KTBB News, Weather, Talk

AUSTIN — On the heels of the arrest of a San Antonio woman for voter fraud, Tyler State Representative Matt Schaefer tells KTBB, “We need to make protection from voter fraud a priority.” The District 6 Representative continued, “We need to mandate stricter voter software protocols by securing back-ups and allowing the proper auditing of election results. We need to purge the voter rolls of those who have moved, or are dead, or are not citizens. We need to make sure that voting fraud is investigated and that is found, is prosecuted, and we have to increase mail in ballot integrity.” In Texas, 150 people have been charged with voter fraud since 2004.

GREGG COUNTY — A fatal wreck involving an 18-wheeler shut down eastbound lanes in Gregg County Monday morning. According to DPS, John Michael Harvey, Jr., 18, of Franklin, TN was killed in the accident on IH-20, a half-mile west of Kilgore. Harvey was thrown from his vehicle, after it rolled several times, and struck by a semi-truck. Investigators say the truck was driven by Timothy Allen Ingalls, 58, of Bossier City LA. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — More details have surfaced about a Tyler man, accused of sexually abusing multiple children for years. According to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK, Willie Britton, 39, was arrested January 15, after multiple victims, that are now adults, met with investigators over the last two months. One male victim alleged that Britton sexually abused him twice a week, starting at the age of 8 until becoming a teen. The warrant also reveals a female victim told police, the abuse occurred when she was eight and ten years old. Two other victims also reported abuse to authorities, after initial claims. Britton is being held on a $250,000 bond in the Smith County Jail. His first court date has not been set.

LINDALE –Funeral services for former Lindale mayor Bobby E. McClenny will be held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale. McClenny is remembered for his role in the extension of Lindale city limits to Interstate 20 and Hideaway Lake, which helped create the economic growth that the city is currently experiencing. McClenny was 86 at the time of his death. Read more here.

TYLER — Monday marked a somber anniversary for NASA and people impacted across East Texas. The first day of February, 2003, was the day of the Columbia Space Shuttle catastrophe and its breakup over Texas. After more than two weeks in space, upon re-entry to the earth’s atmosphere, the shuttle was shredded while crossing the western United States. Investigators said the shuttle, traveling at 14,400 m.p.h., finally disintegrated east of Dallas, with most of the debris coming down over east Texas and western Louisiana. Continue reading Space Shuttle Columbia disaster 18 years later

TYLER — Jucys fans may soon find it easier to have their favorite menu items. According to our news partner KETK, the City of Tyler has actualized a building permit to Jucys Hamburgers. The location, valued at $800,000, would be located on Loop 323 next to Hollywood Theater and Chicken Express. The family owned company opened the first location in Longview in 1980 and currently has 6 locations. If the new permit spot is constructed it would be the third location in Tyler, matching three locations in Longview and one in Marshall.

TYLER — Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines at UT Health East Texas, filled up quickly Monday. Officials say, the vaccines will be administered by appointment only, and walk-ins will not be accepted. Those eligible can sign-up for a waiting list. The waiting list is for those who fall under Phase 1A and Phase 1B categories. Vaccines will be administered at UT Health North Campus Tyler on U.S. Highway 271. During the appointment patients will be registered, vaccinated and monitored for 15 minutes. Also, during that time another appointment will be scheduled. The Moderna vaccine is given in two doses, 28 days apart. For more information click here.

GREGG COUNTY — A fatal wreck involving an 18-wheeler shut down eastbound lanes in Gregg County Monday morning. According to a DPS report, one person was killed around 2:45 a.m. near HWY 135. Details are limited. All eastbound traffic was diverted via SH 135 then FM 1252.

SMITH COUNTY — We now know the identity of a man hit and killed on State Highway 31 Thursday night. According to our news partner KETK, James Lewis Gaylord, 31, of Tyler was struck by an 18-wheeler, while trying to fill a vehicle with gas, 3 miles east of Tyler. The Department of Public Safety said, Gaylord was working on his car in the westbound lane, when the accident took place. Mark Charles Westin, 69, of Gladewater, was driving west in a Mack truck. Westin swerved left to avoid colliding with the vehicle, but struck Gaylord and another vehicle in front of his car. D.P.S. says the crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Annual property taxes are due Monday. Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber, told KTBB, “Since the 31st falls on a Sunday this year, those mailing their property tax payments must have them postmarked on or before February 1.” Last October, Barber’s office mailed out 186,000 property tax statements county-wide. Residents can make payments online, in person or through the Tax Office’s new drop-box in Tyler until February 1, 2021. Barber continued, “This drop box will allow customers to drop off their property tax payments without mailing it or coming in the building.” Citizens are encouraged to write their phone numbers on the envelope in case communication is needed. More information is available by clicking here.

TYLER — DPS Troopers were called to the scene of two vehicle crash on Saturday, just before 10 p.m. Troopers say the accident took place on IH-20, 6 miles northeast of Tyler. Preliminary reports indicate the driver of a car traveling in the eastbound lane was traveling at a slow speed, with its hazard lights flashing, due to a problem with the vehicle. DPS says, Christopher Ladale Young, 42, of Henderson was killed, after his car was struck by a semi driver failed to control his speed. Cori Leann Davis, 43, of Henderson, was a passenger in the struck vehicle, and was transported to UT Health East Texas – Tyler in stable condition. The driver of the Volvo was identified as Reynaldo Rafael Aparicio, 38, of Kissimmee FL. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Two men charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot are being moved to Washington D.C. Ryan Nichols, 30 of Longview and Alex Harkrider, 32 of Carthage, will be held in custody without bail until their trials. According to our news partner KETK, Nichols has been removed from Smith County Jail, while Harkrider is in the Gregg County Jail. The Department of Justice arrest warrant lists out alleges the two had planned on storming the Capitol for weeks and also posted various things to social media bragging about the riot. Continue reading 2 East Texans being transported to D.C.

TYLER — One suspect is in custody for an aggravated robbery that happened Tuesday. Tyler police announced the arrest of Francisco Daniel Vallejo, in a press release Friday afternoon. U.S. Marshalls arrested Vallejo, 21, of Tyler, who is being held in the Smith County Jail. Police say there is a warrant out for the second suspect, and the third has been identified, but a warrant has not yet been issued.

JACKSONVILLE — Services are pending for the former Police Chief of Jacksonville. The city announced the death of Reece Daniel, Friday. Chief Daniel lead the department, serving the community of Jacksonville from 2006 until his retirement in 2016. Chief Daniel spent nearly 40 years in law enforcement, including 15 as a police chief. Chief Daniel also volunteered as an Adjunct Professor of Law Enforcement at Jacksonville College.

MARSHALL — The second of three suspects wanted in connection with multiple burglaries, was arrested Friday, in Harrison County. Eddie “Tommy” Hill is one of three suspects authorities say are responsible for breaking into multiple homes. Police arrested Coreyia Wilbert, 19, earlier this month after she fled from deputies pursuing a suspicious car. After a chase, the vehicle crashed and all the occupants ran away. Wilbert was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant, but two men, believed to be Pierce and Hill escaped. Continue reading 2nd of three arrested in Harrison County on suspected burglaries

MARSHALL — Marshall authorities said Friday, a man arrested earlier in the week, on drug possession and illegally possessing weapons, admitted to killing his friend in Longview. According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, a car accident occurred near the intersection of FM 450 and I-20 on Monday. At that time the unidentified man was arrested on multiple charges. The man confessed to killing his friend and then dumping the body in Harrison County. A search involving several law enforcement agencies, took place over two days, before a Hallsville PD investigator found the body, that is believed to be the victim. The identity of the man and the victim have yet to be released.

ATHENS — More than 100 grams of meth was seized during a traffic stop in Athens at County Road 2936 and Highway 175 near Eustace. According to our news partner KETK, Arbra Leon Peavy, 55, of Payne Springs, was stopped by Narcotics Investigators following a traffic violation. Peavy was arrested after he told investigators that he was carrying meth. He was charged with manufacturing and delivering a large amount of meth with a first degree felony. Peavy was taken to Henderson County Jail.

TYLER — A traffic switch is coming in the $16.7 million project at U.S. 69 and F.M. 346 in Tyler. The new phase of work begins next week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and includes moving daytime traffic to the newly constructed bridge on 69. The project includes paving U.S. 69 one direction at a time and requires reducing the roadway to one lane in the direction of paving. Once the inside lane is paved in either direction, traffic will be moved to the new bridge during the day and back to the travel lanes at night. For more information click here.

PALESTINE — Two homes in Palestine marked the scene where multiple law enforcement agencies executed search warrants in tandem. According to a Friday press release from Palestine Police, Lester Earl Anderson, 69, and Charlotte Anderson, 55, both of Palestine, were arrested and placed in the Anderson County Jail. Police say they confiscated drugs and money. Both suspects face numerous charges that will be enhanced because the alleged crimes took place near a drug-free zone. Investigations began on the homes on Joe Louis Street and Douglas Street, after numerous complaints of alleged drug activity. Get more information here.

AUSTIN — Tyler State Representative Matt Schaefer filed House Bill 1406 this week in Austin. On Friday, he told KTBB “Ordinary business owners and individuals are having lawsuits dismissed for lack of standing when they try to challenge Governor Abbott’s unconstitutional executive orders that close down their businesses.” Schaefer says the bill that would give business owners an easier way to fight back against restrictions from COIVD-19. “These judges are claiming lack of standing just like the lawsuits we saw over election fraud. It’s time to push back and make sure the constitutional right to petition your government for readdressing your grievances is protected and this bill will make sure that people have standing in court.”

LONGVIEW — Gregg County prosecutors will not be seeking the death penalty for a woman accused of killing her 3-month-old child. According to our news partner KETK, Head prosecutor Elisa Hugman made the announcement Friday, during a Zoom hearing. Burks was present at the virtual meeting from the Gregg County North Jail. Andrea Burks, 41, is accused of capital murder in the death of Yahniece Wright, her new born daughter. Police say Burks confessed to killing the infant out of fear that Child Protective Services would remove her. Continue reading Prosecution will not seek death penalty of mother who confessed to murdering her baby

KILGORE — One person was killed late Thursday night after being struck by an 18-wheeler on HWY 31, east of Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the victim’s car was disabled on the side of the road, and potentially out of gas, near FM 2908. The unidentified person was struck by an 18-wheeler around 11 p.m. Additional details were not available.

TYLER – A state lawmaker says he’s fighting the state over everything from business closures to mask mandates stemming from the COVID pandemic. Representative Matt Schaefer, of Tyler, wants to put the burden on the local or state government to prove what their doing is the right thing. He says the governor, county judge or mayor should be required to prove that the order is constitutional, effective, fair and the least restrictive way to do it. Schaefer says there are too many inconsistencies in how the state allows some restaurants to stay open, but some bars are forced to close. Schaefer’s filed a bill making it easier for individuals to sue the state over business closures and mask mandates. HB 1406 was filed earlier this week.

UPSHUR COUNTY – A body was found inside a burning home in Upshur County Thursday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, the body was discovered inside the home on FM 1795. Firefighters were putting out the fire shortly after noon when they came across the body. The body is being sent to Tyler for an autopsy. State Fire Marshall Paul Steelman is investigating the fire and the sheriff’s office is assisting.

PALESTINE — A Palestine High School teacher is no longer with the district after an investigation into reports of inappropriate, but not criminal, text messages with a student. According to our news partner KETK, the educator resigned following an inquiry that began last week. The teacher’s name was not released. Although the texts were not illegal, they did violate district policy. The PISD webpage states the electronic communications policy allows employees communication with students, but, “only about matters within the scope of the employee’s professional responsibilities.” It also says that “an employee shall not use a personal electronic communication platform…to communicate with currently enrolled students.”

TYLER — A Tyler man has plead guilty in-connection to charges related to being in a white supremacist gang and beating a fellow gang member at at a Tyler park in 2016. Federal authorities said Glynnwood Derrick, was a leader of the Aryan Circle, who entered the plea in Beaumont. According to our news partner KETK, gang members allegedly planned the attack, after the victim wanted to leave the gang. Court records indicate Derrick joined the gang in 2000, in a Texas prison. The group is described by prosecutors as a violent, white supremacist organization that operates in federal prisons and uses violence to enforce rules.

LONGVIEW — Spring Hill ISD has named an interim superintendent following the resignation of Dr. Wayne Guidry Thursday morning. The district announced Penny Fleet will now perform in the interim role. Dr. Guidry was hired in March of 2019 from 6 finalists that had been trimmed down from 65 resumes. Prior to his time at Spring Hill ISD superintendent, Guidry spent two years leading Hubbard ISD. Fleet has served in numerous capacities across East Texas, including a decade teaching and coaching at Hallsville ISD, 12 years in administration at Pine Tree ISD, and 15 year in administration and special programs with Spring Hill ISD.

RUSK COUNTY — Less than two days after a homicide in Rusk County, authorities have arrested a man on the capital murder charge. Demarcus Lewis, 25, was arrested early Thursday, just outside of Kilgore. Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez told our news partner KETK action steps are key, “We truly believe that pro-activity is what allows us to do what we do, as quickly as we do.” Valdez continued, “Because, if we get on it, while it’s hot, and the case is still fresh, you have a much better chance.” Lewis has been charged with capital murder, in the death of Scott Reneau. The bond for Lewis was set at $1,500,000. Continue reading Man arrested on capital murder charge in Rusk County

LONGVIEW — Dogs and cats are the most surrendered and hardest animals to adopt at a shelter, according to the Longview Animal Care and Shelter. To that end, the organization announced Wednesday, the “Free over Three” program. Through the month of February, the center will waive the fees on animals, ages three years and up. All animals come spayed/neutered, micro-chipped and up to date on appropriate vaccinations. Approved adoption applications are required and some exceptions may apply. For more information click here.