KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — In a Tyler Federal Court last week, Dusty Caudill and David Bartlett pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to transport wildlife in Interstate Commerce and to violating the Endangered Species Act. In February of 2021, Caudill and Barlett attempted to negotiate the sale of two African elephant ivory tusks with an undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife agent. The tusks were transported from Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Tyler. A third man, Darryl Garcia, still awaits his day in court.

TYLER – Tyler Police report that a woman’s body was discovered Saturday morning in the parking lot of Clear Springs restaurant. According to officials and our news partner KETK, someone at the restaurant reported the body to police around 12:30 a.m. The body was sent for autopsy, according to Tyler PD Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh. Erbaugh said that there is no foul play suspected.

WASHINGTON – Texas Republican Congressman Nathaniel Moran Thursday introduced a bill designed so classified documents won’t be mishandled or misplaced. According to our news partner KETK, the proposed measure is called the Information Security Investment Act. If passed, it would stipulate that every member of federal government elected complete twice yearly training on how to safely keep and store classified documents. With the passage of the bill, those impacted by it, would need to have their training complete with a six month period.

RAINS COUNTY – An early Saturday morning bus crash in Rains County, put six students and their bus driver from Alba-Golden ISD in a Tyler hospital. According to our news partner KETK, authorities say the bus, on the way to a UIL academic meet, crashed into a vehicle that had crossed the center line. The school district announced that no major injuries happened and everyone was released from the hospital by late Saturday afternoon. Alba-Golden Superintendent Macie Thompson said in a release, “Pending the DPS investigation, the AGISD bus driver was not at fault.”

TROUP — According to our news partner KETK, Cooper Reid, the Troup High School who was injured in a September football game with a brain injury is leaving a rehabilitation facility February 15th. Since the injury, Troup and East Texas has shown a tremendous amount of support for Cooper and his family. Reid’s mother asked for prayers and a safe trip home on the 15th in her Facebook post.

UPSHUR COUNTY – Upshur County District Judge Jerald Dean Fowler II pleaded guilty to a driving while intoxicated charge according to Jacob Putman, the Smith County District Attorney, who presided over the case. Fowler was sentenced to one year of probation. He is the 115th District Court judge. Fowler was arrested after a crash in Gilmer in September of 2022. Putman said a DWI is not an offense that an official can be removed for. He said the state judicial conduct commission can decide whether they want to take action.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council signs off on a new hiring option for the police department. Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh says the department has been working on the Prior Service Credit Program for quite some time. Under the program, new Tyler officers can get pay based on up to seven years’ prior experience with other police departments. Erbaugh notes that the move was very timely since hiring is underway as of February 10, continuing through March 16. He says the program is a good way to get more people to apply and that it’s great to have applicants with experience in police work. You can click this link to submit your application.

TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful (KTyB) invites the community to help paint the next KTyB restroom mural at P.T. Cole Park on S. Vine St. The event will be held March 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. — just in time for the Grand Opening of the park after a full renovation on March 18. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the event. According to a news release, this mural will be the first restroom mural of its kind in Tyler, with all seven others being painted by an individual artist. For more information about mural opportunities or Keep Tyler Beautiful, visit this link, contact Erin Garner, KTyB Community Coordinator, at (903) 531-1335, or email [email protected].

TYLER — Dr. Cheryl McCullumsmith has been appointed as the Robert M. Rogers Distinguished University Professor and Founding Chair for The Robert M. Rogers Department of Psychiatry at The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, beginning June 2023. “We welcome Dr. McCullumsmith to UT Tyler, and with her expertise and experience in psychiatry and neuroscience, we look forward to the valuable contributions she will bring to the School of Medicine,” said UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun, as quoted in a news release. McCullumsmith is currently psychiatry chair at the University of Toledo, chief medical officer for value based care for the University of Toledo Physicians, and lead of the statewide Ohio Behavioral Health Taskforce. Continue reading Psychiatry chair announced for UT Tyler School of Medicine

SULPHUR SPRINGS – The Sulphur Springs Police Department Tuesday found a Mississippi prison escapee dead in the Pacific Park restroom. According to our news partner KETK, a release says officers responded to the location in reference to a welfare concern after a man was in the restroom for a long period of time. Once officers arrived, they found a dead man who did not have any type of identification on him. Officials sent the individual to the Dallas Medical Examiner to positively identify him. Officials said the Medical Examiner was able to identify the man as Travero McElroy (at right in photo) through fingerprints. According to officials, McElroy had escaped from the Raymond Detention Center in Jackson, Mississippi, where he was being held on the charge of murder. “The cause of death is still pending but there is no foul play suspected at this time,” according to the release. Continue reading Escaped Mississippi inmate found dead in Sulphur Springs

EAST TEXAS (KRLD) – East Texas zoos are watchful for anyone who might try to steal their animals after thefts at at the Dallas Zoo. The president and CEO of the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Steve Marshall, said he considers the theft of two emperor tamarin monkeys in Dallas as being malicious intent and endangerment of the rare animals. Marshall says the exotic animals require special diets and some need medication. They could become sick or die without expert care. He says the Caldwell Zoo is monitoring its security cameras even more carefully. The Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin says it has added security personnel and surveillance cameras.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has recently been made aware of a new telephone scam. According to a news release, someone left a voice message on the reporting person’s phone identifying himself as sheriff’s Sgt. Justin Hall, saying the call recipient needed to call him regarding a legal matter. The reporting person chose not to be a victim and notified the Sheriff’s Office to make a report. Officials say there is a Sgt. Justin Hall employed with the Sheriff’s Office, but he has not called anyone leaving voice messages concerning legal matters. If you receive a call like this and would like to verify its legitimacy, you may call the SCSO non-emergency number at (903) 566-6600. Continue reading Sheriff’s Office warns of new phone scam

AUSTIN — The Texas Freedom Caucus, chaired by state Rep. Matt Schaefer of Tyler, has released its 10 priorities for the 88th session of the Texas Legislature. According to the caucus website, categories include maximum property tax relief; securing the border; expanding educational freedom and ending so-called woke indoctrination; protecting Texas children; defending the sanctity of life; securing the grid and opposing ESG policies; protecting Second Amendment rights; increasing election integrity; restoring separation of powers; and health care affordability and medical freedom. The caucus says its mission is “to amplify the voice of liberty-minded, grassroots Texans.” Click here and navigate as desired for more information.

AUSTIN — The news is good for both Tyler and Longview in the latest sales tax allocation report from the state comptroller’s office. For February, Tyler brings in $6,280,139.65, up from $6,063,419.89 a year ago. For the year to date, Tyler shows $11,245,967.70, up from $11,060,380.74 at this time last year. Longview’s February figure is $4,806,911.52, compared to $4,498,936.23 for February 2022. Longview’s year-to-date total is $8,503,116.35, an increase from $8,010,086.26 a year ago. Statewide, local sales tax allocations for this month are up 9.3 per cent from last February. Click here for more detailed information, in East Texas and around the state.

TYLER — Several key items were addressed at Wednesday’s Tyler City Council meeting, including a couple involving infrastructure work. The Council approved a contract to reduce flooding and repair deteriorated stormwater infrastructure at five locations. Officials say the storm sewer pipes have deteriorated and developed structural issues that have allowed the soil to enter, creating sinkholes in paved streets and unpaved areas. Officials also report that progress is continuing on a consent decree, with over 45,000 feet of trenchless sewer line rehabilitation planned. According to a news release, about 115 sewer main lines are targeted, and the contract for the work also includes installing 58 manholes. Along with that, the city accepted the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 15th straight year. Click here for more details on those items and other city news.

TYLER – In response to the recent winter storm, the East Texas Food Bank will distribute emergency food boxes and meat on Thursday, February 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. Last week’s winter storm caused widespread power outages and damage, with Smith County being part of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration. “Many of our neighbors had to throw away all of their refrigerated food after being without power for days and with so many people struggling to make ends meet, we knew we wanted to help,” said Food Bank CEO Dennis Cullinane as quoted in a news release. “We are also grateful for our partnership with Green Acres Baptist Church and allowing us to use their facility for our distributions.” Continue reading East Texas Food Bank to hold special distribution to help storm victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As he predicted, East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran is not pleased with President Biden’s State of the Union Address. In a statement released following the address Tuesday evening, Moran says, in part, “The American people deserve transparency and accountability from the government at all levels. While I am disappointed, I am not surprised by President Biden’s unwillingness to admit that the path he has taken our nation on is the wrong path. Whether it be foreign affairs, national security, the economy, or the porous southern border, the policies and practices of the Biden Administration have been disastrous and we need to reverse course.” Continue reading Moran responds to SOTU Address

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is looking for any information on the whereabouts of Cannon Tuck, 29. Tuck weighs 145 lbs. and is about 5’9″ tall. He was last seen in the area of Fourth St and East Loop 281 wearing a black hoodie, jeans and a black backpack. Tuck was reported missing on Tuesday, February 7, by a family member. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Longview Police Department at (903) 237-1170.

SMITH COUNTY — Grassroots America said 584 absentee voter ballots from the 2020 general election were not counted in Smith County, according to an audit done by the organization, Executive Director JoAnn Fleming said Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Grassroots America requested that the item be put on Tuesday’s agenda for the Smith County Commissioners Court meeting. “We do think that every vote matters,” said Smith County Judge Neal Franklin. Fleming said that Grassroots America provided a dozen volunteers to survey 634 voters and record 385 interviews. “Those interviews documented unusual anomalies between voter memories and Smith County voting records,” Fleming said. Fleming said the audit was a fact-finding mission to help the county. Continue reading Audit reveals hundreds of absentee ballots not counted in 2020 general election

LONGVIEW – The Longview Fire Department reports a structure fire at Bagley Tractor & Equipment caused approximately $250,000 in damages. According to our news partner KETK, the fire department received a phone call Tuesday about an outside fire threatening the Bagley building. When crews arrived, they were “hampered by a locked gate which required forcible entry to gain access into the structure,” said fire officials. Once they got through the gate, they were able to put out the fire. The fire department says there were no reported injuries as no one was inside the building at the time of the fire. It took four fire engines, two ladder trucks, one ambulance, four staff vehicles and a total of 24 LFD personnel to put out the fire.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Officials are asking for public assistance in locating a driver involved in a serious crash on SH 64. The Van Zandt County Precinct 4 constable’s office says, “If anyone recognizes the brown Ford pickup, we could use some help locating the driver to make sure he is okay. After a crash like this, he has to be hurt.” According to our news partner KETK, officials say the other driver involved was uninjured but his truck and his load weren’t as lucky. We’ll update this item as more information becomes available.

WASHINGTON, D,C. — Congressman Nathaniel Moran took a moment with KTBB to discuss the first bill he has presented in the House. Moran says, “It really was quite a moment. My legislative team and I…worked really hard to make sure that the first bill that we proposed, this Border Security Investment Act, was something that was important to the district — border security — and was something that was well thought-out and strategically planned. Our hope is we can gain lots…of momentum. We’ve got a lot of co-sponsors, especially here in Texas, and we’re gaining more co-sponsors by the day. This act will bring in billions of dollars of new money that will actually go straight, and only to, border security. We’re excited about it. We hope that it gets through committee and gets on the floor for a vote.”

NACOGDOCHES — Faculty and staff of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches have received a six percent, across the board, cost of living raise. The Board of Regents approved the pay raise last week and it went into effect February 1st.  SFA President Dr. Steve Westbrook said the board wanted a pay increase to be implemented as soon as possible after the university joined the University of Texas system on November 29th. It will be paid from SFA reserve funds this year and by UT system funds in the future.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating after the discovery of a body. According to our news partner KETK, the body was found at a construction site off east Grande Boulevard Monday. Police say foul play is not suspected. The body has been sent for autopsy. Additional details were not available.

WHITEHOUSE —  The city of Whitehouse plans to honor Patrick Mahomes for his third trip to the Super Bowl in four years. Mayor of Whitehouse James Wansley will make the day the Kansas City Chiefs play in the Super Bowl, Feb. 12, Patrick Mahomes Day. Mayor Wansley’s proclamation will take place around 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 in the Whitehouse City Council Chambers at 311 East Main Street. Whitehouse ISD students and staff will be celebrating their Patrick Mahomes Day that Friday as well. The district asks that everyone wears red and their Chiefs gear to support Patrick and the team. Whitehouse businesses have painted their windows in support of Mahomes. Continue reading Whitehouse to declare Sunday Feb. 12 Patrick Mahomes Day

MARSHALL — The presidents of B. H. Carroll Theological Institute in Irving and East Texas Baptist University in Marshall announced Feb. 6 that the institutions’ boards have each approved resolutions authorizing an exclusive agreement to merge the administrative and academic operations of B. H. Carroll into ETBU. According to a news release, a letter of intent, signed by B. H. Carroll President Gene Wilkes and ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn, sets forth the terms and conditions of the merger, as well as the timeline for its completion. On or before January 31, 2025, B. H. Carroll will become a new school of ETBU known as “B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at East Texas Baptist University” and will continue to offer graduate theological education through its accredited master’s and doctoral degree programs. Continue reading B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and ETBU announce merger

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District for the week of February 6. In 
Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have a crew on FM 850, just off SH 31, performing profiling operations. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. In Gregg County, weather permitting, Longview maintenance will continue mill and inlay operations on FM 2207. Crews will also be patching potholes at various locations throughout the county. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

KILGORE — Kilgore College will host three regular elections May 6 for expiring board terms. Applications to run for the KC Board of Trustees will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 (excluding weekends). Forms for an application for a place on the ballot can be picked up at Suite 100 of the McLaurin Administration Building on the Kilgore campus. Click this link for more information.

LONGVIEW — Applications are now being accepted for new members on Longview city boards, commissions, and committees. Members advise the City Council on issues ranging from parks to community development. Residents are encouraged to apply online by Friday, April 14. Not all who apply will be appointed. Some restrictions apply. Applications are also available at City Hall. Click here for more information.