KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — Residents and authorities continue to respond in the wake of severe storms in Smith county overnight Monday and Tuesday. Whitehouse officials Tuesday named W.M. Solaman as the person who died there when a storm pushed a tree down across his home. Downed trees, blocked roadways, traffic signal outages, and delays are among the issues that have confronted officials around the county. Local governments are reporting progress while passing along detailed information on damage and how to get help if you were affected by the rough weather. For the latest information from the city of Tyler, go here and scroll down to “Tyler News.” Smith County’s updates and summaries can be found by going to this link and scrolling down to “News.” As for the city of Whitehouse, go here or here for further information.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith Countywide Cleanup vouchers are now available at Whitehouse City Hall for people who suffered property damages from Monday night’s storm. The Smith Countywide Cleanup is running throughout April and allows for all Smith County residents to take one truckload of bulky trash to the landfill for free. The program began April 1, and vouchers are available at several County Offices, including the Annex Building, at 200 E. Ferguson Street in Tyler, as well as the Constable/Justice of the Peace Offices throughout the County. The vouchers are now available at Whitehouse City Hall, to be more conveniently distributed from its Utility Department, located at 101 A Bascom Road. Continue reading Smith County cleanup vouchers available in Whitehouse

TYLER — Tyler city officials say crews are working to restore misaligned traffic detection cameras, remove downed trees, and repair fence damage to city-owned facilities after severe thunderstorms went through the area early Tuesday morning. The city offered a mid-afternoon update Tuesday, with more updates planned as the situation evolves. The Tuesday afternoon update includes a detailed rundown of issues and how to report any problems you may have. Continue reading Storm damage assessment reveals downed trees, blocked roadways, more

TYLER — Smith County Officials assisted the City of Whitehouse and Troup after Monday night and Tuesday morning’s storms caused downed trees throughout the county. According to a news release, Smith County Road and Bridge crews, along with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshal’s Office, came to the aid of the City of Whitehouse in the middle of the night. County Engineer Frank Davis said Road and Bridge crews were called out around 3 a.m. The county later reported that as of 3:30 Tuesday afternoon, all reported downed trees had been cleared from county roads. We will update this item as additional information comes in. Meantime, click this link for additional details.

WHITEHOUSE — The Whitehouse Police Department has identified W. M. Soloman as the individual who died during the storms that passed through the city early Tuesday morning. “Our prayers are with the friends and family of Mr. Soloman, who we lost early this morning when the storm pushed a tree down across his home,” said Mayor James Wansley as quoted in a Tuesday afternoon news release. “Last night’s storm also brought down power lines, obstructed traffic and caused property damage in the heart of the City of Whitehouse. I was proud to see the City staff, Police and Fire jump into action at the first signs of the menacing storm.” Wansley also sayd he “was humbled by the support we received” from various local responders. The city has lots more to share. Click here or here for more information.

MARSHALL — Police in Marshall are seeking clues in a fatal shooting. Authorities say officers were dispatched Monday evening to a location on Holland St. near Wilson Street in reference to a “trouble unknown” call of a person knocking on a door at a residence there. The officers were notified by Marshall Police Emergency Communications that someone had been shot, and that they were being transported to a hospital by private vehicle. The officers arrived at the hospital and located a car with multiple bullet strikes in the passenger side. The driver said her passenger had been shot multiple times by an unknown assailant wearing a mask and dark-colored clothing. Continue reading Marshall police investigate fatal shooting

GILMER – Authorities say an Upshur County Jail inmate has died after being found unresponsive in his cell. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Larry Webb said in a press release that 53-year-old Mark Wayne Stovall of Winnsboro was on medical watch at the time. Jail staff reportedly found him unresponsive and “immediately entered the cell and began to perform CPR on Mr. Stovall.” EMS was called as jail staff continued CPR, the release said, and EMS was not able to revive Stovall. The Texas Rangers are investigating, and the body has been sent for autopsy. Authorities said Stovall was jailed March 31 on a bond forfeiture warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

TYLER — With low COVID numbers holding relatively steady in the area, NET Health’s George Roberts remains upbeat but urges continued caution. He’s also shedding light on the recently-approved second booster. Roberts tells KTBB it’s recommended for people aged 50 and over — and for those aged 12 to 50 who are immunocompromised. He says you can get that second booster four months after your first booster. Roberts also reminds you that the BA.2 omicron variant is becoming more prevalent, and officials are continuing to keep an eye on that situation. Overall, Roberts continues to urge vaccinations for everyone who is eligible — reiterating that no one knows when another COVID spike may occur. And he says the vaccine supply remains abundant in East Texas. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

ARP — Arp ISD has delayed school start time for Tuesday. Classes will begin at 10:00 and buses will run 2 hours later than usual. Numerous reports of downed trees in the area, drivers are urged to use caution.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler announced the second four million-dollar gift to its School of Medicine. The anonymous gift will support the School of Medicine scholarships and faculty research, according to a news release. As quoted in the release, UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun terms university officials “tremendously appreciative” of the gift and “amazed by the support” for the new facility. The School of Medicine’s founding dean, Dr. Brigham Willis, points to “the overwhelming philanthropic support that we have received since the medical school was announced.” He also expressed good feelings about the “warm welcome” he says he has received since coming on board in February. Continue reading Anonymous gift continues momentum for UT Tyler School of Medicine

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have an overlay crew on FM 2089 with traffic controlled by flaggers and a pilot vehicle. A herbicide crew will also be in various locations throughout the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be on FM 449 performing base repairs ahead of the edge/widening project. There will be a one-way setup with flaggers controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — The Oakwood Cemetery Restoration Committee is holding their annual Walking History Tour through the historic Oakwood Cemetery, located at the intersection of Palace and Oakwood, Saturday, April 9, with tours starting at 1:00. Guests will follow a guide to visit gravesites of historical figures on tours that begin every 10 minutes. The cost is $10 per person. No charge for kids under 12, accompanied by an adult. For more information, call (903) 316-2201.

TYLER — The re-sentencing trial for a Central Texas man in Tyler for a fatal wreck on Grande Blvd. back in 2016 has entered its second week. According to our news partner KETK, 46-year-old James Fulton was convicted of criminally negligent homicide for a crash that killed 21-year-old Haile Beasley in 2016 and had been sentenced to 10 years in prison, the maximum punishment allowed by Texas law. Two years later, an appeals court ruled that Fulton received ineffective counsel when his lawyers chose not to present evidence that would have contradicted the testimony of a local waitress. They ordered that the conviction would stay in place, but that Fulton would receive a new sentencing trial. He has been out on bond since August 2019.

RUSK COUNTY — A brush pile fire got out of control and spread to a house due to high winds in northern Rusk County on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, Kilgore Fire Department, Crims Chapel Volunteer Fire Department and New London Volunteer Fire Department were all on the scene. There were reportedly no injuries. Rusk County Office of Emergency Management reminds residents to be careful while burning.

OVERTON — The Board of Trustees of Overton Independent School District voted unanimously to elect a new superintendent for the district. Larry Calhoun will replace current superintendent Stephen DuBose who will be retiring at the end of June after 18 years in the district and the last 9 as superintendent. Calhoun is currently the CTE Director and Department Chair for Fine and Applied Arts at Mundelein High School in Mundelein, Illinois. Calhoun earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Abilene Christian University, where he played football, and received a Master of Education Administration from Lamar University. After earning his degrees, Calhoun began his career in the business world but left to begin his teaching/coaching career at Dallas Christian High School in Mesquite, Texas. After that, he spent time in Garland and Austin Texas before moving to Illinois. Calhoun and his wife, Kathy, have 2 children, both former collegiate athletes.

MOUNT PLEASANT – Mount Pleasant and Pittsburg police located and confiscated 28 stolen catalytic converters, according to our news partner KETK. A joint investigation between the Mount Pleasant Police Department and the Pittsburg Police Department ultimately led to the discovery that came to a head on Friday. Detectives found 28 “illegally obtained” catalytic converters at a business in Mount Pleasant. Catalytic converters are located under your vehicle and are required to pass state inspections. Precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium make up catalytic converters. Thieves can sell those metals for hundreds to thousands of dollars per ounce. Continue reading Joint investigation leads to recovery of 28 catalytic converters at local business

NACOGDOCHES — The Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended the medical license of an East Texas doctor who was arrested and charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child. According to our news partner KETK, the TMB suspended the license of Karl Frederick Kauffman after “determining his continuation in the practice of medicine poses a continuing threat to public welfare.” The suspension is effective immediately. The board panel found that Kauffman was arrested and charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony. The suspension of his medical license is temporary, but it will remain in place until the board takes further action. Continue reading Doctor’s medical license suspended after child sexual abuse arrest

WHITE OAK — A man accused of killing two people in a shooting in Longview died on Friday after he took his own life, said the Longview Police Department. According to our news partner KETK, SWAT surrounded the Chase Knoll Studio Apartments in White Oak and confirmed that the suspect, Jared Scott Sobey, 37, of Longview, was inside an apartment. Officers attempted to make contact with Sobey when he reportedly killed himself. Sobey was wanted for his involvement in a Longview shooting that left two people dead Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the incident happened around 4:45 p.m. on Fisher Street. Arriving officers found two victims with gunshot wounds. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, the second person was transported to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. Continue reading Longview murder suspect reportedly killed himself

MARSHALL — Marshall police are investigating a murder. On Wednesday around 4:35 p.m., officials say police got a call about a man lying on the ground in Powder Mill Cemetery, at FM 1997 and Buffo St. Responding officers determined that the man was dead and had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as Akeivyon Diez McMillan, 20, of Jefferson. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call police at 903-935-4575, contact Marshall/Harrison County Crimestoppers at 903-935-9969, or use the P3 mobile app.

TYLER — Tyler police have identified a second suspect in a homicide that came to light over the weekend. A warrant for murder was obtained on Christian Navon-Whitney Polk, 19, of Tyler, with a $2,000,000 bond. Police said his whereabouts were not immediately known and he is considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information on his whereabouts, you’re asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833. Continue reading Second suspect sought in Tyler homicide

TYLER — Smith County residents will get to take one free trip to the landfill during the annual Smith Countywide Cleanup, set for April. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office Environmental Crimes Unit and Commissioners Court are once again offering the Countywide Cleanup program, which allows residents to take one truckload of bulky items (3 cubic yards of solid waste) to the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free. During County Government Month, one voucher per resident is available in-person only at the Courthouse Annex on East Ferguson Street in Tyler, or any of the Justice of the Peace/Constable Offices throughout the county. The vouchers became available for pickup Monday, March 21, but can only be used Friday, April 1, through Saturday, April 30. Click here for more details.

CANTON – Former Van Zandt County Chief Deputy Craig Shelton won’t face criminal charges after admitting to using excessive force against an inmate, according to District Attorney Tonda Curry. According to our news partner KETK, Curry said Shelton entered into a pre-trial intervention contract addressing two potential charges against him. As part of that deal, along with other conditions, Shelton surrendered his peace officer’s license for life. Shelton allegedly admitted to hitting a handcuffed individual in the face without justification. Sheriff Steve Hendrix, Chief Deputy Jerry Wood, and Sergeant Blake Snell were questioned as part of the Texas Rangers’ investigation. According to their indictments, they all denied seeing Shelton hit an inmate. Continue reading Former Van Zandt chief deputy won’t face criminal charges

LONGVIEW – A Longview man who was shot and killed during a fight with a housemate ended up recording his own murder, according to arrest warrants obtained by our news partner KETK. 49-year-old Michael Ralston (pictured) was arrested for the killing of Eric Wynns, 44, on March 19. Two neighbors told investigators that Ralston and Wynns were having an ongoing “noise feud,” where they were both being “intentionally being loud to annoy each other.” A housemate told police that both were also hearing impaired, with Ralston being called the “Deaf Dragon.” After the shooting, police found Wynns’ cell phone next to his body, which was still recording. Several clips from earlier that night were also saved on the device.

SMITH COUNTY — A Whitehouse man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas Wednesday. Anthony D. Klein, 47, pleaded guilty to attempting to evade or defeat tax. According to information presented in court, for tax year 2016, Klein filed an IRS Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, with the Internal Revenue Service. On that form, he claimed that he had no taxable income and that he was entitled to credits in the amount of $5,836.00. In fact, he had taxable income of approximately $538,188.07 for tax year 2016. Continue reading Whitehouse man guilty of income tax violations

TYLER – Dr. Lance Groppel has been named the new deputy superintendent of administration in Tyler ISD. According to a news release, Dr. Groppel will lead the division that houses Curriculum and Instruction and K-8 School Improvement departments and initiatives. Trustees approved the hire during their March 28 meeting. Dr. Groppel joins the district from the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, where he is the executive director of instructional leadership. Dr. Groppel and his family will move to Tyler this spring, according to the release.

ATHENS – Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says six people were arrested late Tuesday and charged with the aggravated kidnapping of a female victim who was allegedly held against her will and severely tortured. Hillhouse said the woman had met the suspects online. A call about the incident prompted authorities to search a residence on Waverly Way in Athens. Arrested were Felicity Emanuelle Walker, 22; Summer Syler Lawrence, 45; Breonna Cheyenne Johnson, 22; Amanda Marie Andrews, 22; Shayne Joseph Anderson, 30; and Charles K. Bryant, Jr., 21. Hillhouse said the victim was being treated for her injuries. Continue reading Six accused of aggravated kidnapping

TYLER — Things are still looking good with COVID in the NET Health jurisdiction. But NET Health’s George Roberts says officials continue to keep an eye on BA.2 as its presence grows around the country. Roberts says the most recent information shows BA.2 now makes up 54.9 per cent of COVID cases across the U.S. — and close to 50 per cent of cases in the Texas/Oklahoma/Arkansas region. He tells us the numbers are low thus far, but he voices concern about higher figures in other parts of the world — along with part of the northeastern U.S., where the numbers are beginning “to tick up a little bit.” He adds that if the figures start to increase in East Texas, “we will certainly let everybody know.” Roberts still urges vaccinations. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

CANTON – An attorney for Van Zandt County Sheriff Steve Hendrix is defending his client after Hendrix and two others were indicted. According to our news partner KETK, Kenneth Biggs issued a statement that reads in part, “The Van Zandt County Sheriff has been and will continue to be fully cooperative with any state or federal investigators who seek to acquire information related to this alleged misconduct. We believe the charges brought in this indictment are baseless and the Sheriff looks forward to defending the allegations in court.” Hendrix (pictured) and two deputies were indicted Friday and charged with providing false statement to a peace officer. Continue reading Attorney: Charges against sheriff “are baseless”

TYLER – A Lindale man is facing two counts of cattle theft after a months-long investigation by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA). According to our news partner KETK, 65-year-old Jesus Perez-Sanchez is facing two third-degree felony counts of theft of livestock worth less than $150,000. He was arrested March 11 after the investigation began this past December. Perez-Sanchez allegedly took three yearlings from an absentee landowner’s ranch to a livestock auction and placed one of them in his own name without the landowner’s consent. The second charge accuses him of taking a bull and cow to an auction and placing the cow under his own name, once again without the owner’s knowledge or consent. Perez was released from jail March 21 after posting a $50,000 bond. His next court date has not been scheduled.