KTBB News, Weather, Talk

JACKSONVILLE — Several local and county agencies will prepare for the unthinkable this morning, when a community-wide disaster drill will begin on the Jacksonville Middle School campus. Officials say it should occur between about 8:00 and 11:00 or 11:30am. According to a news release, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will simulate an active shooting and hostage incident where school districts in Jacksonville and Rusk will test their emergency response plans. Portrayed victims will be triaged at the scene and transported to local hospitals as needed. Continue reading Community Disaster Drill Wednesday in Jacksonville

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety has added Doug Otis Sims, 32, to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list, and a cash reward up to $3,000 is now being offered for information leading to his capture. According to officials, Sims has a violent criminal past and is wanted for failure to comply with sex offender registration and burglary of habitation. All tips can be offered anonymously. KETK reports that Sims has relatives and friends living in Center, Athens, and Burnet, and he has been known to work in the oil drilling industry. Sims’ criminal history includes sexual assault of a child, assault, evading arrest/detention and DWI. In 2003, he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl nine times over a period of several months. Continue reading Most Wanted Sex Offender Has East Texas Ties

ATLANTA (AP) — Two people from Arkansas, including a pregnant woman, were killed and three were injured when their vehicle rolled in East Texas over the weekend. The Texas Department of Public Safety says the sport utility vehicle was on U.S. Highway 59 in Cass County when the driver veered right, then overcorrected and the vehicle rolled Saturday just southwest of Atlanta. All five people were from McCaskill, Arkansas.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano announced that an investigation had been initiated into the death of jail inmate Debra Ingram Duffie, a 52-year-old female who died August 19. According to a news release from Cerliano, Duffie had been in custody at the Gregg County Jail since her arrest on August 12. The inmate was charged with violation of probation, assault family violence, and had been booked into the Gregg County jail 8 times for various charges. On August 14, 2013, Duffie appeared in the Gregg County Court at Law #1 and was sentenced to 100 days confinement in the county jail. Continue reading Sheriff Responds after Gregg County Inmate Dies in Custody

DALLAS — As A&M quarterback and Tyler native Johnny Manziel remains the focus of an NCAA probe that could affect his eligibility, the Dallas Morning News reports legal troubles run in the family. In the 60s, Johnny Football’s uncle, Bobby II, was convicted for possessing altered currency — and in 2002 he was sentenced to three years on possession and intent to distribute cocaine. In 2001, the Heisman winner’s grandfather, Norman Paul, was arrested for DWI and evading arrest, then did seven months for trying to bribe someone to perform his court-mandated community service. Johnny Manziel, the first freshman to win the Heisman, is accused of accepting thousands of dollars for multiple autograph signings.

CANTON — Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers has authorized $1,400 in rewards for tips that led to the recent arrests of six people, four of them on drug-related charges. The largest single reward, $400, was for a tip about a Canton man allegedly selling crack cocaine. He was subsequently arrested and charged with manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance, as well as a parole violation. Continue reading Van Zandt Crime Stoppers OKs $1,400 in Rewards

LONGVIEW — An early morning Longview fire destroyed a barn including $75,000 worth of farming equipment. KETK reports Longview firefighters responded to a call around 1:00am Monday about some smoke coming from a building in the 2100 block of East Marshall Avenue. When officials arrived on scene, the barn was fully engulfed. Among the items destroyed in the blaze were a Bobcat tractor, a truck, a lawn mower, and round bales of hay. The cause remains under investigation.

TYLER – The Pat Herd Women’s Center is now open on the fifth floor of Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler. Officials say the center allows women a new place to get specialized care and heal. “We’re so excited about the opening of our new Pat Herd Women’s Center,” said John McGreevy, CEO, Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler. “This center is important in our journey for the continuing care of women and babies, ensuring they are provided the care they need in a warm, home-like environment. And thanks to the generous support and donations from our community we are able to make this facility a reality for women and their families.” Continue reading Pat Herd Women’s Center Opens

SHREVEPORT — Officials say two East Texans accused of trying to steal an ATM led Shreveport police on a short car chase Saturday morning. According to KETK, police believe Gerri Davis of White Oak and Carl Gearhart III of Tyler tried stealing an ATM from a Bossier City bank. After their failed attempt to uproot the machine, the thieves left the scene, according to authorities. Police caught up with their truck and made the arrests.

KILGORE — A Kilgore man arrested last week is accused of giving alcoholic beverages to underage girls, then molesting one of them. KETK reports a criminal complaint was filed against Samuel McKnight, 43, earlier this month. A 16-year old girl filed the complaint saying she was inappropriately touched by McKnight when she and her friends were drunk at his house. According to officials, McKnight admitted to giving underage girls alcohol, but denied the sexual assault.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tyler’s own Louie Gohmert tops a list of most quotable congressmen in Washington. The Capitol Hill newspaper “Roll Call” also puts Texans Ted Poe and Steve Stockman in the top 10 — Stockman at number 8, Poe at number 10. Among the Gohmert quotes cited: “We’re faced with a big threat. What’s our response? Are we gonna get tough and not let ’em get away with it? No, we turn tail and run.” From Stockman: “Stop having them intimidate you. Stand up for our Constitution. Fight for the Constitution! Don’t back down!” And Poe is quoted as saying, “The IRS wants to be exempted from Obamacare — and so do Americans. And that’s just the way it is.”

WHITEHOUSE — Officials say a Whitehouse home struck by fire over the weekend was destroyed. Crews responded to 207 Senter Avenue just after 1:00 Sunday morning. According to KETK, the residents were home at the time, but no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

LONGVIEW — The Longview woman accused of plotting to kill a pregnant mother in order to steal her unborn baby in June 2012 has waived a jury trial in favor of a trial before a judge. According to KETK, State District Judge Alfonso Charles of Longview set Tanya Lynette Bradley’s bench trial for December 4th. Bradley, 32, reportedly suffered a miscarriage and schemed to wait outside of a hospital in order to ask for a ride from a woman in the late term of her pregnancy. She would then attempt to kill the woman and take the baby from her womb, according to allegations. Bradley was arrested by Longview police after her friends tipped off authorities to her alleged plan. She was charged with two counts of attempt to commit capital murder.

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

WINONA – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement-repair work on State Highway 155 in and around Winona. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — One man has been arrested for driving while intoxicated in Nacogdoches. It happened just before 1:30 Sunday morning in the 300 block of Warren Drive. Officers found a white car and a brown truck racing down the street. According to KETK, the officer drove behind the vehicles and began to flash his lights. The brown truck stopped at the sign of the police lights but the white car sped up and attempted to flee. During his attempt to flee, the driver, Nazhem Lim, 21, lost control of his car and crashed into a light pole. Further investigation revealed that Lim was intoxicated. After being cleared by EMS on the scene, Lim was arrested. He was booked into Nacogdoches County Jail for evading arrest, racing on a highway and driving while intoxicated.

LUFKIN (AP) — Two people have been arrested and authorities are seeking a third suspect after a body was found in a burning truck in East Texas. Lufkin police say Kristine Maldonado Garcia was arrested Saturday by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office about 70 miles west of Baton Rouge, La. She was being held Sunday on a murder warrant pending extradition. Continue reading Two Suspects in Burned Body Case Arrested

SMITH COUNTY — A wreck in Flint has left one dead and one in serious condition. According to KETK, the DPS said it happened on Farm to Market Road 2813 around 11:25 Saturday night. Officials said the driver, Nathan Lebrun, Flint, was driving on FM 2813 just two and a half miles northeast of Flint when he failed to negotiate a turn. He reportedly ran off the roadway and overturned. When officers arrived on the scene they found Lebrun injured in the driver’s seat and his passenger, Adam Nunn, 27, Tyler, inside the vehicle. Nunn was pronounced dead at the scene. Lebrun was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. As of this morning, Lebrun is still in serious condition. Both passengers in the car were wearing their seatbelts.

LUFKIN (AP) — A female giraffe that had given birth to six calves at an East Texas zoo, including one in January, has died. Emi Lane was 16. Officials at the Ellen Trout Zoo say the Masai giraffe died of acute cardiac arrest on Tuesday. Zoo director Gordon Henley says the giraffe had fallen in her stall on Monday afternoon and could not stand. She was eating and drinking normally when the zoo staff left Monday evening, but she was dead Tuesday morning.

SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County father and son escaped unharmed after their mobile home went up in flames. Firefighters on the scene told KETK, the fire started just before 6:30 Friday night at the home on County Road 328, near Lavender Road. According to officials, the father was mowing his lawn when he noticed smoke coming from the top of the house. He then ran inside house, grabbed his young son, and made it out safely. Fire crews were called to the scene but the house was completely destroyed. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

TYLER — Dr. Lane J. Brunner has been named founding dean of the new College of Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Tyler, Dr. Alisa White, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, announced. Brunner joins UT Tyler from the California Northstate University College of Pharmacy, where he served as professor and Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences chair. This will be Brunner’s second experience as founding dean, having successfully served in that role at the Regis University School of Pharmacy in Denver, according to a UTT news release. Continue reading Lane J. Brunner Named Founding Dean of UT Tyler College of Pharmacy

TYLER — The Women in Tyler Planning Committee announced the 2014 Women in Tyler luncheon theme, “Women Who Care,” on Thursday at the McClendon House. According to a news release, the community is encouraged to send in nominations for the prestigious award by Sept. 4 to [email protected] or P.O. Box 1432, Tyler, TX 75710. Honorees will be announced in January 2014 and will be honored at the 15th Annual Women in Tyler Luncheon on March 20, 2014, at the Rose Garden Center. Continue reading Women in Tyler Planning Committee Announces Theme, Seeks Nominees

LONGVIEW — Twelve retailers were cited as authorities conducted another series of alcohol stings Wednesday in Longview. The Longview Police Department, in partnership with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and supported by Longview Partners in Prevention, conducted off-premise minor stings to validate compliance with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and Texas State Law. A total of 56 locations were checked. Continue reading Twelve Retailers Cited in Alcohol Stings

JACKSONVILLE — A Jacksonville man is wanted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville Police Department for failure to appear in an aggravated robbery case, according to authorities. KETK reports Ray Hawkins, Jr., was allegedly involved in two armed robberies of businesses in the city of Jacksonville as well as a robbery of a convenience store in Cherokee County. Officials say firearms were used in the commission of the robberies. The others involved in the cases have been convicted and sentenced. Hawkins was due in Cherokee County District Court on Thursday, August 8, to enter a plea on the cases, but officials say he didn’t show up, so a failure to appear warrant was issued. Cherokee County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for his capture.

AMARILLO (AP) – Federal investigators say a Tyler man who died last month when the small plane he was piloting crashed in a Texas Panhandle neighborhood had only one engine running and was trying to return to the airport. A National Transportation Safety Board report said pilot Ben Harned IV, 53, had contacted an air traffic controller after takeoff July 25 to say he was returning to Amarillo’s Tradewind Airport. Before crashing, he told the controller his left engine had stopped and he had the airport in sight. The plane crashed in a neighborhood five minutes after takeoff. Its wing clipped a mobile home. Harned had been headed to Lubbock in the Piper PA-30.

LUFKIN – Houston-based Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast has paid $4.3 million to resolve civil allegations under the False Claims Act in the Eastern District of Texas. The announcement came in Lufkin from U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. The government alleges that between 2003 and 2009, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast billed and was paid by government programs, Texas Medicaid, Title XX, and the Women’s Health Program. The government claims the billing and payment were for certain items and services related to birth control counseling, STD testing, and contraceptives when such items and services were not medically necessary, not medically indicated, or not actually provided. Title XX is funded by the federal government, while Texas Medicaid and the Women’s Health Program are funded jointly by the federal government and the State of Texas. Continue reading Planned Parenthood Settles Allegations of Unnecessary Medical Care

TYLER — Tyler Police arrest a 3rd suspect wanted in a fatal park shooting. The suspect is identified as Ke’Avier Jarrod Wilson-Hurd, 20, of Tyler. Wilson-Hurd was identified as the shooter who was in P.T. Cole Park July 30 and allegedly fired numerous rounds at Dennis Bendy and Rakheem Goldstein. Continue reading Third Suspect Arrested in Fatal Park Shooting

GLADEWATER — The historic Bumpus House in Gladewater was destroyed by fire early Friday morning. The Bumpus House is located on the 200 block of East Upshur Avenue. According to KETK, fire officials said the back side of the house was engulfed in flames when they arrived. Two additional fire departments were called in to assist Gladewater with the blaze. At one point, there were more than 20 firefighters working on the fire, but they had to be called away from the house because it was structurally insecure. Continue reading Historic East Texas House Destroyed in Fire

SMITH COUNTY — Tyler Police arrest a suspect following a reported robbery last night. It happened around 9:25 at the Super One Grocery Store, 3828 Troup Hwy. According to authorities, a man said he met the suspect, David Vanausdal, 23, Tyler, in the parking lot of the store to possibly sell him a vehicle. The victim claims he realized the suspect was attempting to rob him when a struggle ensued and the victim was sprayed with mace and the car was stolen by Vanausdal. The victim and his family were left stranded. Police found Vanausdal in the stolen vehicle at a gas station on Hwy 64 West. He he was apprehended and then booked into the Smith County Jail on a robbery charge.

DESOTO (AP) — Police in a Dallas suburb say a former special education teacher accused of killing four people in a pair of shootings used a grenade in one of the attacks. DeSoto police say in a search warrant released yesterday that Erbie Bowser, 44, formerly of Tyler, detonated a grenade inside his estranged wife’s house and was arrested after running out of ammunition. The warrant says police found a grenade pin and fragments inside the DeSoto home of Zina Bowser, 47. Police say Bowser shot and killed Zina Bowser and her 28-year-old daughter on August 7. The attack in DeSoto happened about 15 minutes after one in Dallas in which police say Bowser killed his girlfriend, Toya Smith, and her teenage daughter.

TYLER — The United Way of Smith County kicked off its 2013 campaign Thursday with a celebration at FRESH by Brookshire’s in Tyler, announcing a campaign goal of $1.7 million. The program included check presentations by local companies who have “set the pace” for this year’s campaign. The “pacesetters” have already raised $744,162.39. The 2013 Campaign theme is “Think Local. Help Local. Give Local.” Continue reading United Way Kicks Off 2013 Campaign