KTBB News, Weather, Talk

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report detailing the events that led up to an East Texas pilot crashing his plane in Gordonville, Texas. According to KETK, FlightAware logs indicated a plane left from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport just before 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30, en route to the Gordonville Airport. The fixed wing single-engine plane crashed just after 4:00 p.m. near the Texas-Oklahoma border. A witness at the scene says the plane hit a house and then crashed in the yard. The collision caused the house to then catch fire. The pilot, Robert Gentry, 61, of Tyler; Karen Christian, 51; and two minors identified as Gentry’s daughter, Annie, 14, and Colin Howell, 17, were on board at the time of the crash. The full report released by the NTSB can be read below: Continue reading Preliminary Report Released Detailing Tylerite’s March Plane Crash

GREGG COUNTY — Deputies are investigating a reported oilfield theft in Gregg County. According to KETK, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office says around 3:10 Tuesday morning, authorities responded to a theft and criminal mischief report at an oilfield location off FM 2012 near Highway 31. An oilfield operator told law enforcement he saw a person stealing copper wire and damage equipment at the site. As the bandit was leaving the area, he dropped the trailer he was pulling and rammed the side of the operator’s truck, causing some damage to the vehicle, according to officials. The operator followed the suspect to Rusk County before losing the man on County Road 138. Continue reading Authorities: Thief Caught Stealing from Oilfield but Gets Away

TYLER — Bishop Edmond Carmody has announced his retirement as vicar general of the Diocese of Tyler. According to the diocese website, Bishop Carmody served as Bishop Joseph E. Strickland’s vicar general and chaplain of Bishop Gorman Schools since December of 2012. “The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Tyler were extraordinarily blessed to have Bishop Carmody serve as vicar general for the past two years,” Bishop Strickland said. “His tireless efforts, especially in the areas of Catholic education and our Bishop’s Annual Appeal, were of great and lasting benefit to the people of the 33 counties of the diocese.” Continue reading Bishop Carmody Announces Retirement as Vicar General

TYLER — One person is dead and three injured in a Tuesday morning collision in Tyler. Shortly after 7:15 yesterday morning, Tyler police, fire, and EMS personnel responded to the two-vehicle head-on crash on Highway 69 North near County Road 427. Accident investigators continue to determine why both vehicles struck each other in the turn lane. The driver of a 1995 Buick Century who was traveling northbound was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers. He was identified as Tyler Steven Galpin, 19, of Whitehouse. The driver and passengers of a 2005 Nissan Titan, who were traveling southbound, were identified as Monica Cook, 45, of Lindale, and her two daughters, Kathin Cook, 16, and Paige Cook, 11. All three were transported to a local hospital by EMS.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man arrested last week for allegedly soliciting a minor, may have victimized other children. Longview police are encouraging anyone with additional information about Joey Huddleston, to contact Detective Audrey Wright at 903-237-1106. Huddleston, 34, a former Longview middle school employee, was arrested last week after being accused of soliciting a minor through the internet and text messages. During their investigation, officers learned other children may have been involved. Continue reading Other Kids May Have Been Victims of Longview Suspect

GREGG COUNTY — The body of a Weatherford man has been recovered from the Sabine River after his vehicle ran off the road and into the river. KETK reports the wreck happened around 6 p.m. on Sunday off I-20 near mile marker 593 in Gregg County. Officers say after several hours, a dive team was able to recover the body of Dwayne Obermeyer, 65. Troopers say the accident involved two eastbound pickup trucks. According to officials, Obermeyer was trying to pass the other driver when the back of his truck clipped another vehicle. Obermeyer’s truck then hit a guardrail before leaving the highway.

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies are currently on the lookout for a suspect wanted in Smith County and Desoto Parish, Louisiana. Officials say Jacorroyn Lavell Wilson is wanted out of Smith County for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and bond forfeiture-engaging in organized crime in Desoto Parish, Louisiana. Wilson is also a suspect in a homicide investigation from Desoto Parish and is believed to be in the Tyler area. The homicide victim’s truck was located in Tyler near Winters Park. If you have any information as to Wilson’s whereabouts, you’re asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 903-597-2833 or Investigator James Riggle at 903-590-2683.

TYLER — A controversial school zone camera plan has been halted for the time being, according to Smith County Judge Joel Baker’s blog. KETK reports the program, provided by American Traffic Solutions (ATS), would include five cameras that would rotate school zones outside city limits. When the announcement was first made, Judge Baker said he believed the cameras would create “a more efficient way to enforce laws that are already in place.” In his blog, the judge says “misinformation is turning a reasonable idea into a big misunderstanding.” Baker also stated he has asked ATS to delay the implementation for the time being. Continue reading Smith County School Zone Cameras Delayed

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Transportation has awarded funding to three area airports to make improvements to their facilities. According to information from TxDOT, approximately $981,685 was approved for pavement improvements at Cherokee County Airport. Officials say a project bid will be made this spring. Approximately $680,000 was approved for Palestine Municipal Airport, also for pavement improvements, with a bid on that project also due this spring. Approximately $150,000 was approved for Athens Municipal Airport to update that facility’s master plan. A consultant for that project will be selected this summer, according to officials. Continue reading Three East Texas Airports Get TxDOT Funding

VAN ZANDT — The uncle of a murdered Greenville teenager went on trial Monday in Van Zandt County. The death penalty is off the table. In this capital murder trial, prosecutors are seeking a life prison term for Michael Moore. He’s accused of the November, 2012 murder of his 16-year-old niece, Alicia Moore. She was last seen alive getting off a school bus a block from her home. Her body was found stuffed in a wicker trunk in rural Van Zandt County days later. Court documents show police suspected Michael Moore but had to wait for DNA testing results. Moore denied any involvement in his niece’s death during a jailhouse interview with KRLD news. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

TYLER — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of May 4. Schedules are subject to change due to weather, equipment or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in these and all work zones.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct base repair work on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 and Farm Road 16 as well as on Farm Road 1805 between Farm Road 1253 and the Van Zandt County line. Expect the roadway to be reduced to one lane with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

TYLER — The city of Tyler has announced a new financial data platform that provides residents and city officials unprecedented access to the city’s budget information, according to a news release. The powerful visualization software transforms volumes of raw data into actionable insight and information, enabling better analysis and understanding of the city’s budget, according to officials. Continue reading City of Tyler Launches Interactive Budget Transparency Platform

WINONA — One person was killed after being ejected from his car and then run over in Smith County. The accident happened between 3:00 and 4:00 Sunday morning on Interstate Highway 20 near Winona. The Department of Public Safety reports Dallas-area resident Ouiang Pei, 48, lost control of his vehicle, causing it to roll several times. Pei was then ejected into the middle of the roadway. An 18-wheeler, driven by Bruce Leissen, 54, of South Carolina, then struck the vehicle and ran over Pei. The 18-wheeler then ran into a barrier. Pei was pronounced dead at the scene. Leissen was taken to East Texas Medical center for treatment.

TYLER (Staff/AP) — Dozens gathered Saturday evening at Tyler’s Southside Park in the wake of the devastating April 25 earthquake in Nepal. The East Texas Nepali community organized the program and candlelight vigil, with the Red Cross on hand to collect donations. A Nepali community spokeswoman said the purpose was to remember the victims who were lost and help those who were left behind. Thoughts and prayers were offered by several people, who also represented the local Christian, Indian, Muslim, and Filipino communities. A moment of silence was observed, followed by a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” One speaker talked about a friend of hers who has gone missing in Nepal following the earthquake. According to figures this weekend from the Associated Press, the earthquake has killed nearly 7,000 people.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is asking for assistance identifying a man believed to be connected to a recent crime. According to KETK, police said the man pictured is wanted for questioning in a fraud case. If you have any information on this person, contact Det. Tim Dukes at the Kilgore Police Department at (903) 218-6904 reference case 1504-1360 or call Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867) and refer to this case number.

LONGVIEW — 25-year-old Brendan Douglas was sentenced by Judge Alfonso Charles to life in prison without parole Friday after a Gregg County jury found him guilty of capital murder. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the case involves the May 15, 2012, death of Douglas’s friend, 23-year-old DeAundray Rossum, at Signal Hill Apartments in Longview. Douglas was accused of plotting to kill and rob Rossum; brothers Torry and Deion Reed also are charged in Rossum’s death and are accused of firing the guns that — under Douglas’s orders — killed Rossum. The Reed brothers have not been to trial. Continue reading Longview Man Gets Life Sentence for 2012 Capital Murder

TYLER – Smith County officials say Lacy Layne Taylor drew a 32-year prison sentence after pleading guilty Thursday to meth and child endangerment charges. According to a news release from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, from September through October of 2014, sheriff’s investigators and federal agents had been focusing on the methamphetamine distribution activities of Taylor and her boyfriend, Drew Michael Mizzles. On October 22, local and federal law enforcement personnel executed a narcotics search warrant at 15834 Highway 64 East in Tyler. Officials say they learned Taylor was the mother of three children aged six years, two years, and six months, who were all residing in the home with Taylor and Mizzles. Continue reading Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth, Child Endangerment Charges; Gets 32 Years

TYLER — Everything got back to normal by mid-afternoon following a brief scare at UT Tyler Friday — which just happened to be commencement day. UTT’s Beverley Golden says a call came in around 1:30 p.m. indicating a male had reported he was going to blow up UTT’s Ratliff Building North. As a precaution, says Golden, the university evacuated Ratliff Building North and adjacent Ratliff Building South. According to Golden, the building was searched, nothing suspicious was found, and the all-clear was issued around 2:50 p.m. Golden couldn’t immediately comment on any possible investigation of the incident. She also said there’s no known connection between Friday’s threat and a similar incident Thursday in which someone threatened to blow up the university. The all-clear was issued in that case as well.

TYLER – Smith County authorities have issued an arrest warrant in an aggravated sexual assault investigation. On Thursday, Smith County Sheriff’s Patrol units were dispatched to the ETMC Emergency Room in reference to an assault family violence at 9132 Nelray in Tyler. On arrival deputies contacted the victim, who stated that she had been beaten, held against her will, and sexually assaulted at a residence located in the 9100 block of Nelray. Sheriff’s detectives were called to ETMC, where the victim was further interviewed. The victim also had a two-month-old child with her that she reported as being used as manipulation during the assault. A SANE Exam of the victim was completed at ETMC. Continue reading Arrest Warrant Issued in Aggravated Sexual Assault Probe

CANTON — Van Zandt County Sheriff Michael Lindsey Ray is commenting about the recent arrests of 22 defendants on state and federal charges as the result of two multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional investigations spearheaded by his office. Both cases date to last year. One involved drugs, the other an allegedly illegal horse racing facility in the southern part of the county, near FM 3080. Continue reading 22 Rounded Up in Two Major Van Zandt County Cases

LUFKIN (AP/Staff) – Authorities say a Lufkin man already on probation is jailed after his probation officer discovered he had a shampoo bottle filled with urine taped to his genitals in an attempt to falsify a drug screening test. According to The Lufkin Daily News, police reports indicate the probation officer for 20-year-old Travion Williams became suspicious when the Lufkin man didn’t want the officer watching him provide urine for the test this week. The officer said that’s when he noticed the bottle taped to Williams. Williams told police he was trying to fake the drug screen. He was taken to jail and the bottle and its contents held as evidence.

LONGVIEW — One person was injured Thursday night in a Longview shooting. According to KETK, Longview police say officers responded to reports of a shooting victim at a local hospital. When investigators arrived, the victim was uncooperative and would not provide police with information, according to authorities. Officer Kristie Brian said at 9:58 p.m., the victim and an unknown person were involved in an argument that led to gunfire outside a home at the intersection of Margo Street and Howard Street. The victim is expected to make a full recovery. Police have no persons of interest at this time. The case remains under investigation.

AUSTIN — “Kari’s law” is headed to Governor Abbott’s desk. The bill means anyone trying to call police from a multi-line phone system, at a hotel or motel for example, will not have to dial for an outside line first. It has passed the Senate and now the House, and it was named for Kari Hunt Dunn. Her estranged husband murdered her in a Marshall hotel room in 2013 while her daughter tried in vain to call 911. Kari’s dad, Hank Hunt, pushed for the law. He says, “I’m not sure, kind of mixed emotions. I wish I didn’t have to be doing it, but I feel like I need to and just be glad that my home state did it and did it unanimously.” His hope is that the measure will eventually become federal law.

TYLER — One man is in custody following a stabbing that left one man hospitalized. It happened around 10:10 Thursday night in the 1100 block of Queen Street. Officers said the victim had been stabbed multiple times during a physical altercation. The victim was transported by private vehicle to Trinity Mother Frances, where he is being treated for his wounds and is said to be in serious condition. Investigators have arrested Calvin Dewayne Carter, 30, of Tyler for the aggravated assault on Eric Montreal Benson, 31, of Tyler. Carter (pictured) has been placed in the Smith County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

TYLER — Tyler police continue to investigate a shooting that has left one person dead and one injured. It happened around 10:00 Thursday night on the 2100 block of Brookhaven Drive. Officers said it began as an altercation among several men in two separate vehicles in the 5000 block of Troup Highway. It ended when one vehicle pulled into a driveway on Brookhaven with the other vehicle following. Police say the driver approached the two men in the front car and shot them, killing the driver. The passenger was taken to East Texas Medical Center for treatment. Continue reading One Dead, One Injured in Tyler Shooting

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District is awarding the 2015 W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award to Dr. Paul McGaha. A news release says Dr. McGaha is receiving the award because has demonstrated a true commitment to protect and promote the health of the public. For 30 years, Dr. McGaha has been a leader in public health in Texas and is sincerely dedicated to improving the lives of the citizens in East Texas. His constant leadership through many public health initiatives has set a precedence of excellence, commitment, and accomplishment across the state. Dr. McGaha’s wisdom and advice is highly sought when responding to a public health threat or when implementing a prevention program. Continue reading 2015 W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award Recipient Announced

TYLER — John Tyler High School senior Carneisha Daniels has been selected as a member of the Class of 2015 Gates Millennium Scholars. Each year more than 54,000 students from across the nation apply, but only 1,000 are selected as Gates Millennium Scholars. The program, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education at a school of their choice in any discipline area of interest. Continue reading John Tyler Student Selected as Gates Millennium Scholar