KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Marshal’s office is reminding all residents that, in accordance with the Tyler Fire Code, the discharging of fireworks without a permit within city limits is strictly prohibited. This regulation is enforced to ensure the safety and peace of all community members.

As the City and community continue to recover from recent storms, it is especially critical to adhere to this ordinance. The presence of storm debris across Tyler poses significant hazards. Fireworks can easily ignite this debris, potentially leading to dangerous fires that could threaten homes and lives.

“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in keeping our city safe, particularly during this critical time of recovery and rebuilding,” said Fire Marshal Joey Hooton. “Let’s work together to ensure a safe and peaceful Fourth of July holiday for everyone.” Continue reading City of Tyler urges residents to refrain from fireworks

PALESTINE — Two people were arrested on Friday in Palestine after reportedly holding a woman against her will at a Palestine motel. According to our news partner KETK, the Palestine police officers were dispatched to a motel in Palestine after receiving text messages from their 911 system from a woman claiming she was being held by a man and asked for help. Officers knocked at the door of the motel room and got no answer. Hotel staff told officers that the room was rented by a woman identified as Cesilia Salinas. Salinas was wanted on felony warrants from Smith County and had a bond totaling $500,000.

“The texts indicated that the victim was in the room with the male and a female who were drunk and using methamphetamine. The victim claimed she was being thrown to the bed when she tried to get up to leave and she stated she was scared,” Palestine PD said. The victim reportedly said Salinas was flushing methamphetamine while officers were attempting to breach the door. When officers entered the room, they found Salinas hiding in the bathroom. Continue reading Two arrested for unlawful restraint in Palestine

AUSTIN (AP) – A Texas court on Monday set an execution date for Robert Roberson, who was sentenced to death in 2003 for killing his 2-year-old daughter but has consistently challenged the conviction on the claim that it was based on questionable science.

Roberson has maintained his innocence while being held on death row for more than 20 years. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals previously halted his execution in 2016. But in 2023, the state’s highest criminal court decided that doubt over the cause of his daughter’s death was not enough to overturn his death sentence.

His new execution date is set for Oct. 17. Continue reading Texas sets execution date for East Texas man

SMITH COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a Collin County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) investigation has led to a Smith County minor being arrested in connection to multiple bomb threats made to East Texas Brookshire’s stores and other locations nationwide. The suspect was also reportedly linked to bomb threats at schools in the Tyler area, Cy-Fairbanks ISD near Houston and Mission ISD. The suspect’s activities also reportedly spanned across Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The CCSO said investigators identified over 100 locations targeted by the hoaxes. The investigation was assisted by the Tyler Police Department, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.

KILGORE – A former Kilgore ISD choir teacher has been sentenced to 10 years in jail in connection to an improper relationship with a student in 2022. According to our news partner KETK, 38-year-old Phillip Nix of Seymour was arrested in July of 2022, after the Kilgore Police began an investigation of him based on information given to them by the district.

Kilgore ISD told police about an improper relationship between Nix and a teenage student in March of 2021. Nix reportedly worked at Kilgore High School as their choir director from the fall of 2019 till the end of the 2021 school year when he resigned.

Gregg County court records reveal that Nix pleaded guilty to one count of an improper relationship between educator/student on Monday. His 10-year sentence began Monday at the Gregg County Jail.

SMITH COUNTY – Our partners at KETK report the Smith County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is currently investigating a murder that took place on Sunday evening. At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday deputies of the sheriff’s office responded to a shooting in the 8900 block of CR 4136. Smith County Communications had reportedly received information that a man had been shot multiple times and was not breathing. Officials said that when the deputies arrived, they found the man in a bedroom of the residence and he confirmed that he had been shot. Deputies began lifesaving measures until EMS arrived, however the man, identified as 21-year-old Kelly Torrez, was pronounced dead shortly after. The sheriff’s office identified Melvin Guevara, 21 of Tyler, as the suspect. Continue reading Man charged with murder after Sunday night shooting

TYLER – Tyler Animal Services is partnering with Special Olympics of Texas to raise funds for the nonprofit. During the month of July, adoption fees for dogs and cats will be waived with proof of a donation to the Special Olympics of Texas. Donations can be made in person at the Tyler Animal Shelter located at 4218 Chandler Hwy Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Continue reading Tyler Animal Services offering free adoptions with donations

ATHENS — The Athens Animal Services said on Monday that their shelter had been broken into and vandalized. According to our news partner KETK, the shelter said all three buildings were broken into, causing several thousands of dollars in damages. Officials from the shelter provided a link for those wanting to help. Those who wish to make a monetary donation can do so at Athens City Hall. For donation items such as newspapers, towels, blankets, toys and food, people can drop them off at animal services.

EAST TEXAS — The deadline for applying for FEMA assistance has been extended to Aug. 15. This means disaster survivors in Texas now have a little more time to apply for FEMA assistance. However, disaster survivors are encouraged to not wait. The sooner they apply, the sooner they may be eligible for assistance to help with their recovery from the recent storms.

Homeowners and renters in Austin, Bell, Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Falls, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hockley, Jasper, Jones, Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Smith, Terrell, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker and Waller counties with uninsured losses from the storms and flooding that occurred April 26-June 5 may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, click here.

Texans do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters can go online here.

CUSHING – Our news partner KETK is reporting that one driver was injured after being ejected in a rollover crash on FM 225 near Cushing on Sunday. The crash happened on Sunday afternoon at around 2:19 p.m. in the 7900 block of FM 225. The Lilbert-Looneyville Volunteer Fire Department said that the rollover happened when the truck’s front left tire blew out and the driver lost control before being ejected from the vehicle. The driver was then taken by Nacogdoches County EMS to be treated at a local hospital. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS also responded to the scene.

KILGORE – Kilgore officials have said that a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 shutdown east bound traffic on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened near the 589 A exit and involved multiple vehicles and reported livestock. Law enforcement will continue to be on the scene for a while as they clear vehicles and livestock from the roadway.

The Kilgore Police Department reported that Interstate 20 was shutdown at Highway 42 and diverted on to FM 1252.

NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches Police Department said that a man drowned at Lake Nacogdoches on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to the west side park at the lake at around 7:11 p.m. after getting reports of a man who possibly drowned. Nacogdoches PD, Nacogdoches Fire Department, Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Game Wardens all searched the area for the man. The Nacogdoches Police and Fire Rescue Dive Team were then called in to help and they found the man hours later, reportedly near where he last went under the water.

Preliminary Information gathered from the area showed that Caleb Arthurs, 37 of Nacogdoches, was swimming at the lake with friends and family when he was last seen, a Nacogdoches PD press release shows. Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 has requested that an autopsy be done and Nacogdoches PD said more information will be released when available.

The City of Nacogdoches Parks and Recreation Department announced that the swimming area at Lake Nacogdoches West will be closed until further notice.