KTBB News, Weather, Talk

WHITEHOUSE — The City of Whitehouse is under a boil water notice after a company working to install fiber hit a water main Wednesday evening. The city released the following statement Thursday: “Crews completed repairs to the damaged water main at approximately 1 a.m. We are currently flushing water lines and anticipate delivering water samples to the lab for testing today. That testing process takes approximately 24 hours before we will receive results. ” They said they expect an update at some point Friday. Continue reading Update: Boil water notice issued for Whitehouse

LUFKIN – The Ellen Trout Zoo in Lukfin announced that Paddy, a female white rhinoceros died Wednesday night at the zoo. According to our news partner KETK, she died after contracting a bacterial disease. Paddy became part of the zoo in 2014 as a mate for Bwana. Texas A&M University is performing a necropsy to determine the precise cause of death. Paddy was 28 years old when she died.

ATHENS – Dozens of community members were inside the Athens ISD Administration Building for nearly five hours regarding the school board’s decision whether to terminate educator Jennifer Risinger at a special meeting on Wednesday. The district found Risinger broke several school policies in answering a plea from a student that she claimed needed help. Before the board went into executive session, people shared their feelings. “I can honestly say I’m embarrassed to be a Hornet,” said one student. Continue reading Athens school board terminates educator

TYLER — On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the City Council accepted a donation of $67,000.00 to erect a new memorial heart bell pavilion with a bench and plaque on the south end of the Rose Rudman/South Tyler Trail System. The Lella family donated the funds to erect a memorial pavilion in honor of a beloved family member who passed away from heart disease. The structure will be similar to the existing Tyler Cancer Bell pavilion located at the north end of the Rose Rudman Trail System. “Part of planning for our future is honoring our past,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Leanne Robinette. “We’re honored that the Lella family wants to remember not only their family member but other patients, families, and caregivers on our trails.” Continue reading Tyler receives donation for park memorial

TYLER — Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips and her son Derek were indicted last week for interfering with public duties. According to our news partner KETK, the charges stem from an incident in March where officials said Karen and Derek tried to interfere with the traffic stop of Derek’s friend. Bodycam footage captured the incident, showing a long dispute before their arrests. Derek was additionally indicted for resisting arrest or transport and evading arrest/detention. The indictments were handed down by a grand jury on Nov. 2. Interfering with public duties is a Class B Misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.

SMITH COUNTY — A Waco man was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Tuesday for charges related to the 2020 shooting death of a man in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, Joshua Tibbits, 32, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity in connection to the 2020 shooting death of a motorcyclist. Smith County officials at the time said 33-year-old Brandon Edwards was riding his motorcycle when he was shot and three men, including Tibbits, were arrested and identified as gang members. According to an arrest warrant, Edwards was wearing a jacket that depicted him as a member of the Cossacks Motorcycle Club and security footage showed a truck chasing Edwards near where he was killed. Tibbit’s trial began on Oct. 30, and he was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity on Tuesday. Later that same day, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying people who have repeatedly littered at the Lindale City Cemetery according to our news partners at KETK. Police said the first time they found “general trash” at the end of the driveway. The second time, police reportedly found two high backed bar chairs halfway down the driveway. Tuesday, police found a cabinet with two parts on top of a grave. “Illegal dumping is a big problem, but doing on graves is very disrespectful,” Lindale PD said in a statement. Lindale PD asks anyone who recognizes the items or who might have dumped it, to call them at 903-882-3313.

SMITH COUNTY — Non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed Friday, November 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day. County offices will reopen on Monday, November 13, for normal business hours. The Commissioners Court on Tuesday adopted a resolution proclaiming Saturday, November 11, 2023, as Veterans Day in Smith County, thanking all County employees who are veterans, as well as all veterans in the community, who have selflessly and courageously served our country to protect our freedoms. Smith County has at least 80 employees who are veterans, serving the community through their positions in county. Thank you all for your service to our country and our county!

LONGVIEW — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced that a Longview man pleaded guilty to two felony charges brought after he attended the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Taylor Nichols, 32, of Longview, plead guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, according to a press release. U.S. District Judge Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth has reportedly accepted the plea and Nichols has been remanded into custody of law enforcement. The plea agreement hearing took place Nov. 7. Nichols had rejected previous plea deal offers from government prosecutors. Continue reading Longview man pleads guilty to Capitol riot charges

EAST TEXAS — The unofficial results from the November 7 election are in. More than a dozen proposed Texas constitutional amendments were on the ballot Tuesday, addressing laws on everything from property taxes and water projects to preventing what some call “wealth taxes.” Continue reading Election results for November 7

ANDERSON Co. – According to a preliminary investigation, a 2001 Ford F-150 Pickup operated by Terry McMillian, 49 of Seagoville, was traveling west on US 175 when he struck 67 year old Frankston native Russell Warrington. Warrington was stationary on a bicycle in the eastbound lane of US 175. This investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available. Warrington was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace Gary Thomas. McMillian was not wearing a seat belt.

TYLER – The woman who died in a mobile home fire early Sunday has been identified as Jimmie Crossland Finn, 71 of Tyler. On Sunday November 5, 2023, at about 2:45 a.m., the Smith County Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a mobile home on fire in the 11100 Block of Spur 248, Tyler. Continue reading Woman who died in Sunday fire identified