KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Tyler-area taxpayers will get to have their say at a meeting of TJC trustees this afternoon. The college’s board is considering an increase in tax revenue for the coming fiscal year. The meeting gets underway at 5:30 in the board room at the White Administrative Services Center. A second public hearing is scheduled for August 21 at 11:00am in the same location.

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is seeking the identity of a person who may have recently burglarized a local business. LPD stated the unknown thief took a computer from Walmart. According to KETK, the alleged bandit is believed to be driving an Olds Alero with a spare wheel on the front passenger side. If you have any information on this crime, contact Det. Mike Lazarine at 903) 882-3313.

RUSK – Separate drug cases have resulted in two drug arrests in Cherokee County. Arrested in Jacksonville on Tuesday evening was Kyle Adam Tinsley, 24. He was arrested when a narcotics search warrant was executed at a residence in the 900 block of Alameda Street in Jacksonville. Cherokee County Detectives had been conducting an ongoing investigation into the sale / manufacture of methamphetamine by the suspect. Some of Tinsley’s illegal activity was documented as having occurred at the residence, which is less than 1,000 feet from East Side Elementary and Buckner Park. Continue reading Two Drug Suspects Arrested in Cherokee County

LONGVIEW — Memorial services have been scheduled for a White Oak man killed in a Rusk County pipeline explosion Tuesday afternoon. KETK reports visitation for Conner Wilson, 32, will be held Friday, August 15, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at Rader Funeral Home Chapel in Longview. His funeral service will be held Saturday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m., at Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview. A burial service will be held at the East Mountain Baptist Church cemetery. Wilson was killed after he accidentally hit a live 12-inch pipeline while operating a mulching machine. The contact caused the line to rupture, resulting in the death. Continue reading Services Set for Pipeline Blast Victim

LONGVIEW — Longview is keeping an eye on one of its water sources. KETK reports the city’s about to conduct a study on silt levels in Lake Cherokee. Over time, construction and development in the area can cause silt runoff to build up. This can lead to pollution and lower water levels. Officials say this is the second time such a study has been done. The city isn’t expecting to see much change in Cherokee’s water levels.

LINDALE — There could be plenty of shopping choices coming to Lindale soon. According to KETK, East Texas developer Thedford Crossing and the Lindale Economic Development Corporation are working together to bring their vision of a new retail center to life. The center would include multiple retail stores, a bowling alley, and a movie theatre. City Manager Craig Lindholm says having those new options in town would be great for the Lindale community. The plans for the center are in their early stages. An agreement between the Economic Development Corporation and attorneys must be made. Then the proposition goes through the Lindale City Council. If the retail center proposal does advance, it is expected to be a great economic asset to the region.

TYLER — A Tyler man has been taken into custody for two recent burglaries, making him the third suspect to be arrested in the incidents. On Wednesday, Smith County Sheriffs Office detectives along with the U.S. Marshals Service executed an arrest warrant at the Travelodge motel near the intersection of Highway 69 North and Loop 323. Officials say Devonte Hawkins, 20, is charged with two counts of burglary of a habitation. The warrants were issued by Judge Christi Kennedy, who set bond on each count at $150,000. Hawkins was booked into the Smith County Jail Wednesday afternoon. Continue reading Smith County Authorities Arrest Third Suspect in Recent Burglaries

HENDERSON — A Whitehouse woman has been found guilty of criminally negligent homicide stemming from a 2013 vehicle accident which killed two women and injured one child. According to KETK, the Rusk County District Attorney’s Office reports Ashley Marcella Kubiak was sentenced to 180 days in jail probated for five years. This means if she violates her five-year probation in any way, she will serve the full 180 days. Continue reading Whitehouse Woman Found Guilty of Criminally Negligent Homicide

LONGVIEW – Gregg County authorities have released surveillance video as they continue looking for the suspects who robbed the Austin Bank in the Bar K Ranch Store on U.S. Highway 259. According to KETK, at about 4:06 Monday afternoon, a vehicle pulled next to the northwest side of Austin Bank at the Bar K Ranch store at 5653 Highway 259 North. Two black males got out of the car and the driver remained inside. One of the men, wearing dark clothing, light colored gloves, a face mask, and a large brim hat entered the bank with a long barrel shotgun and said, “Give me the money.” The second man, wearing a light colored hoodie, light colored gloves, jeans and sunglasses, stayed at the doorway to the bank and didn’t speak. Thirteen seconds later, the men returned to the car with an undisclosed amount of cash. The car left south bound on Airline toward Longview. Continue reading Surveillance Video Released in Gregg County Bank Robbery

TYLER — A Smith County jury Tuesday found Dennis Bendy guilty in the murder of Briana Young. Bendy, 20, shot dead Briana Young, 20, at P.T. Cole Park on July 20, 2013. According to police, Young had brought her 3-year-old son to the park when she was later caught in crossfire and shot. KETK reports that During closing arguments, state prosecutors argued Bendy could be found guilty as an individual or as a party with transferred intent — that is, if a group has intent to cause harm and a felony is committed, everyone in the group can be charged. During the trial, the state said Elisha Williams fired the fatal shot, but Bendy had also fired eight bullets from his 9mm Glock. Continue reading Bendy Found Guilty in P.T. Cole Park Shooting

TYLER — The Women in Tyler Planning Committee announced the 2015 Women in Tyler luncheon theme, “Women with a Heart,” on Tuesday at the McClendon House. According to a news release, the community is encouraged to send in nominations for the prestigious award by Sept. 5 to P.O. Box 1432, Tyler, TX 75710. Honorees will be announced in January and will be honored at the Annual Women in Tyler Luncheon on March 19, 2015, at the Rose Garden Center. Continue reading Women in Tyler Committee Announces Theme, Seeks Nominees

TYLER — Authorities are investigating the third East Texas bank robbery in two days. On Tuesday at 10:11 a.m., Tyler police received a hold-up alarm at Austin Bank located at 1230 SSW Loop 323. Police say three black male suspects entered the bank and held the employees at gunpoint. The suspects were wearing dark clothing with covering over their faces, and are believed to be in their 30s, with medium to stocky builds. The suspects left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash in a Ford Crown Victoria. Officers located the suspect vehicle that was abandoned a short time later in the 900 block of Britton Street. The suspects are believed to have switched into a dark gray Nissan Altima and a dark red Dodge Stratus. Continue reading Third Bank Robbery This Week in East Texas

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff’s Office detectives are requesting help in finding a runaway teenage girl in the Flint or Gresham area, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. Admony Daniell Bookout, age 15, has been listed as a runaway since August 4th with SCSO. Bookout is described as a white female, 5’7” weighing 150 pounds. She has blue eyes and reddish blond hair. She left the residence after a reported disturbance between her and her mother on the above date. Continue reading SCSO Seeks Help Finding Runaway Teen

RUSK – Two Cherokee County burglary suspects are in custody. They are thought to be responsible for several burglaries around the Alto area. Arrested are Ryan Barclay Ranniger, 30 and Craig Anthony Wilkins, 22, both of Alto. Ranniger is charged with two counts of burglary of a habitation and one count of burglary of a building. His bonds total $35,000. Wilkins is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, two counts of burglary of a habitation and one count of burglary of a building. His bonds total $135,000. Continue reading Cherokee County Burglary Suspects Arrested

LINDALE – After nearly 17 years, the Rockin’ C Ranch is closing its doors. The camp, billed as a small camp with big fun and huge life lessons, is shutting down. Located on 150 acres, including a ten acre private lake, the ranch is located on County Road 325 near Lindale. Continue reading Smith County’s Rockin’ C Ranch Shutting Down

TYLER – Final arguments were due to be heard today in the Dennis Bendy murder trial in state district court in Tyler. Both the state and the defense rested in the case Monday morning. Before resting, Bendy’s attorney requested a directed verdict in favor of his client. Judge Jack Skeen denied the requests. Following today’s closing arguments and the judge’s charge to the jury, deliberations will begin. Continue reading Bendy Murder Trail Soon to be in the Hands of the Jury

TYLER — UT Tyler Accounting Professor Dr. Mary Fischer has received the 2014 Association of Government Accountants’ Author Award. She was recognized at the association’s annual professional development training in Orlando, Florida. The award recognizes the 12-member AGA Journal Editorial Board’s choice of the best article appearing in the scholarly Journal of Government Financial Management during the 2013 –14 program year. The board chose to recognize Fischer’s co-authored article, “Government’s New Normal: A Changing Role for Auditors,” which was published in the fall 2013 issue. Continue reading National Honors for U-T Tyler Professor

TYLER — Beginning today, Tyler Water Utilities will be closing 9th Street, between Roseland Boulevard and Donnybrook Avenue to through traffic for the installation of a 24-inch water valve. Drivers should use 8th Street and/or Troup Hwy. as alternate routes while 9th Street is closed. It is anticipated that 9th Street will be closed through Friday.

TYLER – Tyler ISD is encouraging parents to avoid the first day rush by registering students early for the 2014-2015 school year. Tyler ISD campuses will be open for parents to register their children beginning Monday, August 11. Continue reading Tyler ISD Encourages Parents to Register Students Early

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating an early morning robbery involving two bank employees. It happened just before 8:00 Monday morning at the Capital One Bank, located at the Loop and New Copeland Road. Tyler police spokesman Don Martin says, two female bank employees were walking back towards the drive-thru building door when they were approached by man who told them to drop the black night deposit bag. He then grabbed the bag and fled in a dark Mercedes Benz, 4- door with no license plates. The suspect is described as a white Male about 6 feet tall, thin build and wearing a suit and had a nylon stocking over his head. Anyone with information about the suspect involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crime stoppers at 903-597-CUFF 903-597-2833. Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

GREGG COUNTY — A convicted sex offender has been arrested and charged with failure to register as a sex offender. Jesse Christian, 32, Fort Worth, was arrested by Longview Police and Gregg County Sheriff’s Deputies on charges of forgery of a financial instrument and a Dallas County warrant for failing to register annually as a sex offender. Christian was held in the Gregg County Jail Saturday on bonds totaling $55,000.

TROUP – A woman has been critically injured after the bike she was riding was hit by a car. The Department of Public Safety reports the accident happened Sunday morning in southern Smith County on Farm Road 3052. Janice Terry is said to be in critical condition at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. A companion bike rider was uninjured. The accident remains under investigation.

WEST RUSK — A West Rusk football player has been killed in a one-vehicle accident several miles outside of Henderson in Rusk County. Adarian Parker, 16, of Henderson, was traveling southeast on Texas Highway 323 Friday when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway striking a tree. Parker was pronounced dead at the scene. Passenger London Martin, 15, was released from the hospital with minor injuries. Continue reading East Texas Football Player Killed in Wreck

TYLER — A $4 million widening project on State Highway 64 will get under way this week in Smith County. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the project, which runs from just east of Chapel Hill to State Highway 135 in Arp, consists of adding a left turn lane at the intersection of County Road 229 (Big Oak Bay Road) as well as mile-long passing lanes at two different locations along the project. The contractor is Drewery Construction Company of Nacogdoches. Motorists should anticipate reduced speed limits and delays due to daytime lane closures. Continue reading TXDOT Projects for the Week Ahead

DALLAS (AP) — Federal authorities have arrested a man suspected of selling drugs to an East Texas man whose mysterious disappearance prompted his family to criticize investigators for mishandling the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Beaumont says Shane Dewayne Hadnot (pictured) has been indicted on charges alleging he sold drugs to Alfred Wright shortly before Wright went missing in November. Wright’s family says law enforcement bungled its search before Wright’s body was found a mile from where he was last seen south of Hemphill, about 170 miles northeast of Houston. Authorities said Friday that Wright’s blood had traces of cocaine, methamphetamine and the antidepressant Xanax. They say text messages confirm Wright arranged to buy the drugs from Hadnot.

LONGVIEW – The suspect in the August 7th shooting with Longview police has died in a Longview hospital. He was earlier identified as Regan Marshall Wagner, 23, Longview. According to a news release, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave for the duration of the investigation being conducted by the Texas Rangers. The shooting occurred during a traffic stop just before 4:00 Thursday afternoon in the 400 block of Delwood Drive, near Akin Park. As the officer tried to pull over a vehicle, there was an exchange of gunfire. The gunman was taken to Longview Regional Hospital, where he later died. The officer involved in the shooting was not injured. Wagner had pleaded guilty earlier this year to terroristic threats against a public servant after threatening to shoot police officers at the department’s central office on Cotton Street.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler offers exceptional on-campus living environments for students, according to Dr. Howard Patterson, vice president for student affairs. UT Tyler is home to more than 1,400 resident students who live in Ornelas Hall, Patriot Village, Eagle’s Landing, and University Pines. And according to a UT Tyler news release, UTT students recognize the outstanding service and quality that is provided through consistent exit survey results. “We are very proud of the positive response from our residents,” said David Hill, director of residence life and judicial affairs. “It’s such a compliment to our staff when they return year after year.” Continue reading Officials: UT Tyler Housing Provides Unique Living Communities

TYLER — The investigation continues into what occurred 711 East Oakwood Street in Tyler, where a teenage girl suffered a single gunshot wound. Hospital officials reported that the victim was out of surgery and listed in critical condition. According to a police news release, investigators believe the incident is not a threat to the general public. They say further details will be released once confirmed. The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time. Police were notified shortly after 11:30 Friday morning by Mother Frances Hospital that the teenager had been brought into the emergency room with a gunshot wound.

AUSTIN — The vast majority of East Texas schools meet the standard in the Texas Education Agency 2014 state accountability system ratings, released Friday. The ratings cover more than 1,200 school districts and charters, and more than 8,500 campuses. According to KETK, the ratings reveal that 90 percent of school districts and charters across Texas have achieved the rating of Met Standard. Tyler and Longview were among the districts in which some schools met the standard and improvement is said to be required in others. Districts, campuses, and charters receive one of three ratings under the accountability system: Met Standard, Met Alternative Standard, or Improvement Required. The performance index framework includes four areas: Student Achievement, Student Progress, Closing Performance Gaps, and Postsecondary Readiness. Continue reading TEA Accountability Ratings Released

TYLER — Criminal Investigations Division (CID) agents with the Texas Department of Public Safety say they’ve seized approximately 700 marijuana plants from an outdoor location off FM 2016 near Smith County Road 427. According to a DPS news release, CID agents received an anonymous tip describing a possible grow site earlier this week. Investigators say they utilized DPS aircraft to pinpoint the exact location of the outdoor grow, and then conducted a joint eradication operation. Continue reading DPS: Authorities Raid Pot Field near Tyler