KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW – Longview school districts received a nice boost Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, 148 teachers in LISD have received about $2 million in incentive pay. This is all part of what’s called TIA or Teacher Incentive Allotment. Melanie Pondan, the principal at Judson STEAM Academy said, “It is huge, it’s, first of all, it’s a lot of money, it’s life-changing money. It is great for retention, they’re not staying here just for the money, they stay here for the students and because of this district.” Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox added it is an honor to be able to celebrate the people making an impact in students’ lives.

SMITH COUNTY – The Lindale Police Department said that they are assisting the Smith County Sheriff’s Office in a manhunt near the area of Toll 49, Interstate 20 and County Road 411 on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Officials said that there is a heavy law enforcement presence searching for a suspect described as a Black male with dreadlocks, a white shirt and shorts. Lindale Police have asked the public to lock doors, and report any information about the suspect to law enforcement.

TYLER – With the heat not going away soon. Some are wondering what fall and winter weather will bring. According to our news partner KETK, the Farmers’ Almanac predicts the winter forecast that Texas will see will be unseasonably cold and stormy winter for the upcoming winter.
Continue reading The Farmers’ Almanac winter prediction for Texas

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Authorities identified the man killed in the Cherokee County homicide case first reported earlier this week.

56-year-old David Sartain of Mount Selman was found dead on Wednesday near County Road 3429, the sheriff’s office said.

They identified the person of interest as 22-year-old Brandon Dale Fagan, whom they later said they located. No arrests have been made as of Friday.

The Texas Rangers have been called in to help with the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 903-683-2271.

LINDEN – A Cass County jury has found former East Texas coach Aaron Michael Marshall guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child, two counts of sexual assault of a child and six counts of indecency with a child by contact.

Marshall was arrested back in Feb. 2022 after an investigation by the Linden Police Department was opened due to accusations of sexual abuse of a child from 2016 through 2020. He was initially charged with:

6 counts of indecency with a child by contact
3 counts of sexual assault of a child
1 count of continuous sexual assault of a child Continue reading Former East Texas coach sentenced to 100 years in prison for sexual abuse of child

TYLER — Officials are seeking information related to a February murder in Tyler. Warren Edward Rogers, 61, was found dead with a gunshot wound in a residence in the 1600 block of West Mims Street on Feb. 6, our news partner KETK reports. Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers is offering up a $1,000 reward for information, and the family and friends of Rogers are providing a supplemental reward of $1,000. “Rogers was a U.S. Army Veteran and loved by many friends and family,” Crimestoppers said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tyler Police Department or to remain anonymous, contact Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833. Only tips submitted directly to Crimestoppers are eligible are eligible for the cash reward.

TYLER — TxDOT is getting ready to begin a major project on Old Jacksonville Highway and they’re already in the process of clearing trees along portions of the roadway. According to our news partner KETK, it’s all to expand the road to accommodate busy traffic, improve safety and mobility. “Section from FM 346 in Flint stretching south toward Bullard and U.S. 69 will extend that roadway from a two-lane into four lanes, it will have a continuous left turning lane,” said Jeff Williford, Tyler TxDOT district public information officer. Continue reading TxDOT working to expand Old Jacksonville Highway

HARRISON COUNTY – A man was arrested after half a pound of marijuana was allegedly seized during a traffic stop in Harrison County, according to our news partner KETK. According to officials, on Wednesday a deputy with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation. Authorities said the deputy had probable cause to conduct a narcotics search on the vehicle. The driver was identified as 39-year-old Shayne Thomas and during the search, the deputy reportedly found “about half a pound of marijuana.” Continue reading Half pound of marijuana seized during traffic stop in East Texas

TYLER — A dedication ceremony for a memorial called the “Hope Monument” was held in Tyler on Wednesday morning, our news partner KETK reports. The monument serves as a memorial to children who were lost due to miscarriage, accident or other circumstances. Dr. Lourell Sutliff and his wife Lynda donated the funds for the purchase of the memorial. “The loss of a child is such a sad situation that the physical depiction of a mother talking to Jesus while he’s comforting her child just sends a powerful message that there is hope, even in a sad and tragic situation,” said Dr. Lourell Sutliff. Dr. Sutliff said that it is a blessing for him and his wife to be an integral part of the monument. The monument is on display at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler at 800 East Dawson Street.

MARSHALL — Three adults and two juveniles were arrested in connection to the shooting death of a 16-year-old. According to our news partner KETK, on June 7, just after 1:30 a.m., officials were notified of a person lying in the roadway on Alexander Street. Upon arrival, officers found a young black male dead as the result of a single gunshot wound to the chest. An investigation found that the teen was lying in the road for more than an hour and a half before the police were called. Individuals reportedly drove around the body and took photos and video recordings of the body in the road. Two juveniles were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity for robbery. Continue reading Five arrested in connection to teen’s shooting death

JACKSONVILLE — A woman is dead after being hit by a train in Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK, on Wednesday around 1 p.m., Jacksonville police and fire departments responded to an accident in reference to a train hitting a pedestrian west of US 69 on the Union Pacific rail Line. The pedestrian was identified as 65-year-old Guillmerina Vera Perez of Jacksonville. Continue reading Police identify Jacksonville woman killed after being hit by train

LUFKIN – Lufkin ISD named a longtime police officer as their new chief of police for the school district. According to our news partner KETK, David Garza formerly with Lufkin PD and Diboll ISD, replaces Jay Jost who retires after 37 years with the school district. Garza received his criminal justice degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and Kilgore College Police Academy. Has been a Master Peace Office for 26 years working with the Lufkin Police Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. During his time with the TABC, Garza was a member of their special investigations unit and was also part of an FBI Human Trafficking Task Force. Continue reading Lufkin school district names new police chief

GREGG COUNTY – A man is dead after reportedly getting hit by a car half a mile south of Longview, according to our news partner KETK. According to a preliminary crash report from DPS, a 2016 Nissan Altima was going northbound on FM 2087 on Monday around 9:53 p.m. DPS said that 46-year-old Shon C. Bell of Longview was walking south on the fog line when he was hit by the front right side of the Altima. Bell died at the scene and no injuries were reported by either person in the vehicle.

LUFKIN – The Texas Tribune reports that members of an East Texas church have been safely relocated to Rome on Wednesday after being stuck in Niger during a coup, according to U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions’ office. The rescue mission was orchestrated by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Niamey, Niger. This week, Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin raised concerns about 12 members of its congregation who were in Niamey on a mission trip. As the group found shelter, the church held nightly prayer services in hopes of their safe return. Continue reading Lufkin church group rescued from war-torn Niger

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Authorities in Cherokee County are investigating an apparent homicide after finding a body early Wednesday morning.  The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office located a person of interest, Brandon Dale Fagan, 22, in the homicide investigation. According to our news partner KETK, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a dead person at around 2:20 a.m. When deputies arrived at the scene on CR 3429 near Mount Selman, they determined a homicide had occurred. The sheriff’s office requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-683-2271.

TYLER — A man was awarded $4.3 million by a jury in a lawsuit against Walmart after he was struck by a car in a 2020 incident. According to our news partner KETK, Arkansas native Scott Lacy was working as a subcontractor at a Walmart in Tyler in the lawn and garden center when in July 2020 multiple employees yelled for help in catching a shoplifter. “The employees and Mr. Lacy chased the shoplifter into the parking lot to retrieve the stolen merchandise, and then one employee instructed Mr. Lacy to release the suspect,” his lawyers said in a release. “Mr. Lacy was walking back toward the Walmart store when the shoplifter struck him with his vehicle and catapulted him into a pole, shattering his ankle, which later required multiple surgeries to repair. Mr. Lacy also suffered a traumatic brain injury.” Continue reading Man awarded $4.3 million in lawsuit against Walmart after Tyler incident

EAST TEXAS — Even with recent rainfall several East Texas counties and cities still have burn bans in effect due to dry conditions and fire risk. According to our news partner KETK, when a county issues a burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited in that county. Burn bans are generally in effect for 90 days after they are issued. To see if your county is under a burn ban, click here.

TYLER – Tyler ISD was announced as one of the winners of the 2023 TAEA District of Distinction Award by the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) as a 2023 District of Distinction Award recipient. This is the 5th consecutive year that Tyler ISD has won this award. According to Tyler ISD, the District of Distinction Award recognizes districts for “providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social emotional learning that connect learners to their community and beyond.” Continue reading Tyler ISD wins award from the Texas Art Education Association

SHELBY COUNTY — A Shelby County man was booked into jail after a man was found dead. James Richards, 58, was arrested Monday night after Shelby County authorities allegedly found his brother dead inside a home. Richards was booked into Shelby County Jail after the incident.

LUFKIN — Twelve members of Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin are currently stuck in Niger after a coup happened there last week, according to our news partner KETK. The church members arrived in Niger on July 21 and were scheduled to leave on July 30 but are still there as of Monday July 31, church officials confirmed. Todd Core, Lead Pastor Harmony Hill Baptist Church, said “We ask the public to join us in praying for the people of Niger, the safe and speedy return of our team, and for the families awaiting their return.” The church is holding a time of gathered prayer every night at 6 p.m. until their members return.

An East Texas man was found guilty Friday in federal court on multiple charge relating to the Jan. 6 riot in Washington. According to our news partner KETK. 45 year-old Daniel Adams of Goodrich was found guilty of civil disorder, assaulting, impeding and resisting officers, obstruction of an official proceeding and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Federal officials identified Adams, who was arrested a couple of week after the riot, from photos video posted on Facebook. Sentencing for Adams has been set for late November.

TYLER – A 19-year-old Tyler man was sentenced to four years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon according to our news partners at KETK. Jakobe Lacy, 19 of Tyler, was arrested in December 2022 after Tyler police issued a warrant for his arrest in connection to a shooting that hospitalized a minor with multiple gunshot wounds. The shooting took place in the 2400 block of W Sherwood Street, and Lacy turned himself in to police a few days later. He was indicted on March 2, and Lacy pleaded guilty to the charge on Monday where he was later sentenced to four years in prison.

SMITH COUNTY — Fire officials continue to discourage outdoor burning, stressing caution as conditions worsen. Smith County Fire Marshal Paul Findley will give a report on current drought and fire conditions during Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, August 1, at 9:30 a.m. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) moved into the low-600 range over the weekend for Smith County, and it will likely rise daily if the current weather pattern holds.

While incident responses to grass fires is currently lower when compared to last year’s totals for the end of July, calls for service over this past weekend have increased. In addition to discouraging outdoor burning, the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office encourages citizens to use extreme caution when conducting any operation outdoors that could result in the ignition of a fire. Continue reading Smith County fire officials discourage outdoor burning

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a man reported missing. Officials said Kevin Thompson, 34, was living in the Murchison area. He was last known to be driving a green 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. If you have any information in reference to his location please call the Sheriff’s Office at 903-675-5128.

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD has announced the names of two new principals who will serve at Longview High School and Foster Middle School in the upcoming school year, according to our news partner KETK. Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox named Shameika Allen as the interim principal of Longview High School and Mary Taylor as the principal of Foster Middle School, a Longview ISD press release said. Continue reading Longview ISD names principals of high school, middle school

LUFKIN – According to our news partner KETK the City of Lufkin is trying to identify the driver of an SUV that was involved in an Abney Avenue crash that left a bicyclist dead around 6:17 a.m. on Sunday. The bicyclist was riding his bicycle west in the 900 block of Abney Avenue when officials said a black SUV going at a high speed crossed all three lanes and hit the bicyclist. According to a press release the driver kept driving west on Abney after the crash. The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital by ambulance where officials said he was pronounced dead. Authorities are canvassing the area for security footage of the crash or vehicle and ask anyone in the area to check their footage around 6:05 to 6:25 a.m. The vehicle in question is believed to have damage to the driver’s side headlight, according to a City of Lufkin press release. Anyone with information or video is asked to call the Lufkin Police Department at 936-633-0356.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin confirmed that Lance Phillips, the son of two Smith County officials, turned himself in to law enforcement on Saturday, according to our news partner KETK. Constable Joplin said that Phillips contacted him personally around 2 p.m. on Saturday to have him come pick him up to take him to jail. Phillips is the son of Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips and County Clerk Karen Phillips. He was wanted after allegedly running from officials after being held in contempt of court on Thursday. Phillips was booked into the Smith County Jail and charged with making a false report inducing an emergency response, evading arrest and contempt of court, jail records show. He’s being held on a total of $105,000 bond, according to jail records.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A deputy has been placed on administrative leave while Texas Rangers investigate an incident that took place on July 23 between him and an inmate at the Cherokee County Jail. Sheriff Brent Dickson contacted the Texas Rangers to investigate the incident after reviewing it himself. Pending the Texas Rangers investigation, Dickson said the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave and no further information can be released at this time, updates will posted as they become available.