KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department has announced the name of the driver who died in a crash on South Broadway Avenue near Loop 49 on Friday. According to our news partner KETK the driver was Austin Durrett, 36 of Jacksonville. He was driving north on South Broadway Avenue when officials said he attempted to pass traffic on the southbound shoulder and hit another vehicle. According to Tyler PD, the black Toyota Durrett was driving rolled several times. Officials said Durrett was dead at the scene and that his family has been notified. The other vehicles driver was taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

TRINITY COUNTY – Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace released a statement saying that the cause of the Ghost Branch fire has been ruled as an “Undetermined but cannot rule out Incendiary” case. “With all natural and normal causes ruled out, we feel that there could have been foul play involved. We are asking anyone with any information to please call either TCSO at 936-642-1424 or to call in anonymously and be eligible for a cash reward call Trinity County Crime Stoppers at 936-639-8477,” said Wallace. The fire started on Monday and burned up to 300 acres in Trinity County before it was extinguished.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — On Tuesday Aug. 15, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office was asked to locate Ray Lewis Stafford, an alleged suspect in a murder case in Modesto, California. The cold case revolves around the vanishing of Susan Robin Bender, a 15-year-old who disappeared on April 25, 1986. According to Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK, deputies found Stafford at his home close to Wills Point. Stafford was taken into custody and is being held at the Van Zandt County Justice Center on charges of murder with special circumstances until officials in California take him into custody. The case remains under investigation by the Modesto Police Department in California.

TYLER — A Tyler man was found guilty of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle in a crash that killed 20-year-old Tamyra Campbell in September 2021. According to our news partner KETK, Christopher Hardy Jr., 28, was convicted for hitting a parked car at the intersection of Plantation Drive and Spring Branch Drive, causing a crash that killed his passenger. Initial investigation into the crash revealed that Hardy was driving a black Dodge Charger with Campbell as his passenger. He was indicted in February 2022. According to the 475th District Court, the punishment phase will begin Friday morning.

TYLER – Congressman Nathaniel Moran officially announced the kickoff of his re-election campaign Thursday morning on The Square in downtown Tyler. Moran assumed the seat Jan. 3 that was previously held by longtime Rep. Louis Gohmert. In an interview with KTBB, he was asked what was on the legislative docket for the balance of his term. He said, “Border security, election integrity, energy independence, broadband bills, a lot of bills that impact East Texas. And, we want to see not only are they filed, but they pass the house, pass the senate and are signed into law.”
Continue reading U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran announces re-election bid

TYLER – ERCOT is asking Texans to voluntarily reduce electricity use due to extreme temperatures. The Voluntary Conservation Notice is in effect Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. According to ERCOT, The Voluntary Conservation Notice is part of ERCOT’s Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS), alerting the public of grid conditions. Last week, ERCOT extended a “weather watch” through Friday because of “high temperatures, high electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves.” ERCOT is requesting “all government agencies, including city and county offices, to implement all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities.” ERCOT set a new, all-time, unofficial peak demand record of 85,435 MW on Aug. 10.
Continue reading ERCOT asks Texans to reduce electricity use

HOPKINS COUNTY – A man has been arrested for several felony child sex related charges after an investigation by Hopkins and Franklin County officials. On Tuesday, according to our news partners at KETK, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office said they received reports of children at risk of “serious harm, adult actor(s) actively involved in child exploitation including online activities.” An investigation was opened immediately and with the information received, authorities said they were able to determine a possible location of the suspect in Franklin County. Hopkins County investigators went to the location and officials said they were able to identify the suspect outside the residence. The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Billy Joe Truss and authorities said Truss was detained without any further risk to the victims or the community. Continue reading Man arrested for felony child sex crimes

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, in collaboration with eight local colleges and universities, gathered for the Early Assurance Program Signing Day on August 16. “This is a significant milestone for UT Tyler School of Medicine and our partnering colleges,” said President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP. “The Pathways program reflects our commitment to recruiting local talent and promoting excellence in medical education. Through this program, we are creating a pathway for East Texas students to pursue a career in medicine.” Continue reading UT Tyler School of Medicine launches Early Assurance Program

LONGVIEW – CHRISTUS Good Shepherd has earned the Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology. According to our news partner KETK, its the first time the hospital has achieved this honor and one of only 262 hospitals to be recognized in the United States. The Chief of Cardiology, Dr. Chris McClish said, “This is a tremendous honor and achievement for the community and patients of the Longview region. To be recognized by the American College of Cardiology highlights the tremendous effort by our associates and demonstrates our commitment to the highest quality, comprehensive cardiac care.”
Continue reading CHRISTUS Good Shepherd earns nationwide award

KILGORE – During a traffic stop, a man with several warrants was arrested after allegedly attempting to run from police while being in possession of methamphetamines. According to our news partner KETK, on Aug. 12, an officer with the Kilgore Police Department said he saw Tucker Thedford as a passenger in a vehicle and recognized him as a suspect that had several warrants for his arrest including a parole warrant. After Thedford resisted, an officer was able to place him in handcuffs but police said he attempted to run away from the officer before shortly being caught. Thedford was reportedly found to be in possession of approximately 8.1 grams of meth and was taken to the Gregg County Jail on the warrant charges along with resisting arrest, search or transport and possession of a controlled substance.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Two people were arrested in connection to a drug trafficking organization in Cherokee County. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Police Department conducted a three-month investigation into a suspected drug trafficking organization at a residence on County Road 4303 in Jacksonville. As a result of that investigation, authorities issued arrest warrants for Drew Clark Sr. and Latona Durrett for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance. Continue reading 2 arrested for Cherokee County drug trafficking

LONGVIEW – A driver was hospitalized after a two-vehicle wreck rollover wreck in Longview according to our news partners at KETK. On Tuesday around 3 p.m., the West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department (WHVFD) responded to reports of a two-vehicle wreck at the intersection of FM 449 and Will Smith Road. The wreck involved a truck that rolled over off the side of the road. The driver of the truck was taken to a local hospital by Christus EMS. A WHVFD rescue vehicle, one CAFS truck, two DPS units and five personnel responded to the scene to assist.

TYLER — Smith County residents summoned to appear for Smith County Jury Duty are being asked to change where they park during construction of the County’s parking garage. For many years, jurors have parked in the large lot on East Ferguson Street but now, those reporting for duty are being asked to park in the Fair Plaza Parking Garage, located at 208. S. College Avenue. The walking distance from the parking garage to the Smith County Courthouse, located at 100 N. Broadway Avenue, is 733 feet, while the parking lot on Ferguson Street is 852 feet from the Courthouse. It is free to park in the Fair Plaza Garage on all four floors, except for the reserved spaces. Jurors are asked to park on the third and fourth floors. Continue reading Smith County jury parking to move during construction

KILGORE — Henderson Boulevard will be closed Thursday for the construction of the Kilgore College bridge. According to our news partner KETK, the road will be closed from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. There will be a detour route using Houston Street, S. Commerce Street and Harris Street. On Saturday, there will be a closure from 4 a.m. until noon, and drivers can use that same detour. After that, Henderson Boulevard will be a two-lane two-way roadway for several weeks while construction is completed.

TYLER — Tyler ISD bus drivers will soon have cases of water on hand for their routes. According to our news partner KETK, Churches Serving Schools and the Brookshire Grocery Company partnered to supply more than 60,000 bottles of water to Tyler ISD bus drivers. “We are beyond grateful for this donation for our Tyler ISD bus drivers,” Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines said. “They are the first person thousands of our students see every school day and the last person they see when the school day ends. Our drivers travel more than 7,500 miles daily, covering Tyler ISD’s 193-square-mile school district. This incredible gesture means so much to each and every one of them.” Continue reading 60,000 bottles of water donated to Tyler ISD bus drivers

PALESTINE — The Palestine Police Department lost a K9 officer this week. The department announced that K9 Hera died on Aug. 14 from a recent illness, according to our news partner KETK. The department said she will be remembered as a hard-working member of the Palestine Police Department and a public servant to the community. “Our condolences go to her family during this difficult time,” Palestine PD said. “Rest easy, Hera. We have the watch from here.”

TYLER — Work is underway to renovate Tyler’s former Greyhound bus station into a new boutique inn that will serve downtown Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the Greyhound Inn will feature nine rooms, five original upstairs apartments, two first floor units and two new rooms that will divide the building’s Art Moderne addition. Originally the building’s rooms were used for overnight Greyhound bus drivers, so many of them were fully equipped with bathrooms and kitchenettes and will be again once the renovation is complete. “I believe these will be the most unique hospitality rooms in all of East Texas, when finished. It’s hard to explain how cool these rooms are until you see them for yourself,” said Andy Bergfeld with Bergfeld Realty Company. Continue reading Former Tyler bus station being renovated into Greyhound Inn

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A federal grand jury July 19 returned indictments on three persons on several drug charges. According to our news partner KETK, indicted were Joshua Lindsey, Amanda Lindsey and Jacob Lacey. They were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting.
Continue reading Feds indict 3 for having 3 pounds of meth

LONGVIEW – Longview ISD is proposing a tax rate cut for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and a bond election for Nov. 7. According to our news partners at KETK, the Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved a proposed property tax rate decrease from $1.3276 per $100 valuation to $1.1422 per $100 valuation. This proposed rate includes $0.6692 for Maintenance and Operations and $0.4730 for Interest and Sinking. They also are projecting a budget of $100,715,705 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, up from last year’s budget total of $94,214,401. Continue reading Longview ISD proposing $359 million bond

MOUNT PLEASANT – The Mount Pleasant Police Department said a man was sentenced to life in prison for continuous sexual assault of child on Monday. Cornelio Macedo-Medrano, 58, was arrested in 2021 after he was accused of sexually assaulting a child between 3 and 5-years-old. “It took enormous courage on behalf of the victim to come forward and speak with the MPPD. Thanks to the Titus County District Attorney’s Office, Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, investigators from the MPPD, and the brave victim, today Macedo-Medrano was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.” -  Mount Pleasant Texas Police Department

LONGVIEW – Occupants of two vehicles were hospitalized after a wreck involving an 18-wheeler on Monday morning according to our news partners at KETK. Around 8:40 a.m., the West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department responded to a multi-vehicle wreck with a possible entrapment. When crews arrived, they reportedly found a car, truck and 18-wheeler were involved in the accident. The fire department said that occupants from both vehicles were taken to a local hospital. “The department responded with 1 rescue truck, 1 tanker for traffic control and 7 personnel,” said the West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department. No further information is available at this time.

TYLER – Tyler businessman Daniel Alders announced Tuesday he will run for the Texas House District 6 seat, currently held by Representative Matt Schaefer. Schaefer announced Monday that he will not seek re-election. According to our news partner KETK, Alders is the President of Drake Management Services, which is a Tyler-based commercial property management company. Prior to that he was the East Texas Regional Director to Senator Ted Cruz. In that job, Drake was the primary liaison from the Senators office to a 35 county region.

At the time of the announcement Alders said, “I am grateful for the encouragement I have received from leaders across Smith County, and especially for Representative Schaefer’s endorsement. I look forward to continuing his legacy of conservative leadership in Austin.”

SMITH COUNTY — Another scam is finding its way to cell phones of East Texans. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam where victims get a call from someone claiming to be Chief Deputy John Garrison with the SCSO, telling the recipient that they missed a grand jury subpoena. “The proposed victim immediately recognized this as a scam and did not let the suspect get far enough to explain the payment method,” said SCSO Sgt. Larry Christian. “Typically, these scammers will demand immediate payment for nonexistent fines and/or warrants for missed jury service.” Christian said he talked with the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Texas, John Garrison. Continue reading Smith County residents warned about scam calls

GREGG COUNTY — Monday night in Gregg County, commissioners voted yes in a bond election for a new courthouse parking garage. According to our news partner KETK, during Monday’s county commissioners’ meeting, a $19 million bond was approved to go on November’s ballot. The money will be used for a new parking garage in Downtown Longview that will be built across from the county courthouse. During a recent interview with KETK, County Judge Bill Stoudt said parking has been a problem for years at the courthouse and that this structure will help the issues. The project could take up to two years.

GLENDALE — According to our news partner KETK residents in certain parts of Trinity County are being asked to prepare for evacuation due to a “severe fire” on North Ghost Branch Road in Glendale. According to Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace, the fire started from a pasture of about 10 to 15 acres that was moving to the woods around 2:30 p.m. on Monday. Wallace reported that the fire is about 100 acres large and 30% contained as of 6:45 p.m. Officials on the scene have used several aircrafts to get water from a nearby pond and lake to take it over to the fire in an attempt to help extinguish it. The fire is reportedly spreading to Sammy Davis Road and approaching Highway 94. Wallace said the highway could possibly be shut down if the fire continues to spread in that direction. For residents that need to evacuate, the VFW in Trinity will be open as a shelter as well as First Baptist Church in Groveton. Continue reading Some Trinity County residents asked to evacuate due to wildfire

TYLER – First District Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Tyler stopped by KTBB Monday afternoon. With congress in recess, Moran was asked what issues are on voters minds. He said, “We heard a lot about over regulation by the USDA and the EPA. We were talking to some community banks last week in Shelby County and we heard a lot about the CFPB and their over regulation of community banks. So, over regulation is a big issue.”
Continue reading Congressman Nathaniel Moran visits KTBB

TYLER – Three men have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges that took place throughout the Eastern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. According to our news partner KETK, on Monday, Nekia Euron Byrd, 48, Rodney Ignacio Castro, 41 and Terance Babe Green, 43, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to information presented in court, Byrd, Castro and Green had been trafficking cocaine throughout the Houston area, Port Arthur and various East Texas cities such as Texarkana and Lufkin.

Byrd, Castro and Green each face 10 years to life in federal prison for their involvement in the drug trafficking enterprise. Davilyn Walston, Public Affairs Officer/Law Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said, “A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.”

HARRISON COUNTY – A woman was arrested after allegedly smoking while driving and drugs being found while she was getting processed into jail.

Our news partners at KETK report that on Monday, a deputy with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and their K9, Pato, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was reportedly going 81 mph in a 65 mph zone. During the stop, the deputy reported that they smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Sherronandayln Forrest and authorities said she admitted to smoking inside of the vehicle which led to a probable cause search by the deputy. During the search, officials said they found a firearm that was reported stolen out of the Shreveport Police Department. Continue reading Xanax bars seized while woman is processed into East Texas jail

TYLER – State Representative Matt Schaefer (District 6) has announced he is not running for reelection in 2024. He made this official statement on twitter around midday… “I will not seek re-election to the Texas House of Representatives in 2024. It’s time for the next conservative leader to be the voice of House District 6 in Austin. Continue reading Matt Schaefer will not run for reelection