KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — Gregg County authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating a fugitive. He is Preston Cole Green, 42. He is wanted for theft over $1,500 and less than $20,000. He is also named in felony warrants out of Louisiana for hot checks. Green is described as a white male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighing about 260 pounds. If you have information that can lead to his arrest, contact Crime Stoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org or call 903-236-STOP (7867).

TYLER — The City of Tyler Water Department will be doing work at a busy intersection today causing lane closures. According to the Tyler Police Department, the westbound lanes at Troup Highway and Shiloh Road will be closed all day today for the Water Department to perform maintenance. Drivers are urged to use an alternate route.

KILGORE – One person has been shot and killed at a home in Kilgore. It happened around 7:00 Sunday night in the 300 block of Rogers Street. KETK was told the gunman had knocked on the door and asked to speak to Franciseo Jackson, 36. He then gunned down Jackson on his porch and the shooter then left the scene. According to a witness, a suspect was seeing feeling the scene on foot. He is described as a black male, described as being between 5’7′ and 5’9″ and wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and grey pants. The investigation continues.

TYLER — – A man has suffered a leg wound following a disturbance at a Tyler club. The man was taken shortly before 3:00 Sunday morning by private vehicle to Mother Frances Hospital where was he was treated for a grazing gunshot wound to the leg. He told officers he had been in a disturbance with the suspect at the Farwest Club, located at 13087 Highway 271. The victim was followed by the suspect from the club. At the intersection of Highway 271 and Highway 155, the suspect fired from his vehicle into the vehicle that the victim was in. One of the rounds grazed the victim after passing through the door. The incident remains under investigation.

TYLER – Two Tyler businesses have been robbed over the weekend. In both cases, the suspect was described as a black male wearing all black clothing. Shortly before 8:45 Sunday night, the Super Food Mart convenience store at 2030 West Gentry Parkway was robbed by a lone gunman. Saturday night around 9:00, the Midway Convenience Store at South Broadway and Houston Street was robbed by a lone gunman. In each robbery, the suspect stole an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise while holding the clerk at gun point. No injuries were reported in either robbery. Anyone with information in the cases is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler/Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-CUFF.

PEERLESS – The body of a soldier, who had just turned 20, has been recovered from a private pond in Hopkins County. The body of Arsenio Ugalde, who was home on leave from Fort Louis, Washington, was recovered shortly after 1:00 Saturday afternoon. He found was found by a Texas Parks and Wildlife diver in about five feet of water some 45 feet from the bank. His family had thrown a party for him Friday night for his return home. Early Saturday morning he was with friends near the pond. He was last seen swimming toward a boat that appeared to be drifting toward the middle of the pond. When he didn’t return, officials were called to the pond off County Road 4744 just before 4:30 Saturday morning.

TYLER (AP) — The Tyler Fire Department has sent a 17-year-old fire truck to a village in Guatemala. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reports that Tyler officials arranged through the nonprofit group Ignited to donate the truck to the municipality of San Jose Pinula. The truck was being used as a backup in Tyler because it has a leaky water tank and a bent frame. But when Hope Ignited’s executive director went on a medical outreach trip to Guatemala, he saw a new fire station without a fire truck because local officials couldn’t afford one. Tyler was eventually identified as having a truck available. City officials from San Jose Pinula flew to the United States to pick up the truck from Tyler, then drive it about 1,500 miles back to Guatemala.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – Rising office rent prices in downtown Austin have lawmakers again pushing for two new state buildings after Gov. Rick Perry vetoed those construction plans in 2013, and an East Texan is weighing in. One proposed 360,000-square-foot addition would be the first new office building in the Capitol complex since 2000. The Texas Facilities Commission says construction would cost $174 million but also get nearly one-fourth of the state’s existing leases in Austin off the books. Republican state Sen. Kevin Eltife of Tyler told the Austin American-Statesman that the plans make sense given escalating rent prices as the Austin economy flourishes. Continue reading New State Building Plans Vetoed by Perry Resurface; Eltife Comments

SMITH COUNTY – A man has been treated and released following a Smith County shooting. Sheriff’s deputies are still looking for the suspect. It was said to have resulted from an argument between the man and his girlfriend. The man, Larry Rhodes, was said to have been shot once in the hip and then taken by private vehicle to the University of Texas Health Center. The shooting occurred at a home on U.S. Highway 271 North. The investigation is continuing.

LONGVIEW — Drinking and driving is an avoidable crime that affects many innocent people’s lives every day. The Longview Police Department Officers encourage everyone to have a safe, happy, and festive Holiday season. This holiday season the Longview Police Department encourages everyone to choose a designated driver or stay sober. According to a news release, Longview police will be out in force over the next few weeks working to make our streets safer for the citizens and visitors to Longview. Continue reading Longview Traffic Enforcement Getting a STEP Up This Holiday Season

EAST TEXAS – Fires in East Texas have left several families displaced. In the Winona area, a home was extensively damaged by fire. It was reported around 11:00 Christmas morning in the 12000 block of Smith County Road 316. Several county fire departments extinguished the blaze, which is thought to have started in the home’s attic. No injuries were reported.

Off Cherokee County Road 3409 in the Mt. Selman area, a family lost everything when their mobile home was destroyed by fire Christmas morning. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Continue reading Fires Displace Three Area Families

Kilgore, Texas (KETK) — Police have identified a woman who was killed Thursday afternoon in a Kilgore crash. Assistant Chief Roman Roberson said at 2:04 p.m., emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle crash at U.S. Highway 259 North and I-20. Investigators determined a car heading southbound on 259 hit a truck-trailer which had exited I-20.

The car struck the back of the truck-trailer as it was trying to cross the highway. The driver of the car was identified as Ashley Brooke Norris, 31, of White Oak. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck was not injured. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

If you witnessed the crash or have any information related to this case please contact KPD Officer Josh Sims or Detective John Rowe at 903-983-1559.

NACOGDOCHES – Authorities are searching for three burglary suspects in Nacogdoches County following a chase that started in Rusk County. It started around 3:00 Wednesday morning. According to a news release from the sheriff’s department, the men are suspected in the burglary of a Longview Pharmacy. The chase with the car containing four suspects started on U.S. Highway 259. During the chase, two of the men were let out of the car on Highway 259 near County Road 915. Another suspect exited the car on Highway 204. The driver was later taken into custody near Cushing. Sheriff Jason Bridges says all of the suspects are from the Houston area and may be trying to return there. All are described as black males wearing all dark clothing. According to Sheriff Bridges, “Area residents should make sure that their vehicles are secured. The subjects are not believed to be armed; however they may be very desperate at this point from being out in the cold weather for so long.”

NEW YORK (AP/STAFF) — “The Interview” has been put back into theaters, now that Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced a limited Christmas Day theatrical release. And it might be showing in East Texas. It’s the latest twist in a topsy-turvy trip for the film from the producers to the screen. The comedy provoked an international incident with North Korea and outrage over its canceled release. Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton says Seth Rogen’s North Korea farce will be in a number of theaters beginning Thursday. He says Sony also is continuing its efforts to release the film on more platforms and in more theaters. Kilgore’s 4 Star Cinema owner Byron Berkley said he has put in a request to show the movie. He should know the first of next week if his request is granted. Continue reading Sony’s “The Interview” May be Shown in East Texas

AUSTIN — There’s more reaction now that the East Texas killer made famous by the hit flick “Bernie” will get a new sentencing hearing following a recent decision by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Bernie Tiede has been out of prison since May. He was released 17 years into a life sentence for the murder of a wealthy Carthage widow. Family spokesman Ryan Gravatt wants the judge to ask the district attorney to bring in all the evidence — “Tiede forging checks before and after he killed Marjorie Nugent, and weigh this with the justice that’s the equivalent of what’s deserved for a man who conned and killed and executed an elderly woman in order to keep her money.” He says the Nugent family has released those checks and that Tiede stole millions from Nugent over six years. He says the family would be highly disappointed if the judge went along with the district attorney and released Tiede with time served.

TYLER — The Smith County Jail had once again passed the Texas Commission on Jail Standards inspection. The announcement was made by Sheriff Larry Smith. “I would like to recognize and congratulate the jail staff and detention officers on a job well done. I continue to be in awe of the dedication exhibited constantly by employees of the Smith County Jail and Smith County Sheriff’s Office as a whole.” The sheriff added, even though they have faced recent challenges, the employees continue to strive for excellence and go the extra mile.

DALLAS (AP/Staff) — The city of Dallas and a North Texas river authority are at odds over the price of lake water after six years of failed negotiations, and an East Texas lake is in the picture. The Dallas Morning News reports Dallas has asked the Texas Public Utility Commission to block the rate set by the state-created Sabine River Authority. The river authority decided to charge Dallas $24.1 million a year for water after negotiations failed. The city this year started drawing from Lake Fork, which provides about 13 percent of water coming out of Dallas faucets. Dallas officials say the price could be passed on to consumers, which would add about $4 a month to the average residential water bill. The commission has scheduled a hearing for Jan. 6 and will determine if it has jurisdiction in the dispute.

TYLER — A man wanted in a Tyler homicide is in custody. Tyler police have announced that Katyron Jermaine Barrett, also known as Jermaine “Maine” Hartsfield, 29, has been booked into the Smith County jail for murder. His bond was set at $500,000. He turned himself in through his attorney on Tuesday. The weapon used in this homicide was recovered by detectives not far from the location of the shooting. He is charged in the shooting death of Brandon Deroyce Gray, 30. He died at Tyler’s Mother Frances Hospital following the shooting near the Wild Bunch Club at 1714 North Palace Avenue. Continue reading Suspect in Tyler Homicide Arrested

LONGVIEW — U.S. Magistrate John D. Love (pictured) of Tyler has granted a motion from Shanna Peek Tidwell to open the Longview Vapor Store on Fredonia Street provided that she sells only legal products. Tidwell is under federal indictment on federal drug and money laundering charges. Tidwell and her husband and brother were indicted by a federal grand jury last month. The indictment was sealed until earlier this month, following raids on Glass Dragon Stores and Vapor Store. Both Shanna and her husband Jeremy had filed motion to be allowed to operate the vapor store to sell legal products.

TYLER — Child Protective Services says the children they have been located and are safe. They had been seeking the public’s help in locating four children who were last known to be in Tyler with their parents, Bertha Mineros and Jessie Zuniga. The kids are:
*Aidan, 5
*Evelynn, 4
*Nathan, 2
*Nicholas, 1 month

The children have been placed in the home of another family member.

TYLER — An execution date as been set for an East Texas man who was convicted of raping and killing a woman in Tyler nearly 20 years ago. According to KETK, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice reports Robert Charles Ladd, 57, is set to be put to death by lethal injection on Thursday, January 29, 2015, for the rape and strangulation murder of Vicki Ann Garner on September 25, 1996. According to court documents, Ladd also robbed her home before setting it on fire. Continue reading Execution Date Set in 1996 Tyler Murder

TYLER — After executive session Tuesday, the Tyler City Council approved a contract for Edward Broussard to be Tyler’s next city manager effective Feb. 9, 2015. Broussard most recently served as the city manager of Missouri City. “The entire City Council has been extremely involved in the decision,” said Mayor Martin Heines. “We feel confident that we have hired the candidate to meet the unique demands of managing the City of Tyler.” The contract approved by Council provides for an annual base salary of $190,000, as well as authorization for additional health benefits. Continue reading Tyler Names New City Manager

TYLER — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert came calling on our troops in the Middle East last week, on a mission to help brighten Christmas for soldiers so far from home. “It seemed to mean a lot to them; it meant a lot to me,” Gohmert told KETK. “Everybody who’s American has some special feelings, if you grew up in America, around Christmas time.” The lawmaker met with some of our allies, leaders, and visiting armed forces in Afghanistan and Iraq to make the season a little brighter. He added, “They’re saying members of Congress just don’t normally come to Afghanistan anymore — it’s too dangerous — but I figure if the troops are there, their congressmen can come too.” Gohmert says he ate lunch with some of the Texas troops and toured the special ops headquarters. “It was great to be with Texans!” he said. “One of them was an Aggie, and it was just great being with them.” Continue reading Holiday Greetings as Gohmert Visits Troops in Mideast

SMITH COUNTY – Two persons have been arrested following a standoff with Smith County authorities. Taken into custody is Charles Nathaniel Harder, 24. It started about 10:45 Monday morning with a report of a man holding a gun on a woman in a pickup on Ridgetop Road, south of Tyler. When officers arrived, the pair had moved inside a home. Officials say the suspect left the house a couple of time, fired a gun into the ground, and went back inside. Officers talked to him by phone, and convinced him to leave the house. After being taken into custody, Harder is said to have stopped cooperating with officers, who had to use a stun gun on him. He was booked into the Smith County jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His bond was set at $250,000. The landlord of the home was also arrested for interfering with law enforcement officers.

LINDALE – A Harrison County man has been arrested following a manhunt in Northwestern Smith County. Tracked down last night by Texas Department of Criminal Justice dogs was Jacob Andrew Brewer, 37, of Hallsville. He was found hiding under a vacant house on County Road 443. KETK reports deputies were patrolling an area because of burglaries when a suspect vehicle from a Sunday night burglary was spotted. Authorities attempted to pull over the vehicle on Farm Road 2710, but the suspect fled. The chase traveled through Lindale, ending on County Road 444, where Brewer fled on foot. He was booked into the Smith County Jail on a charge of evading arrest with a vehicle and theft of property.

LONGVIEW – It’s not often you see Batman, Spiderman and Superman rappelling down a Longview hospital wall. But it happened Monday as the super heroes repelled down the wall of the pediatric wing of Good Shepherd Medical Center. The men in costume were actually members of the Longview Police Department’s SWAT Team. They rappelled from the hospital’s roof to spread some cheer to patients along the way. “The SWAT Team members are excited to utilize their rappelling abilities to make patients’ holiday a little brighter,” said Kristie Brian, Longview Police Department public information officer. The officers waved to patients from outside their room windows, and once on the ground, delivered toys to children who may be spending their Christmas in the hospital.

HENDERSON – Funeral services have been scheduled for former Rusk County Judge Sandra Hodges. She died at her home early Monday morning from natural causes at the age of 75. Hodges did not seek re-election and retired from office December 31st, 2010. She was a seven term county judge, serving 24 years. Services for Hodges will be held Wednesday morning at 10:00 at First United Methodist Church of Henderson. Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Tuesday at the Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson.

ANGELINA COUNTY – A preliminary autopsy report indicates an Angelina County couple died in a shootout with each other. Robin Turney, 58, and his wife, Sharon Turney, 59, were found dead Friday in the backyard of their home in the 1500 block of Willie Nerren Road. The two suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Sheriff’s department Captain Alton Lenderman told KETK , at this time, there are no indications any other person was involved. It appears as if a struggle started inside the home before moving outdoors. Two guns involved in the shooting, along with a third weapon, were found at the scene. The couple had reportedly been having marital trouble.

TYLER — Tyler’s All Saints Episcopal School has become the beneficiary of the Estate of Jo Clark Ferguson, whose $5 million gift is intended to support the college preparatory school’s mission of academic excellence centered upon the basic tenets of the Christian faith. That’s according to a news release from All Saints. “The Ferguson bequest extends an extraordinary period of gifts to the school,” noted head of school Randal Brown. Within the past 24 months, says Brown, capital gifts totaling $15 million have allowed All Saints to double its endowment to $10 million, fund the school chapel project, and pay off all remaining school debt. “All Saints continues to benefit greatly from the support of generous donors who recognize the importance of providing the Tyler community with a superior college preparatory school,” added Brown. Continue reading All Saints Receives $5M Gift

OVERTON — People in Overton may soon be charged for ambulance services. This, after an announcement made during Thursday night’s city council meeting. KETK reports Champion EMS will no longer be providing its free service to the city. This means the yearly $50,000 cost will be passed on to taxpayers. City Manager Charles Cunningham says it’s a critical service the community cannot do without. He says, “We could look at other providers, but they’re in the same boat as Champion EMS. I mean it’s not a question of a money grab by the ambulance services; it’s simply they ran out of the subsidy of funding they used to get from the hospital.” Cunningham added that the city has budget reserves to deal with the immediate needs of the service. However, that money will eventually run out and the costs will be passed on to the people in Overton. The next public hearing is set for January 15th.