KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – One person is held after a traffic stop led to a chase in Tyler Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler police say an officer was doing a routine traffic stop on a truck at 11:20 a.m. Dispatch ran the plates as usual when the vehicle came up as stolen, and a chase ensued. The chase went from Highway 31 West onto Patton Lane, then west onto Highway 64. DPS, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and constables came out to assist. The occupant pulled over at the airport and was arrested, police said. He was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are seeking leads following a fatal crash involving a Longview Fire Department fire engine. Police say around 6:35 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to Alpine Rd. near E. Ann Drive. The initial investigation revealed that the fire engine was traveling west on Alpine and failed to yield right of way turning onto E. Ann in front of a motorcycle which was traveling east on Alpine. Officials say the motorcyclist unsuccessfully laid his motorcycle on the ground to avoid collision with the fire engine. They say fire personnel on scene immediately began providing first aid to the motorcyclist, who was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The motorcyclist has been identified as James Ray Neuville, 60, of Hallsville. Continue reading Longview police investigate fatal crash involving fire engine

WOOD COUNTY — A man was arrested on Thursday on a capital murder charge in connection to the 2007 murder of Brittany McGlone, according to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. Our news partner KETK reports that on Wednesday, a warrant for the arrest of Chad Earl Carr was obtained by the sheriff’s office. On Thursday, Captain Mike Chilson and Ranger John Vance traveled to the DFW area and located Carr on Stemmons Freeway in Dallas. In 2007, 19-year-old Brittany McGlone was beaten, sexually assaulted, and murdered in the light of day. Her case remained without a suspect being publicly named for more than a decade. Carr was taken to the Wood County Jail and booked on a capital murder charge. Carr is being held on a $1 million bond.

SAN ANTONIO – A federal judge denied a motion Wednesday that asked the court to reconsider bond for a Palestine man indicted in the San Antonio smuggling incident that resulted in the deaths of 53 migrants. Christian Martinez, 28, was indicted in July on four counts relating to the incident — and after a detention hearing it was ordered that Martinez would be detained pending trial. According to our news partner KETK, the court ruled that “no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the the community.” That decision was upheld Wednesday after Martinez’s attorney asked the court to reconsider. But the judge says the decision is “subject to reconsideration” should additional information be presented on the issue that would reasonably assure his appearance in court and the safety of the community.

GILMER – A temporary order signed by a judge suspended Upshur County District Clerk Karen Bunn on Thursday, effectively removing her from office. According to our news partner KETK, Nicole Hernandez, who won a March primary election for the position, is now acting as district clerk. Bunn has been placed on suspension pending litigation, according to officials. The decision comes after a petition was submitted by a group of attorneys to remove Bunn from office claiming she had “neglected her duties as district clerk.” After taking office on Jan. 1, 2019, Bunn tripped in the office two months later after she said her heel got caught on the carpet. Bunn said her doctors had not released her to go back to work. Continue reading Upshur County district clerk suspended after petition for removal

TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful are sponsoring a free bulky item collection for City of Tyler residential customers (excluding multi-family home communities and businesses) from Monday, Oct. 17, through Friday, Oct. 21. Those participating in the campaign should place bulky items on the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 17, and no sooner than 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14. After crews have collected on your street, officials ask that you not place more bulky items on the curb. These items will be charged a special pickup fee. Click this link and scroll the budget and tax rate items for more information.

ATHENS – A Henderson County grand jury has indicted three men charged with the murder of Jimmy Dean Oldfield in May. According to our news partner KETK, officials say Oldfield was reported missing to the sheriff’s office on May 15. Authorities said they received information, including a location of the missing person’s truck and body, on May 26. Investigators were able to corroborate the information they received by finding the missing person’s truck at a residence off Highway 85, just outside Seven Points. According to a May press release, the missing person’s truck was “cut into several pieces.” Continue reading Three indicted in Henderson County murder

LONGVIEW – East Texas congressional candidate Jrmar Jefferson said he was threatened while he was pumping gas at Sam’s Club in Longview on Wednesday. Jefferson is a Democratic candidate in the race for U.S. House Texas District 1 against Republican Nathaniel Moran. According to our news partner KETK, Jefferson said a white man around 70 years old threatened him. “He says he ought to hose me down with the gas pump making (a) gesture and set me on fire,” said Jefferson. He said he froze for a second and didn’t want to reach inside his car in case the man had a gun. Continue reading Congressional candidate says man threatened to set him on fire

GREGG COUNTY – A lane closure is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 7, on I-20 westbound in Gregg County, as crews begin sweeping operations, weather permitting. It’s due to start near mile marker 595 (near Estes Parkway), and it’s planned for one lane only from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Traffic will still be able to pass, but delays should be expected. Motorists are reminded to slow down and follow the posted work zone speed limit and adjust your driving to match conditions. Also, pay attention and watch out for road crews. Another lane closure for I-20 in Gregg County had been scheduled this Thursday but has now been canceled due to inclement weather in the forecast. It was to have started near mile marker 593 (southwest of Longview). Officials say they’ll keep us posted on re-scheduling.

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Police Department chief has been placed on administrative leave, officials confirmed on Wednesday. That’s according to our news partner KETK. According to a statement from the local government, “The City of Jacksonville administration office received an anonymous allegation against the Chief of Police, Joe Williams. Upon communicating this allegation to Chief Williams, he graciously requested to be placed on paid administrative leave until the conclusion of the investigation within 2-3 weeks in order to allow all voices to be heard without reservation. The City believes that people are the priority. As such we have procured an outside party to investigate the allegation.” Continue reading Jacksonville police chief on administrative leave

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD trustees unanimously adopted a lower property tax rate and new district budget for the 2022-23 year during a special meeting Wednesday. That’s according to information provided by the school district. Dr. Wayne Guidry, LISD assistant superintendent of finance, said the district is projecting a balanced general operating budget of $94,214,401, a debt service of $27,210,019, and a food service budget of $5,090,196. That total brings the official budget to $126,514,616. The total tax rate is $1.3276 per $100 valuation, a marked decrease from the 2021-22 tax rate of $1.41470. This marks the fourth straight year the property tax rate has been reduced. Click here for more details.

TYLER – In a letter sent Tuesday to parents, Tyler ISD officials said a student was found to have a weapon in their backpack at Tyler High. In a prepared statement, school district spokesperson Jennifer Hines says, “An investigation is currently ongoing. The student was taken into custody and is currently at the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center. The student will face punishment in line with the school district’s student code of conduct, and the student could face charges brought by the Tyler ISD Police Department. As parents of our school community, we want to assure you that none of our students were put in harm’s way as the weapon was not displayed or used offensively.” Continue reading Weapon found in student’s backpack

SMITH COUNTY – DPS reports one person has died and two were injured after an ambulance was involved in a two-car crash on a rainslick Toll 49 at FM 16. A preliminary investigation indicates the ambulance was northbound on Toll 49 around noon Tuesday when a southbound car lost control, crossing over into the northbound lane and striking the ambulance. The car driver, 51-year-old Laina Wanttie of Mineola, was killed. The driver and passenger in the ambulance sustained what were termed non-life-threatening injuries. According to our news partner KETK, officials with UT Health East Texas have confirmed that it was one of their ambulances involved in the crash.

TYLER — With more than two months away from election day, two candidates from different parts of East Texas are vying to replace long-time congressman Louie Gohmert. According to our news partner KETK, both Democratic candidate Jrmar Jefferson and Republican candidate Nathaniel Moran are working hard for their votes. UT Tyler political science professor Mark Owens believes the Texas governor’s race will increase voter turnout, which is good for all other races on the ballot including the race to replace the congressman. “Voters in East Texas should understand that their vote’s going to matter in the governor’s race but it’s also really going to matter in selecting who their new congressman will be,” said Owens. Owens believes the redistricting process will also impact this race since Lufkin and Nacogdoches are no longer in District One, but Texarkana is. Continue reading Where the Texas Congressional District 1 race stands: Both candidates share their views

LONGVIEW — A new restroom at the Fourth Street trailhead for Longview’s Cargill Long Trail will be delivered the morning of Friday, Sept. 2. The parking lot will be closed Thursday night and remain closed throughout Friday.