year-old Chrystal Marie Rippey, of Marshall, Texas, was sentenced Tuesday for two counts of wire fraud. Federal prosecutors say Rippey admitted that she took $22,225 from a Shawnee, Kansas, couple who believed she was pregnant with twins and who wanted to adopt the children. The money was intended to pay for Rippey’s living expenses. Prosecutors say the transactions were based on Rippey’s false statements that she was pregnant and wanted to put her twins up for adoption.

SMITH COUNTY — A chase through Smith County has led to the arrest of the vehicle’s driver. He is identified as Marco Matthew Gonzales, 32, Flint. It began just before 4:30 Tuesday afternoon when a Smith County sheriff’s deputy tried to pull over the vehicle on Loop 49 near the old Jacksonville Highway. The man sped away, at times reaching speeds up to 100 miles an hour. The chase ended under 30 minutes later when the suspect stopped and surrendered to authorities on Highway 155 near the Noonday Fire Department. The chase is said to have been triggered by the fact the man had an outstanding parole violation warrant. Gonzales was booked into the Smith County Jail on Charges of parole violation, evading arrest, and suspended drivers license.

TYLER — Funeral arrangements have been announced for former state representative Leo Berman. His life will be celebrated at Tyler’s Christ Episcopal Church, 118 South Bois d’ Arc at 2:00 Friday afternoon. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Berman died May 23rd following a long battle with lymphoma. After retiring from the military, he settled in Texas. While residing in Arlington,Texas, he was a member of the city council 1979–1985. Mr. Berman was a retired public affairs executive for Sun Exploration and Production Company. Representing District 6, Berman served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1999-2012.

ATHENS — An Athens teacher has been placed on administrative leave while the police department investigates a report of inappropriate texting between the high school teacher and a student. The investigation is just beginning and the teacher’s name has not been released. The school district is also conducting an investigation into the alleged texting.

TYLER — The new director of the Center for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College will be Kim Lessner. She will oversee the science center’s growth and development, with primary responsibility for overall leadership, management, planning and fundraising activities. Most recently, Lessner served as development director for PATH in Tyler, where she was responsible for fundraising efforts, public relations, marketing, communications and special events such as PATH Week. Continue reading New Director for the Center for Earth & Space Science Education

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Tyler Economic Development Council has once again been recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as an accredited economic development organization (AEDO). TEDC is one of 43 groups to hold the accreditation. Originally accredited in February 1999, the organization was reaccredited by IEDC In 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011. Following three more successful years of activity, TEDC has once again achieved reaccreditation through May 2018, which will result in 19 consecutive years of accreditation. “The Tyler Economic Development Council displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle. Continue reading TEDC Reaccredited by International Group

GREGG COUNTY — A Pine Tree ISD bus driver is recovering from an assault that happened while dropping off students on his route Monday afternoon. According to the Longview News-Journal, the name of the driver has not been released. No students were injured during the assault. Longview police spokeswoman Kristie Brian said the assault happened just before 4 p.m. near Old Hwy 80 and Breland Street. Continue reading Pine Tree School Bus Driver Attacked

EAST TEXAS — State highway department crews are asking the public to avoid travel in the Henderson area in Rusk County after thunderstorms and a possible tornado struck Monday evening, littering roadways with trees and debris. Local crews as well as additional manpower and equipment dispatched to the area are currently working to clear roadways including U.S. Highway 79 and State Highway 43. Crews were then due to move into the city of Henderson to assist with tree removal and cleanup. Continue reading Highway Crews Cleaning Up Following Storms

MARSHALL — Some residents in Harrison County and Marion Counties spent their Memorial Day holiday cleaning up after weekend storms. The two counties were under a tornado warning for nearly an hour starting at 11:36 Sunday morning. A National Weather Service team from Shreveport confirmed the damage was done by an EF1 tornado. It began about 10 miles northeast of Beckville, moving northeastward over Interstate Highway 20 into eastern Marshall where it lifted about six miles north northeast of the city. The heaviest damage was reported off Highway 43 North near the Jasper Drive and Forest Trail areas. There have been reports of homes and trees damaged. A golf course near Airport Park reported damage. Power outages were also reported in the area. There were no reports of any injuries.

LONGVIEW — Police are still looking for the driver involved in a hit-and-run Friday morning in Longview. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report it happened in the 4100 block of the West Loop, near Lear Park, around 5:00. Police say they found a damaged sedan and utility pole, but nobody was there. You’re asked to call police if you have any information.

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith keynoted the annual Memorial Day observance at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery. The sheriff told KTBB, “I just can’t stress enough how important it is not to just do this on Memorial Day, but to think about those individuals, think about their families, as often as we can — not just one day out of the year.” Though Memorial Day is set aside for those who have lost their lives in battle, Smith says it’s equally important to honor those who have survived their wartime service to their country.

AUSTIN – As severe weather including tornadoes, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flooding continues across areas of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott Monday declared a state of disaster in 24 additional counties, including some in East Texas. Those counties are Archer, Bastrop, Caldwell, Cass, Collin, Dewitt, Fannin, Grayson, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hill, Houston, Kendall, Jasper, Johnson, Newton, Nueces, Parker, San Jacinto, Walker, Wichita, and Wilson. The declaration authorizes further mobilization of state resources to assist impacted communities. Additional counties may be added to the declaration as the situation develops. Continue reading East Texas Counties on Disaster Declaration List

LUFKIN — The body of a missing Lufkin teenager has been found in a Lufkin ditch. Ayanna Austin, 13, was reported missing Thursday morning. The body was located in the rain flooded ditch behind Lufkin Middle School and off Virgil Avenue. Her body was said to have been found Saturday afternoon around 4:30 by family and friends who had been aiding in the search effort. Her body has been sent to Beaumont for autopsy.

TYLER — Milling and resurfacing of failed pavement in various areas along Rice/Shiloh Road will be this week. Construction is expected to last a week and is dependent upon weather. Three locations will be resurfaced, including the curves of Shiloh Road around Sweetbriar Lane, Rice Road around Kinsey Drive and Rice Road around Plantation Drive. Lane closures are to be expected in these locations from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29. Drivers should use caution due to possible uneven pavement conditions.

SMITH COUNTY — Kids playing on a phone has led to the seizure of some marijuana. It began when the kids called 911. Because of the call, a deputy was sent to a residence on County Road 481. Two vehicles were parked in front of the house. One vehicle had several kids inside. He was unable to get anyone to come to the door and smelled the odor of burning marijuana. He heard a noise from the back of the house and saw a man crawling out a window and running away. He was unable to catch the man. When he returned to the house, the cars were gone. Looking through a window, he saw one and a half bricks of marijuana on a table inside the house. Continue reading Marijuana Seized in Smith County

MARSHALL — Damage from a tornado has been reported in Harrison County. Harrison and Marion Counties were under a tornado warning for nearly an hour starting at 11:36 Sunday morning. A National Weather Service team from Shreveport confirmed the damage was done by an EF1 tornado. It began about 10 miles northeast of Beckville, moving northeastward over Interstate Highway 20 into eastern Marshall where it lifted about six miles north northeast of the city. The heaviest damage was reported off Highway 43 North near the Jasper Drive and Forest Trail areas. There have been reports of homes and trees damaged. A golf course near Airport Park reported damage. Power outages were also reported in the area. There have been no reports of any injuries.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of May 25, 2015. Schedules are subject to change due to weather, equipment or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in these and all work zones.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance is conducting base repair work on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 16 and Farm Road 14 with traffic reduced to one line and controlled by flaggers. A second crew will be on Ranch Road 2767 cutting high shoulders between Farm Road 2908 and the Gregg County line. Some of this work will be done as a moving operation while some will require reducing the roadway to one lane with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects