KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — The West Bound right lane of Marshall Avenue will be closed between Edith Street and West Tyler starting at 8:00am on Thursday March 13, through 5:00pm on Tuesday March 18. The closure is for Driveway approach and curbs for the new O’Reilly Auto Parts Store.

TYLER – Responding to the increased number of citizens wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime, Sheriff Larry R. Smith Wednesday announced that Smith County citizens are being invited to become Associate Members of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas. That’s according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. Membership invitations will go out in the mail over the next several weeks. Associate Member funding allows the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas to provide critical training, technical resources, and legislative support on key criminal justice issues to law enforcement officers across the state, according to the release. Continue reading Citizens Invited to Join Sheriff’s Association

WOODVILLE (AP) – Four ex-relatives of an East Texas man have been accused of killing him and his new wife as he sought custody of his 5-year-old daughter. The Tyler County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday said the suspects formerly were related to Nathan Bradley Maddox of Zavalla. Maddox and his wife, Krystal, were gunned down Jan. 18 outside a church after a supervised visit with his daughter. A grand jury Tuesday indicted Maddox’s ex-wife Kristen Westfall, her parents Letha and Paul Westfall, and her brother, Cameron Westfall. Continue reading Four Arrested in Slaying of Texas Couple Near Church

KILGORE — Two East Texas women are behind bars after a routine traffic stop ended in an altercation between authorities and the suspects. According to KETK, Heather Nicole Thomas, (pictured) 21, Laird Hill, and Brittnie Smith, 22, Tyler, were arrested by Kilgore police after Thomas started an altercation with an officer concerning an outstanding warrant. Thomas was stopped by officials around 10:30 Monday morning for driving over the speed limit on Highway 135. Continue reading Two Women Jailed Following a Scuffle with Police

VAN — In a letter to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Republican State Rep. Dan Flynn of Van questions whether city bans on plastic shopping bags are in compliance with the state’s health and safety laws. A section states that a municipal district may not pass legislative restrictions or charge fees relating to the use of a “container or package” for waste management purposes. Proponents of the ban cite environmental benefits. Although the AG’S opinion is not a legally binding decision, opponents could use it in lawsuits if it’s in their favor, because it would be noticed by the court. At least nine Texas cities ban plastic bags or have adopted fees on replacement bags.

WILLS POINT — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of partial human remains, found Friday night off County Road 3529 near Wills Point. They are believed to be the remains of John Richard Hannon, 59, who had been reported missing to the Van Zandt County Pct. 3 Constable’s Office in late February. Continue reading Human Remains Found in Van Zandt County

MILDRED — The Mildred school district reaches out to a community in Navarro County where police say an 8-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his 3-year old cousin, who was visiting from Nacogdoches. The 8-year-old is a student at Mildred Elementary. Becky Burns, the superintendent of Mildred ISD, says even though it’s spring break, the district offered special services at the school Tuesday for anyone needing to talk about what happened. According to Burns, “We need to offer them a chance to be heard and express any concerns that they have and offer counseling on those issues.” The Navarro County Sheriff’s Office believes it was an accident, but charges could be filed against some adults who were home at the time it happened.

TYLER – Three males, two adults and one juvenile, are in custody in connection with a residential burglary in the 12900 block of Smith County Road 168. Authorities say at 9:30 Tuesday morning, a Smith County deputy responded to an alarm call at the residence and discovered three males exiting the home and getting into a vehicle that was later found to have stolen property from the home. According to a news release, the men tried fleeing in the vehicle through a fence but became stuck in the fence. The deputy took all three men into custody and transported them to the Smith County Jail. They face charges of burglary of a habitation and perhaps additional charges. The homeowner was notified and the property will be returned according to officials, who say additional information will be released as it becomes available.

TYLER – Authorities have arrested the man believed responsible for a robbery Tuesday morning at a Tyler business. KETK reports the suspect was caught at the Village at the U Apartments on the 3000 block of Old Omen Road. He has been identified as Jaylon Takory Rutherford, 19, of Texarkana. Officials say Rutherford was found hiding in an apartment by a resident of that unit. According to authorities, Rutherford was unwilling to leave, and the resident contacted police around 9:42 Tuesday morning. Rutherford allegedly held up the Food Fast gas station in the 4000 block of University Boulevard around 2:00 a.m. He was transported to the Smith County Jail and charged with aggravated robbery, possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone, and possession of marijuana.

TYLER — A Smith County man who police say shot and killed his wife has been granted a court-appointed lawyer. KETK reports Adrian Mata, 29, was in court Tuesday, and was given a lawyer by the state. The suspect is accused of fatally shooting Jennifer Mata, 30, in the head on Tuesday, February 25, at their home on County Road 333. Continue reading Accused Wife Killer Gets Court-Appointed Lawyer

TYLER — One of the men accused of murdering a young Tyler mother at a public park in July 2013 is set to go on trial May 12. KETK reports Dennis Bendy appeared in Smith County’s 241st Judicial Court Tuesday morning. Bendy is accused of shooting and killing Briana Young, 20, at Tyler’s P.T. Cole Park last July 30. Pre-trial is slated to begin on May 8. Judge Jack Skeen ordered a DNA/forensic test to be submitted for the case. Rakheem Goldstein’s attorney asked for a continuance on Monday, and he will appear in court along with Bendy on May 12 at 10:00 a.m. Bendy and Goldstein were indicted for the crime in November 2013, and their bonds were set at $1,000,000 each. Continue reading Accused Park Murder Trial Set for May

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP/Staff) — The father of an airman from East Texas shot by an Opelika, Alabama, police officer says his son suffered serious injuries to his stomach and colon and may never fully recover from his injuries. Billy Davidson said his son, Michael Darrett Davidson, 20, of Beckville, was driving on Interstate 85 on his way to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base near Goldsboro, N.C., when the shooting happened shortly after 7:00 last Thursday evening. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation is probing the shooting that involved Opelika Officer Phillip Hancock, a seven-year veteran with the department. Hancock, who wasn’t injured, has been placed on administrative leave with pay. Billy Davison tells The Opelika-Auburn News that his son was moved from the ICU at East Alabama Medical Center Monday afternoon.

KILGORE — Kilgore police are asking for the public’s help in a recent fatal hit and run accident. It happened around 6:00am on Saturday, March 1st, at the intersection of Highway 31 and Highway 135. Investigators say a motorcyclist suffered fatal injures when hit from behind. The motorist fled the scene without trying to render aid. The suspects vehicle is believed to be a white four door pick-up, an oil field type truck, with possible minor damage to the front end. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detective Trae Portwood at 903-218-6905. You may also contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-STOP, or text an anonymous tip to 847411 + KILGORE + your tip. You asked to refer to KPD Incident #1403-0022.

PALESTINE — A woman has been struck and killed in an Anderson County accident. It happened shortly after 12:30 Monday afternoon about a half a mile from Palestine. Killed was Cheri Lynn Hope, 46, of Palestine. The Department of Public safety says she was crouching over a dog that had been hit when she was hit by a southbound SUV. It was driven by Geraldine Demar, 61, of Palestine. The accident remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County authorities are trying to determine how synthetic marijuana was smuggled in the Gregg County Jail. Five inmates had to be briefly hospitalized because of the substance. Gregg County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Kirk Haddix said four inmates were treated and released from a local hospital, while one had to stay overnight. Investigators believe the substance was handed out by an inmate and not by a jail employee. The suspect has not been identified and the investigation continues.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is in the Gregg County Jail after being accused of injuring a police officer. Taken into custody just after 3:30 Sunday morning was Darel Eugene Bean, 43. He had been accused of stealing items from a convenience store in the 100 block of South Access Road. KETK reports as officers started to search Bean, he is said to have started a fight and broke an officer’s thumb. When they got in under control, they are said to have found drugs and items taken from the store. Bean has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, assaulting a public servant and theft under $50.00.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in Smith County by the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on Northeast Loop 323 in Tyler, between the Loop 323 Extension and Commerce Street. A second crew is scheduled to continue edge work on Farm Road 15 between Troup and the Rusk County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

TYLER — The Tyler Junior College Main campus is growing, with one major construction project under way and a second about to begin. This coming week, construction crews assigned to help build a new 250-bed residence hall on the west side of campus will be blocking off one existing parking lot and portions of another, to create a safe working environment. The construction will directly impact access to 185 parking spaces that are regularly utilized by TJC students, employees and TJC fleet vehicles. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to be prepared for this development. When students and employees return from Spring Break, on Monday, March 17, these 185 spaces will not be available. Continue reading TJC Residence Hall Construction to Impact Available Parking

TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful are continuing to sponsor a free bulky item collection for City of Tyler residential customers. Due to the icy weather, the free bulky item collection has been extended to Friday, March 14. Bulky items that will be picked up at no charge include furniture, appliances, carpet, fence material, up to four noncommercial vehicle tires, old toys and other large items that would normally require a special fee. No liquid waste will be picked up. Paint must be dried out with oil dry or kitty litter. Continue reading Free Bulky Item Collection Extended

TYLER — A Tyler man has been jailed for reportedly going after two hotel occupants with a baseball bat. Yesterday morning around 8:00, Tyler police responded to a call from the Economy Inn at 3301 Mineola Highway, where a man was said to be assaulting the residents of room 410 with the bat. After being told that the suspect had left in a car, officers located the vehicle in the area and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect was identified as Grover Davis, 52, who was arrested and booked into Smith County Jail for two aggravated assaults. Inside the hotel room, police found Jeremy Walker, 24, and Amber Garza, 26, both of whom were reportedly victims of the assaults. EMS was called, and Garza was transported to ETMC for non-life-threatening injuries. Walker was taken to the hospital by private vehicle.

HOLLY LAKE RANCH — Several fire departments were called to a blaze that caused heavy damage to a house in the Holly Lake Ranch area. KETK reports the fire started just after 2:30 Saturday afternoon in the 120 block of Pinewood Cove. Crews had no immediate word on precise extent of damage, but no one was injured. The cause remains under investigation.

TYLER — Honorees from near and far, including a legendary football coach, were recognized Friday night at Texas College’s annual Legacy Scholarship Fundraiser at Harvey Convention Center. According to the event’s program booklet, the college stages the yearly gala “in recognition of great support,” celebrating “individuals and organizations who have given unselfishly of themselves for a better Texas College and a better city of Tyler.” The fundraiser continued its tradition of adding a touch of Hollywood to the proceedings, welcoming back actor Marc Gomes as honorary host. Gomes also appeared last year, and previous Legacy events have featured movie star Danny Glover. Continue reading Several Honored at Texas College Legacy Scholarship Fundraiser

NEW HARMONY A blaze burned down a two-story home Friday morning in the New Harmony area of Smith County. According to the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office, a woman and her daughter, who live in the home, were in the back yard moving items when they heard a smoke alarm beeping in the house. One of the residents opened the back door and noticed smoke was filling the house. KETK reports the home, located on the 5500 block of Twin Lakes Drive, was destroyed before firefighters could put out the flames. No injuries were reported. The fire started on the second floor, but the cause is unknown at this time, said investigators. Both residents were housed by other family members. Dixie, Lindale and Noonday Fire Departments responded to the scene.

TYLER — There are signs that we are recovering from the 2011 drought. KETK reports the water levels at Lake Tyler and Lake Palestine are the highest they’ve been in years. Lake Tyler is about 96% full and Lake Palestine is overflowing. It hasn’t been this high since April 2011. “We’re just finally compensating for that long drought we went through,” said District 3C Fisheries Manager Richard Ott. Lake Tyler and Lake Palestine’s main purpose is to produce water for the citizens of Tyler. And they’re places to spend time with the family, fishing, boating, and swimming. But since the drought, a lot of those fun activities were limited. “There for awhile you couldn’t even get a boat on Lake Tyler because the lake levels got so low the ramps didn’t extend all the way to the water,” said Ott.
Continue reading Water Levels Up at Lakes Tyler and Palestine

WASHINGTON — Tainted beef recalled earlier this year from a California meat producer may have reached reached 35 states and Guam — not just six states as previously believed, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday. According to CNN and KETK, one of those states heavily affected is Texas. More than 900 Texas stores sold bad beef, including a number in East Texas. Thousands of retailers have been added to a list of companies that received beef products from the company, Rancho Feeding Corp., the USDA said. Continue reading Beef Recall Reaches 35 States; Numerous East Texas Stores Affected

TYLER – At a news conference Friday afternoon, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith announced that Keenon Olison, a detention officer-jailer at the county’s Low Risk Jail facility, had been arrested Friday morning and terminated as a Sheriff’s Office employee. Olison is charged with multiple counts relating to possessing a controlled substance in a detention facility with intent to deliver that controlled substance to an inmate as well as delivery of contraband to inmates. Olison was originally hired at the Sheriff’s Office on May 20, 2012. Approximately six weeks ago, information was received by the Special Services Unit of the Sheriff’s Office that a detention officer was smuggling contraband and controlled substances into the Smith County Jail Low Risk Facility. Continue reading Smith County Detention Officer Arrested

TYLER – Smith County officials are investigating an apparently accidental shooting that sent a man to the hospital. At 12:21 p.m. Friday, sheriff’s dispatchers received a 911 call from a woman at a residence on County Road 397 who reported that a man at that location had accidentally shot himself. According to a news release, Smith County Deputies and emergency personnel responded and found a man with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to a local hospital where he was reportedly undergoing surgery for his injuries. At this time, a preliminary investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and reason for the man’s injuries. Officials say other information will be released as it becomes available.

QUITMAN — The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of conducting a large scale investigation into a drug and theft ring that has been operating in the southeastern part of the county. According to KETK, investigators determined certain suspects were stealing property such as four wheelers and firearms to trade for drugs. The “middle man” drug dealer was then exchanging the stolen property for a larger amount of drugs, officials say. Continue reading Wood County Authorities Probe Drug and Theft Ring

KILGORE — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for help in solving recent burglaries and criminal mischief cases. Between 6:45 p.m. Thursday, March 6, and 6:30 a.m. on Friday, five construction companies working on the new Sabine school at 645 Access Road in Kilgore were burglarized. Thieves damaged portable buildings and steel boxes to take tools and equipment. Values of the tools are expected to be in the thousands of dollars. Some of the items include gas and electric hammers, saws, drills, nail guns, and air compressors, as well as copper fittings and chains. Anyone with information regarding these crimes is asked to contact Gregg County Investigator Eddie Hope at (903) 237-2530 or Crime Stoppers at (903) 236-STOP.