KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Patrick Mahomes Sr. was indicted last week for driving while intoxicated a third time or more, a third-degree felony. According to our news partner KETK, the 53-year-old Mahomes Sr. was arrested in Tyler Feb. 3. At that time, a Tyler Police officer stopped Mahomes on West Gentry Park for driving slowly. The officer then discovered an open can of beer in the vehicles center console.

A driving while intoxicated third or more offense is classified as a third-degree felony, as opposed to the first two which are classified as misdemeanors. A conviction for a third DWI results in a prison sentence of no less than two years, no more than 10 years and up to $10,000 in fines.
The indictment was filed on March 28.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – A Van Zandt County Judge issued a disaster declaration before the total solar eclipse coming up on April 8. According to our news partner KETK, the disaster was declared from April 5-April 9. Officials with the county say the declaration will give the county more options during that time. Van Zandt County will be in the path of totality for up to four minutes on April 8 around 12:24 p.m. The county expects a drastic increase in population and a strain on their resources.

County Judge Andy Reese said in the disaster declaration, “We are expecting a large influx of people, overcrowding of our roads and parking lots, possible fuel and food shortages and possible limited cell phone service. We would encourage Van Zandt County residents to stay home and avoid driving if possible on April 8, expect travel delays and know alternate routes, fuel up vehicles, purchase groceries and supplies and refill prescriptions prior to the event.”

Judge Reese also submitted a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, asking for a state-issued declaration of disaster as well.

JACKSONVILLE – One person is dead and another is in critical condition after a Monday night shooting in Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK, a 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder. Because he’s a juvenile, his name will not be released. The victims in the shooting have been identified as a pair of brothers from Bullard. The The 15-year-old was killed, while the 17-year-old remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Jacksonville Police said in a release, they were alerted to the shooting on South Jackson Street around 10:22 p.m. Monday. When law enforcement arrived, they found the two brothers with gunshot wounds. They were taken to seperate hospitals where one brother died and the other is in critical condition. Jacksonville PD with the help of the Texas Rangers are continuing their investigation into the case. They ask if you have information, to call them at 903-586-2546.

LONGVIEW – Officials for the annual 2024 Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview have announced the entertainment card for the event. According to our news partner KETK, this years headliner is country singer Mark Wills. The 50-year-old Georgia native had a number six hit nationally in 1996 with ‘Jacob’s Ladder’. Wills followed that up with ‘I Do (Cherish You)’, which was number two on the country charts.

On Friday Night June 14, Jenn Ford and the Wide Eyed Devils along with The Hollow Decks will be taking the stage. On Saturday night, Texas native and country singer Danielle Bradberry, who also won Season 4 of NBC’s The Voice will open the night. With Mark Wills headlining the evening.

The Great Texas Balloon Race begins June 12 with a competition flight over Longview. To buy tickets and to get more information on the Great Texas Balloon Race, click here.

TYLER – Our news partner KETK reports that Lance Phillips, 40, has been arrested on multiple charges including the assault of a public servant. He was held in contempt at a meeting where he signed up to give public comment on three agenda items. A video shows Phillips saying he is with God and reciting scripture from Ephesians. Smith County Judge Neal Franklin can be heard shortly after reminding Phillips to speak only on the agenda items. He was then seen leaving the court escorted by officers while shouting his arrest goes against his First Amendment rights. Lance was booked into the Smith County Jail for contempt, resisting arrest, hindering proceedings by disorderly conduct and assault of a public servant. His bonds total $200,000.

LUFKIN – A 2-year-old is dead after he was found unresponsive in a pond at a family gathering on Sunday in Lufkin according to our news partners at KETK. According to the Lufkin Police Department, officials responded to a family gathering at around 7 p.m. on Sunday after a 2-year-old of the family was found unresponsive in a pond. According to a statement from police, the family immediately began life-saving measures, which were continued by officials upon their arrival. According to the Lufkin PD, paramedics took the child to a local hospital where he later died. Continue reading Toddler dead after falling into pond

CARTHAGE – A Carthage High School teacher has been named as one of 50 finalists statewide for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. According to our news partner, Carthage High School teacher Catherine Jackson is a finalist for a Lifetime Achievement Award. H-E-B said in a release, that 50 finalists were named statewide. Teacher finalists received a $1,000 check for themselves while their schools received a $1,500 check. Officials at Carthage ISD said that as a finalist, Jackson is eligible to win a $25,000 prize for herself and a $25,000 grant for Carthage ISD. Those will be announced on May 5.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department said a student was apprehended after they allegedly made a terroristic threat to Pine Tree ISD on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, officials said were made aware of the threat on a social media platform Sunday around around 11 p.m. After an investigation by Longview Police, the student was taken into custody, charged with make a terroristic and is currently in the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating after a man was shot in the ankle Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, officers said they received conflicting stories about where the shooting took place, but said a property on Lenox Avenue is of interest to the investigation. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of the not life-threatening injury. Tyler Police Department Public Information officer Andy Erbaugh said investigation is ongoing.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine received a $400,000 gift from an anonymous donor to support the hospice and palliative medicine fellowship. According to a press release from the school, the purpose of the gift is to retain physicians in the East Texas region. After a doctor graduates from medical school and residency, completing a fellowship can offer them additional specialization and differentiate them from other candidates. As the last piece of a physician’s medical education, a fellowship often determines where they stay for the rest of their practice.

“This generous donation to our hospice and palliative medicine fellowship program signifies a significant step forward in our mission to provide exceptional health care services to the East Texas community,” said Dr. Brigham C. Willis, School of Medicine founding dean. Continue reading UT Tyler School of Medicine receives $400k from anonymous donor

LINDALE – The Tyler district of the Texas Department of Transportation said that Interstate 20 westbound at US Highway 69 will be closed until noon on Monday. The closure is needed as crews will be setting up large cranes in the westbound lanes to haul away a heavy load stuck in the median since last month, according to TxDOT. I-20 westbound will exit the interstate at exit 557 and will go north through Lindale on US 69 to FM 16 and back to I-20 by taking FM 849 south through Hideaway.

The northbound outside lane of US 69 will also be temporarily closed off to help I-20 traffic get redirected onto US 69. TxDOT asked motorists to plan ahead, follow posted signs and prepare for delays.