KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster for Franklin, Harrison, Marion, Upshur and Wood counties after East Texas was hit by severe weather this week according to our news partner KETK. Abbott’s proclamation was originally issued for Ochiltree and Cass counties but was later amended to say the following:

“WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on Friday, June 16, 2023, certifying the severe weather and tornadoes that began on June 14, 2023, and included severe storms, large hail, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, tornadoes, and hazardous wind gusts caused widespread and severe property damage, injury, or loss of life in Ochiltree and Cass counties; NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 4 18.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby amend the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in these additional counties: Franklin, Harrison, Marion, Upshur, and Wood counties.” Gov. Greg Abbott

This comes after several individual counties like Upshur, Marion and Morris counties had local disaster declarations issued by county judges.

ANGELINA COUNTY — The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office said that a man died at Angelina County Jail on Friday night, only a few hours after being booked. According to our news partner KETK, Glenn Earl Smallwood Jr., 33 of Lufkin, was arrested by Lufkin Police Department after they received information about a man sitting on a curb of the 1200 block of Sayers Street, officials said. According to a press release, an officer found Smallwood and he found him to be “mumbling, not making any sense and intoxicated.” Continue reading Man found dead after being booked into the Angelina County Jail

GREGG COUNTY — Due to the ongoing problems caused by severe storms Thursday night and Friday morning,  Gregg County has canceled jury duty for Monday, June 19, according to Gregg County District Clerk Trey Hattaway.

EAST TEXAS — As recent severe weather has led to wide-spread power outages around East Texas, and with a Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service, local cooling centers are opening to help area residents. The Longview Public Library will remain open as a cooling shelter. Staff are looking ahead for future days and will provide more information as plans are finalized.

Longview ISD will open the Foster Middle School cafeteria and gymnasium to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 18 as a heat relief and device recharging center. Area first responders are also invited to use the washing facilities for their clothes and equipment. Continue reading Cooling Centers open as widespread outages surge through East Texas

EAST TEXAS — SWEPCO has activated an all-in response to restore electric service to all impacted customers after the early morning storms on Friday. In a release, SWEPCO said they have requested mutual assistance from neighboring utility companies to help restore communities electricity as quick and safe as possible. They added that customers should prepare for, “prolonged power outages and in some cases additional outages as we repair damage to our system.” There are currently more than 233,800 SWEPCO customers without power in the East Texas and northwest Louisiana territories. the most trecent update, ISWEPCO said the Longview service territory customers should expect to have power back by 10 p.m., Friday, June 23. Continue reading SWEPCO issues power restoration update following severe weather

VAN – The Van PD has a notice for drivers in their area of I-20. According to our news partner KETK, officers have talked to drivers who have found homemade spikes on the interstate. Several spikes have been found on westbound I-20 between mile marker 543 and 544. Police say this is the third time in over two weeks a spike has found. So far no one has been injured, not the same luck for the motorists tires.

SMITH COUNTY – On June 2 and June 13, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office received two separate calls involving deadly conduct near the intersection of FM 16 and FM 14 in the northern part of Smith County. Both of the unrelated callers reported being shot at by a male driving a black Jeep SUV under similar circumstances. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division began investigating the incidents and determined that they were related based on video footage of the suspect vehicle. Continue reading Smith County Sheriff’s Office Investigates road rage shootings

LONGVIEW – The dedication ceremony of a portion of Guthrie Creek Trail in recognition of Frank “Penny” Edwards, originally set for 10 a.m. today, Friday, June 16, has been postponed and will be rescheduled.

The City of Longview is recovering Friday morning from a severe, overnight storm. As such, this dedication will be rescheduled to a later date and time to ensure Edwards’ service to our community is able to be fully celebrated and remembered.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nathaniel Moran, of Tyler, released the following statement today after introducing H.R. 4039, No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act: “For over a decade, the Chinese government has persecuted Uyghur minorities in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The Uyghur people have been subjected to torture, imprisonment, forced labor, forced sterilization, and many other atrocities.

“The United States has always valued the right to practice faith freely and without persecution. To that end, no companies who use raw materials or goods manufactured using forced labor should profit from the American taxpayer. Continue reading Congressman Moran introduces legislation to prohibit forced labor funds

EAST TEXAS — After an early Friday morning of severe weather throughout East Texas, damage reports are issued for numerous areas, our news partner KETK reports.

Longview police report “significant disruptions” in the area, including power outages and road blockages due to fallen trees. City crews are working to clear debris from the roads but officials ask that people consider allowing extra travel time when heading to your destination. You can report road blockages or downed trees by calling 903-237-1170. In addition to that, the city is reporting that there is damage to various city parks and trails. The water utility system is functional but operating at a reduced capacity, and residents are encouraged to save water by turning off sprinkler systems, making sure to not leave water running and taking other appropriate water conservation measures. The city assured residents that they will be able to maintain service “as long as we work together as a team to minimize our usage.” Longview splash pads will be closed as well. Continue reading Storm damage reports from around East Texas

EAST TEXAS — Several school districts in East Texas are canceling classes due to severe weather aftermath. According to our news partner KETK, severe thunderstorms brought on an influx of power outages and extensive damage in the area. Continue reading Summer schools closing due to weather damage

TYLER — Early Friday morning severe weather in East Texas has more than 150,638 people without power in our region. According to our news partner KETK, the following is a partial list of current outages: Gregg County – 47,111,  Smith County – 2,802, Van Zandt County – 2,680, Wood County – 10,020, Anderson County – 115, Angelina County – 508, Harrison County – 22,705, Henderson County – 121,  Rusk County – 2,130,  Upshur County – 16,847. Click here for the full list.

BULLARD – Bullard city officials say the parts needed to start the repair of the city water well arrive Friday, with the project to begin Monday June 19. According to our news partner KETK, the process of making repairs and bringing it up to TCEQ standards will take 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, conservation measures are still in place for city residents. No watering Monday, Tuesday or Friday. Day or Night. Irrigation is allowed but only between 9:00 PM and 12:00 AM. Once the water well project is completed and meets standards, the conservation measures will be lifted.

RAINS COUNTY – Rains County officials are on the look out for an emu that was last seen on County Road 3425, according to our news partner KETK. The Rains County Sheriff’s Office asks that if you see the emu or know who owns it, please call them. They also add, if you encounter the emu, keep your distance.

TYLER — Police departments across East Texas are still in need of officers. Longview PD’s recruitment team is reaching out to people across several states. “We’ve been going to job fairs across Texas and in Louisiana and we’ve been partnering with colleges and universities,” said Kendric Montgomery, Longview Police Department Recruiting Lieutenant, our news partner KETK reports. Tyler Police are using any method they can to reach potential applicants. “We use billboards, sometimes we use movie ads in theaters. We have a traffic device that goes to different areas that sometimes have a funny slogan on them,” said Andy Erbaugh, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer. Continue reading East Texas police departments find new ways to recruit officers

PALESTINE — Palestine police arrested a man they said tried to evade arrest after stealing his mother’s vehicle. According to our news partner KETK, authorities said that on June 10 at 11:18 a.m., they received information from a Houston County woman who said her son could be in Palestine with her stolen vehicle. “The complainant also stated that her son, identified as Brandon Bennett, 43, had warrants for his arrest,” Palestine police said. Corporal Yvette Durbin gathered information and confirmed that the vehicle in question had been reported stolen out of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Just minutes after that, Officer Tim Green saw Bennett and the vehicle at the Clean Scene car wash on Crockett Road. Continue reading Man arrested in Palestine for allegedly stealing his mother’s vehicle

RUSK COUNTY – Rusk County officials are looking for two suspects after a reported home invasion and assault.

According to our news partner KETK Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said the incident took place on Wednesday at an address located off of Highway 79 East. Officials said they currently have, “a patrol shift, investigators and a TDCJ search team on scene conducting an investigation.” The release stated that the possible suspects are described as two males wearing dark clothing.

“Anyone with information pertaining to this incident are urged to contact the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (903)-657-3581 or Rusk County Crime Stoppers. No further information will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.” The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office

TYLER – Wednesday, the Tyler City Council voted for a new ordinance to limit the consumption of alcohol on certain public areas of Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East. According to our news partner KETK, this included parking lots, boat ramps and within 15 feet of city-owned properties. Tyler Police will be enforcing the new ordinance right now. And, violators will be tagged with a Class C misdemeanor. This ordinance has been designed to keep drinking alcohol off city property and to make the lake more family friendly. Tyler PD says they will look at the ordinance every six months and see if it is effective or not.

TYLER – It is sooner than later for Tyler Independent School District. According to our news partner KETK, TISD has put across the board teacher raises ahead of the 2023-2024 school year. Officials from the district in a press release say the starting pay has been increased to $50,500. Teachers with 10 years or more of experience will receive $60,000 a year or more. Deputy Superintendent Ronald Jones said, “We value our teachers and everything they do for the children of Tyler ISD. We know that their work goes well beyond the academics they teach in the classroom. We are doing everything we can to give them the compensation they deserve.” TISD is also working to extend their teacher incentive program called TOP, district-wide. The Tyler Optimal Performance program gives teachers a chance to earn more dollars in addition to their salary.

KILGORE- The Kilgore Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals that burglarized the local Super Food Mart. According to our news partner KETK, on June 7 around 4:30 a.m., individuals are seen on surveillance footage stealing from the Super Food Mart located at 206 SH 31. Officials said the suspects left the scene heading east on Kings Highway in a white SUV. The Kilgore Police Department said, “If you have any information as to these person’s identity, please contact Detective Justin Murphy at 903-218-6904 or [email protected]. Please reference case number 2306-0550.”

TYLER – A Longview man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs Wednesday. Dimitri Aaron Reynoso, 48, pleaded guilty on Nov. 28, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker. According to information presented in court, Reynoso was trafficking various types of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and pills laced with fentanyl in and around Longview and Tyler. During the course of a joint state and federal investigation, law enforcement officers purchased methamphetamine from Reynoso on multiple occasions. On January 25, 2022, Reynoso sold 82.63 grams of methamphetamine for $1,000. Continue reading Gregg County Man Sentenced for Trafficking Meth

The $1 million project will provide a more comfortable, private and quiet space to care for patients, according to the release. “We’re really proud of the fact that where we are and that we’re basically what that means is we’re equipped to take care of just about anything that may come in through our doors. We are acute stroke ready, which means we can take care of strokes. We are also E.R. pediatric ready, which means we have the people, the talent, the technology to take care of even the smallest of patients,” said Administrator Barry Loftquist. The newly expanded ER renovation started about a year ago and is now open for all emergency needs.

TYLER – Severe thunderstorms came through East Texas Tuesday bringing severe thunderstorm warning across East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, A total of 10,199 outages were reported by Oncor, SWEPCO, Upshur County Rural Electric and Wood County Rural Electric. Some counties experienced flood advisories and many saw large hail. KETK’s Chief Meteorologist Carson Vickroy said historically, June is a month East Texas will see hail storms. “All of that potential energy from those warm temperatures results in large hail stones from strong updrafts, as we know can create a lot of damage,” said Vickroy. After the storm left Tyler, people and businesses checked every vehicle and rooftop for damage. Vickroy said to stay weather aware and get you and your cars to safety ahead of the storm. “We have all modes of severe weather pretty much year-round in East Texas and the best thing to do when there is a big hail threat in the forecast is asking ‘How am I going to protect first my life? and if the storm is going to be a threat to my property?,’” said Vickroy.

TYLER – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce 5-star accreditation. According to our news partner KETK, an area chamber must meet minimum standards in certain areas to receive accreditation. U.S. Chamber VP Raymond P. Toole said, “This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations and programming. Accredited chambers are recognized for their continued advocacy of free enterprise and for their commitment to serving members and their local business communities. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”

Henry Bell, Tyler Area Chamber President said, “Accreditation is important to our Chamber because it allows us to examine how we are viewed every five years by peers in our industry. It is a way to assure we are staying focused on our mission and vision purpose.” The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce’s main mission is to enhance the business environment, economic well-being and quality of life for the Tyler area.

PALESTINE, Texas – According to our news partner KETK, A man was arrested after a traffic stop allegedly led to a drug bust with approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine being seized.

On June 11, around 2:30 a.m. Corporal Nathan Perkins and his K9 partner Hera with the Palestine Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with an expired registration on Crockett Road just north of the southern Palestine city limit. Robert Robison, 46, identified himself using a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) offender card. Robison was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

An open-air sniff check on the vehicle reportedly led to a search of the vehicle after Hera alerted to the presence of the odor of a controlled substance. During the search, officials said Perkins was able to locate a syringe loaded with methamphetamine under the center console and several blue pills suspected to be counterfeit Alprazolam located in a backpack in the passengers seat. A search at the Anderson County Jail revealed four bags of methamphetamine weighing approximately 80 grams located in a sunglasses bag that Robison had concealed in his groin area.

TYLER – Southside Bancshares Incorporated, the parent company for Southside Bank of Tyler has been awarded the Raymond James Community Bankers Cup for 2022. President and CEO of Southside Bancshares, Inc, Lee Gibson, said , “Southside is proud to be recognized as one of the top performing community banks in the country. We appreciate Raymond James acknowledging our commitment to remaining a strong community bank our customers can depend on, as well as our continued dedication to creating long-term value for our shareholders.” Southside is the only Texas-based institution awarded a Bankers Cup. The Raymond James Community Bankers Cup Award is awarded to the top 10% of community banks nationally.

UPSHUR COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that a Winnsboro man prosecutors deemed a habitual offender was sentenced to 40 years in prison in Upshur County Court. Terry Davis, 50, was charged with possession of more than one gram but less than four grams of methamphetamines. On Jan. 5, officers saw a vehicle pass them with an expired registration and followed the vehicle to a gas station where they met Davis. Authorities said they noticed “a pink bag hanging out of his pocket that he was trying to conceal.” At the time of that arrest, Davis had just been released weeks earlier from prison for the same crime in a different county.

LONGVIEW – Our news partner KETK reports that the Longview Board of Trustees have approved the a plan to convert old school busses into food trucks and to engage the services of architects for facility improvements and inspections.

Board members unanimously approved the plan brought to them by San Antonio-based Cruising Kitchens to convert two of their older school busses into food trucks, but the plan is pending funding approval from the TDA and/or USDA. If the funding is approved, the cost of the project would not exceed $432,583.77 and will not require the use of local funds.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler is offering free dementia and brain-related screenings to the East Texas community. According to our news partner KETK, the screenings will be conducted at 3531 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler. To make an appointment or get more information, you can call 903-630-7479 or email [email protected]. expect an appointment to last anywhere from five to eight hours, as the length of interviews and testing vary from patient to patient.

TYLER – Severe thunderstorms came through East Texas Tuesday bringing severe thunderstorm warning across East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, A total of 10,199 outages were reported by Oncor, SWEPCO, Upshur County Rural Electric and Wood County Rural Electric. Some counties experienced flood advisories and many saw large hail. KETK’s Chief Meteorologist Carson Vickroy said historically, June is a month East Texas will see hail storms. “All of that potential energy from those warm temperatures results in large hail stones from strong updrafts, as we know can create a lot of damage,” said Vickroy. After the storm left Tyler, people and businesses checked every vehicle and rooftop for damage. Vickroy said to stay weather aware and get you and your cars to safety ahead of the storm. “We have all modes of severe weather pretty much year-round in East Texas and the best thing to do when there is a big hail threat in the forecast is asking ‘How am I going to protect first my life? and if the storm is going to be a threat to my property?,’” said Vickroy.