KTBB News, Weather, Talk

WHITEHOUSE — The city of Whitehouse has released a schedule for voluntary irrigation reduction, which will go into effect immediately, according to our news partner KETK. “Like all retail water providers in Texas, the City of Whitehouse has a drought contingency plan that outlines factors that trigger different stages of water restrictions,” the city said in a release. With the lack of rain expected to continue, combined with the spikes in usage on the weekends, the demand on the water system is likely to be significant. The city added that while they have not reached any thresholds that require mandatory reductions in water usage, they reached a threshold this week that warrants requesting voluntary compliance in order to alleviate demand on the water system. Continue reading City of Whitehouse implements voluntary irrigation reduction schedule

SMITH COUNTY — A man was shot and injured just outside of Tyler early Friday afternoon when he allegedly tried to confront a homeowner in his front yard. It happened just before 1:00 Friday afternoon on Mary Ann Street. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Sheriff Deputies received a call advising that a man had confronted the caller in the front yard of his residence and attacked him. During the altercation, the caller allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot the man in the abdomen multiple times. Upon arrival, deputies reportedly found the injured man standing on the front porch of the residence, allegedly attempting to enter the caller’s home. Continue reading Man shot numerous times during dispute at Smith County residence

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A man was sentenced to 12 years in prison in Cherokee County for burglary of habitation, according to our news partner KETK. Anthony Wayne Brooks was convicted for this offense on Thursday in the 2nd Judicial District Court. The burglary happened in September, and a witness said Brooks put items from a home into the back of a truck and then drove away, according to Elmer C. Beckworth, the Cherokee County District Attorney. A jury convicted Brooks after about an hour of deliberations. Brooks also asked for the jury to decide his punishment. The jury decided on a 12 year sentence, and had been informed that Brooks had four previous felony convictions. 2nd Judicial District Judge Chris Day then finalized the sentencing. Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Richey and Assistant District Attorney Enoch Basnett represented the prosecution in this case, and Brooks’ lawyer was Sravanesh Muralidhar.

EAST TEXAS — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert’s name came up during Thursday’s hearing of the January 6th Committee. In a taped deposition, former Trump White House aid Cassidy Hutchinson said Gohmert was one of several Congressional Republicans who sought a presidential pardon following the attack on the US Capitol. Rice University Political Scientist Mark Jones notes Gohmert gave up his Congressional seat to run for Texas Attorney General. Jones said, “From a pardon perspective, when you’re not a member of Congress, you have a greater need for a pardon…you’re not protected by your office.” Other members who allegedly asked for a pardon include representatives Andy Biggs of Arizona, Matt Gaetz of Florida and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. Continue reading East Texas Congressman responds after he’s mentioned during Capitol riot hearing

ATHENS — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has a located and arrested a suspect who authorities say confronted deputies with a rifle. According to our news partner KETK, HCSO investigators were at a residence on West College Street in Athens recovering a stolen vehicle when Raymond Loden allegedly confronted them with a rifle. According to officials, Loden pointed the rifle at investigators and an investigator fired a shot at Loden. The sheriff’s office said he ran away from the scene but was later caught.The Trinity Valley Community College Athens campus was given an all-clear after being evacuated following a lockdown due to the manhunt.

TYLER — The Chandler man who has been accused of intoxicated manslaughter for the fiery wreck near the Tyler airport in December has been given a trial date. Daniel Guadalupe Juarez, 39, has been given a plea date of Sept. 19 and will go to trial on Oct. 3. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond. Juarez allegedly lost control of his car on the wet road, crossed over the center line, and collided with 54-year-old Dennis Criner of Tyler. Both were taken to UT Health for their injuries, where Criner later succumbed to his. According to our news partner KETK, Juarez faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.

BULLARD – The City of Bullard canceled its July 4 “Blast Over Bullard” event on Thursday, citing Cherokee County’s burn ban and drought-like conditions as the cause. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Acknowledging that the decision was “difficult,” city officials said in a statement, “Our primary concern is always to provide a safe and welcoming environment during our events.” The city said officials understand the inconvenience the cancellation of the annual fireworks show causes, and that they are deeply sorry that they are no longer able to execute the event. Troup, Marshall, and Chandler have also canceled their July 4 events.

RUSK – Rusk Rural Water Supply has implemented a boil water notice for some of their customers. According to our news partner KETK, those that need to boil their water live on FM 1248 and the following county roads: 2102, 2103, 2107, 2109, 2110, 2115, 2117, 2118, 2119, 2120, 2121, 2201, and CR 2217 (Off FM 1248 side). Officials say the ban is due to water system conditions. If you have any questions regarding this matter you may contact Rusk Rural Water at 903-638-6178.

EAST TEXAS — More counties in East Texas are under burn bans due to current weather conditions. According to our news partner KETK, those already included Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Panola, Upshur, and Van Zandt Counties. Now Harrison County is on the list, issuing a ban for unincorporated areas. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, those who violate burn bans could be fined up to $500. Officials say that residents should not make campfires or burn trash, wood, or other items during a burn ban.

TYLER – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving false claims of military service. Officials say Derek Robert Hamm, 38, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, violating the Stolen Valor Act, using a fraudulent military discharge certificate, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. As part of the plea agreement, Hamm agreed to pay restitution of at least $2.3 million and forfeiture of the proceeds of his criminal conduct in the amount of $1,675,000. According to court documents, Hamm invented a persona of being a wealthy and successful war hero and created an extensive network of friends who introduced him to potential investors. Within hours of receiving investors’ funds, Hamm spent their money on himself and his family, including expensive jewelry, vehicles, and vacations to expensive resorts on private charter planes. Click here for full details.

TYLER — The Caldwell Zoo announces news regarding what staffers term major improvements. Officials say a complete remodel of the South American section has been unanimously approved by the board of trustees. According to a news release, “The plans will add a vast array of alluring animals and beautiful birds to a major part of the zoo. The Amazon River’s Edge will highlight animals from South America in beautiful and expansive habitats.” Staffers also say new guest experiences will be a part of the remodel. Officials say construction will begin shortly and the estimated completion time frame is 14-18 months.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will host the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lindsey Park. The fun kicks off as the gates open at 2 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin after dark (around 9 p.m.). The park gate, located off Spur 364, is the only entrance, and admission is free. Live entertainment will include music from DJ Chris Choice. Vendors and Food Trucks can still register to be a part of the event until June 29. To prepare for this event, Lindsey Park will be closed to the public on July 4 until 2 p.m. Alcohol, smoking, and private fireworks are prohibited in the park. Click here for all the details.

OVERTON — Overton city officials say a boil water notice has been rescinded after it was determined the water is safe to consume without boiling. The initial notice was posted June 12 “due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system,” according to an updated web posting. Officials say the system has taken the necessary corrective actions and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that opened the door for resumption of normal water use.

TYLER — 52-year-old Reginald M. Wickware of Tyler has been found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to a news release, Smith County prosecutors presented evidence that Wickware sexually abused an 11 year-old girl in October 2019. During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury also heard evidence that Wickware had 21 previous criminal convictions since the late 1980s, for nine felonies and 12 misdemeanors. Deliberations in the punishment phase took just 15 minutes.

LONGVIEW — With the above-normal heat for a Texas summer, East Texas shelters like Hiway 80 Rescue Mission are seeing more people coming in to cool off, according to our news partner KETK. The blazing temperatures can cause health risks such as dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion. “Between our women’s and men’s shelter and our facility in Tyler- Gateway to Hope, we were just shy of 200 folks last night in a shelter. Normally, we are around 150 or so there has been an uptick in people seeking shelter due to this heat wave we’ve experienced,” said Brian Livingston, Executive Director of Hiway 80 Rescue Mission. The heat can affect sleep, especially for those living on the street. Continue reading East Texas cooling stations see uptick in attendance due to hot temperatures