KTBB News, Weather, Talk

NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches Police Department said that one man is dead after a crash happened in the 2200 block of Southeast Stallings Drive around 4:34 p.m. on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK the driver may have been having a medical emergency while heading eastbound when the crash happened. According to Nacogdoches Police Department, the man was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. A passenger in the vehicle only got minor injuries in the crash and officials are withholding the deceased until their family can be notified.

TYLER — A University of Texas at Tyler professor was awarded over $300,000 from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Santosh Aryal, an associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences and health outcomes, received a $307,859 subaward to improve models for future nanomedicine testing that will help reduce animal testing, our news partner KETK reports. According to a release from UT Tyler, Aryal specializes in nanotechnology and nanomedicine that focuses on using camouflaged nanoparticles to treat cancer. Receiving this award is truly a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Fisch College of Pharmacy faculty and the supportive environment at UT Tyler. It’s an honor to be part of a community that fosters innovation and pushes the boundaries of scientific discovery,” said Aryal. Continue reading UT Tyler professor awarded over $300,000

ANDERSON COUNTY — The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said that a man died in the Anderson County Jail on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Rodney Lynn McKenzie, 47, was arrested by Frankston Police just before midnight on Thursday, October 5 on two outstanding traffic warrants issued by Anderson County Justice Court, Precinct 2. McKenzie was taken to Anderson County Jail and reportedly screened by medical staff before being booked. From 1:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday Oct. 6 he was held in the booking area before he was moved into a cell. Around 6 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning jail staff reportedly saw McKenzie moving in the cell. At 10:05 a.m. inmates notified the control operator by intercom that McKenzie was reportedly in “medical distress”, according to the sheriff’s office. Continue reading Anderson County Jail death under investigation

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department said on Friday they are investigating several incidents of a recent scam. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said most of the victims were elderly. Officials said victims reported that in store aisles and parking lots, someone would drop cash and after they picked up the cash and put it in their wallet, the person would approach the victim and tell them it’s their money. “Then, when the victim exposes their wallet, they or another suspect will steal the wallet or items from it,” officials said. One resident who frequently goes into Hobby Lobby said he’s concerned. Police said it has also been reported that a suspect will drop cash by a register after they see someone has put their debit card in the machine. One suspect will then confront the victim about the money while another takes the debit card from the machine. Continue reading Tyler Police investigate in-person parking lot scam

BRAZORIA — A Tyler man is back in custody after allegedly walking away from a prison trusty camp. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and our news partner KETK, Cadarion Avery, 22, was serving a 5-year sentence for a theft out of Smith County when he left the camp around 11:30 p.m. Friday night. The trusty camp, a housing location outside the main prison for inmates with nonviolent offenses, was located at the Clemens Unit in Brazoria. He was found on Saturday just before 8:00 a.m. near the Clemens Unit, according to TDCJ. Avery will now face felony escape charges.

LONGVIEW – On Saturday, Oct. 7, portions of downtown Longview will be closed for the Longview Great Pumpkin Roll, Ollie’s Skate Shop Downtown Takeover, and Longview Cruisers Cruise Night.

Road Closures for the Event
Friday, Oct. 6 beginning at 6 p.m. – Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.
Westbound lane of Tyler Street from Center to High St.

Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Westbound and Eastbound of Tyler Street from Center to High Street, Center Street from 420 N. Center to Tyler Street, and Methvin Street from Center to Fredonia.

TYLER – A 22-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Friday for his role in the June 2021 shooting death of a Tyler teen. Jason Edward Rhodes, of Tyler, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened outside of a residence on Omega Drive and left Jesse McNeely, 17,  dead from a gunshot wound. In December of 2022, Rhodes was initially arrested for capital murder. He lead Tyler Police on a brief chase after being named as a suspect. Rhodes was indited for armed robbery on Sept. 9, 2021. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to prison for 2021 murder

TYLER – After Tuesday’s historic vote that removed Rep. Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of The House, the search for his replacement begins. Our news partner KETK spoke with local Rep. Nathaniel Moran, (R) Texas. In their conversation he said, “Right now, everything in the house comes to a halt.” Eight Republicans voted for McCarthy to step down, and four East Texas congressmen chose to keep McCarthy as Speaker. Moran also gave his thoughts on who the front-runners are for the position. “The two primary candidates right now are Steve Scalise, who’s the majority leader, and chairman, Jim Jordan, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, both of those men would be fantastic Speakers of The House,” said Moran. He concluded by saying that no matter who gets chosen, it will be a hard road ahead.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been arrested after he reportedly hit and killed a bicyclist while driving intoxicated. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police Public Information Officer Brandon Thornton said that Sergio Retana-Garcia, 28, was driving westbound on East Marshall Avenue when he collided with an individual who was riding their bike while traveling in the same direction. Retana-Garcia reportedly drove away from the scene and the individual was pronounced dead by authorities. Retana-Garcia was later found and booked into the Gregg County Jail for driving while intoxicated 3rd or more and collision involving death.

TYLER – Pets Fur People is having Pets in the Park this Saturday at Bergfeld Park in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, this is their free annual event. Pets in the Park hours Saturday are 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. rain or shine. Whether you have a four-legged family member or not, the fundraiser will be a great way for dog owners meet other dog owners. Pets in the Park will feature food trucks, face painting, raffle prizes and the always popular weenie dog races.

TYLER – A Tyler man was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to second-degree felony child endangerment after his January arrest. Our colleagues at KETK report that Paul Hanna, 38 of Tyler, was arrested in January after his 1-year-old daughter was found, strapped into her car seat, on the side of Rhones Quarter Road. He was booked into the Smith County Jail that night for child endangerment and driving while intoxicated second offense. Police reported at the time of the incident that Hanna was located shortly after the child was found after receiving reports of a drunk driver at a gas station on Troup Highway. Continue reading Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for child endangerment

RUSK COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report the City Attorney for both Henderson and Tatum, Joe Edward Shumate, was booked at the Rusk County Jail Wednesday on two felony charges. According to the records on the Rusk County Sheriff Office’s website, Shumate was arrested and charged with a first degree felony of misapplication of fiduciary property or property of financial institution, greater than or equal to $300,000 and first degree felony theft of property, greater than or equal to $300,000. The attorney has since been released on bond.