KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The City of Tyler will welcome a delegation from its sister city Yachiyo, Japan, from March 25 through March 30, marking the 30th official trip in a partnership that has spanned more than three decades and resulted in over 780 community members collaborating across the Pacific.

The visit celebrates a relationship first established by twinning ceremonies in 1992, with ties strengthened through educational, cultural, and business exchanges that continue to enrich both communities. 

The delegation of 15 representatives will receive an official greeting at Tyler City Hall on Thursday, March 26 at 8:30 a.m. A welcome ceremony and gift exchange will be led by Mayor Don Warren, members of the Tyler City Council, and City officials. 
Continue reading Sister cities together again

HENDERSON – A corrections officer was arrested on March 12 following the discovery of burritos containing tobacco being smuggled into the Bradshaw State Jail. According to an arrest affidavit and our news partner KETK, Investigator Daniel Johnson from the Office of Inspector General responded to the Bradshaw Unit on March 12 after tobacco was reported to be found in a bathroom trash can.

Immediately before locating the contraband, unit staff reported that James Thibodeaux, a correctional officer, was observed exiting the restroom. Investigators were able to make contact with Thibodeaux, who agreed to speak to them. Thibodeaux reportedly admitted to investigators that he received payment to drop burritos containing tobacco into the bathroom trash can, with the intention of an inmate receiving them. Thibodeaux was booked into the Rusk County Jail with the charges of prohibited substance/item in a correctional or civil commitment facility. He had a $15,000 bond and was released two days later.

UPDATE: The deceased truck driver has been identified as Tammy Lee Asher, a 59-year-old female from Beaumont, Texas. Her family has been notified. All lanes of Loop 49 are open. The scene has cleared, and traffic can resume on Loop 49. This case remains under investigation, according to Tyler Police Department Public information Officer Andy Erbaugh.

The crash between two 18-wheelers occurred Wednesday morning when a westbound truck had careened into the eastbound lanes, colliding with another truck head on. The driver of the westbound truck was pronounced deceased on scene. Traffic at Old Jacksonville Highway and Highway 69 is being diverted and drivers are urged to take alternate routes.

QUITMAN – Following a severe water line break, all Quitman ISD campuses released early on WednesdaY, that according to our news partner KETK. The school announced on Wednesday morning that a broken main water line at the elementary campus was being worked on. A maintenance team assessed the situation and found that repairs would not be completed in a timely manner. Buses began their routes at 11:30 a.m, and parents needing to make arrangements for their child should contact the campus’s front office.

TYLER — The City of Tyler hosted an open house on Tuesday morning to provide updates on the progress of improvements to the downtown square.

During the open house, city officials announced that construction on College Street is expected to be completed by May, when it will transition from a one-way street to a two-way street. Officials used renderings to outline the timeline for the remainder of the development and discussed the expected benefits of the ongoing work. The project aims to improve safety and accessibility in the area through infrastructure changes and updated traffic patterns.

Garnett Brookshire, co-owner of the Plaza Tower, has monitored the construction progress from his office window. He noted that the project represents a significant capital investment that could change the district’s atmosphere. Continue reading Downtown square improvement update

TYLER — A man accused of firing multiple shots at a vehicle during a dispute in Tyler on Monday told deputies that the confrontation stemmed from an argument over unpaid money for porcelain dolls, according to a Smith County arrest warrant. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded at about 1:40 p.m. to the 2200 block of Montgomery Gardens Boulevard on a report of deadly conduct. Upon arrival, authorities contacted the suspect, identified as Alex Zavalla, who had already been detained by troopers of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

According to arresting documents, Zavalla told deputies he had taken “porcelain dolls” from a woman’s home because she had not repaid money she owed him. The woman later arrived at Zavalla’s residence with another individual, prompting a confrontation.

Zavalla told deputies he retrieved a black “AK-style pistol” and repeatedly told the pair to leave, but they refused. He also said the male individual threatened to return with others and “shoot up” the home. Continue reading Dispute over dolls ends in shooting

PALESTINE — One person is dead following a Tuesday afternoon crash involving a motorcyclist in Palestine. The Palestine Police Department said that around 3 p.m., police officers were dispatched to Old Elkhart Road near Academy Sports involving an SUV and a motorcycle crash. Once they arrived, they found that the driver of the motorcycle was unresponsive.

According to our news partner KETK, life-saving measures were attempted on the scene, and the 20-year-old motorcyclist was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Based on a preliminary report, the SUV was traveling south on Old Elkhart and attempted to turn into the west entrance of the mall. The motorcyclist was allegedly traveling north on Old Elkhart at a high speed. When the SUV turned, it collided with the motorcyclist, the police department said.

At this time, the police department has not identified the deceased until the next of kin has been notified.

EAST TEXAS – East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran spoke to KTBB on the two major issues dominating headlines: the partial government shutdown and how conflict in the Middle East is affecting Americans.

Representative Moran highlighted how Republicans “[…] certainly want to see this shut down.” He also mentioned how progress is being impeded by Democrats playing politics with an appropriations bill they [Democrats] already agreed to.

Moran said the delay “has now led to almost 100,000 DHS employees missing their paychecks last week, including TSA agents who are legally required to keep working.”
Continue reading Rep. Moran on Iran and shutdown

SMITH COUNTY – When Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy and K-9 Handler Jose Terrazas retired earlier this month, he requested that his longtime partner, K-9 Lobo, be able to retire too. On Tuesday, Smith County Commissioners Court approved that wish, allowing the 9-year-old Dutch Shepherd who served for nearly eight years to go home and rest easy with his partner.

Deputy Terrazas served the Smith County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years. For the last eight, he has been a K-9 handler with the Criminal Interdiction Unit, along with Lobo. For six years, Lobo was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. He was responsible for many large narcotics seizures during his career, including a $250,000 cash seizure on Interstate 20, Lt. Hobson said.K-9 dogs typically work for six to eight years. During their service, they are exposed to a variety of high-stress situations.
Continue reading Deputy and K9 partner retire together

MARSHALL – The City of Marshall has issued a boil water notice for all residents following ongoing repairs to a major water main. Public Works crews have worked through the night to address the issue. A temporary patch has been installed; however, the system has not yet been fully re-pressurized.

Crews are currently testing for additional leaks and working to remove air from the lines. At this time, the water system does not have adequate pressure to support normal operations.

As a precaution, all customers are advised to boil water prior to consumption. This includes water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and making ice.

To ensure safety, residents should bring water to a vigorous boil for at least two minutes and allow it to cool before use. Alternatively, bottled water may be used. Water distribution efforts are being coordinated, and distribution sites will be announced once additional water supplies have been delivered to the city. Continue reading Boil water notice continues in Marshall

MARSHALL – Due to a 24-inch water main break Tuesday morning in the area of High and Spring Street in Marshall. Many areas across the city are are experiencing low water pressure while others are without water. This break is being described as a major transmission line. The City of Marshall has been declared a local state of disaster. The formal declaration allows access to assistance from other state and local agencies, according to Emergency Management officials. In the declaration signed by Marshall Mayor Amy Ware says “extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and protect and rehabilitate property.”
Continue reading City disaster declaration declared

LONGVIEW – The death of a City of Longview employee is being investigated following a “workplace accident” that occurred on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the city said on Tuesday that they are mourning the loss of Buddy Powell, a valuable member of its Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection crew.

Powell died in what the city is calling a “profoundly shocking” workplace incident, which is being investigated. The city is coordinating with counseling services to provide support for staff and those impacted by the loss.

MARSHALL – A water main break in Marshall has impacted the city’s water pressure, prompting a Marshall ISD closure for Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Marshall ISD said parents may keep their students home or pick them up from the school if they are already there.

The school bus will be running the elementary bus routes at 11:30 a.m. and the junior high and high school bus routes at 12 p.m if parents are unable to pick up their student. The water main break occurred near Spring and Streets Tuesday morning, which crews are now working to repair, the city said.

The City of Tyler Downtown Department hosted an open house Tuesday. The event, held on College Avenue, will give residents and visitors an opportunity to see recent improvements firsthand, learn more about the Downtown Improvement Project and ask questions about the work underway.

To accommodate different schedules, two open house sessions will be offered: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Both sessions will take place along a marked section of College Avenue in front of Plaza Tower and the Peoples Petroleum Building. The event is come-and-go, and City staff will be available to answer questions and share information about the project.

Updated design renderings of the future Downtown green space, streets and sidewalks will be on display, offering a visual aid to highlight the full scope of the project.

TYLER — In a letter addressed to the Treasury Secretary and U.S. Trade Representative on Monday, U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran joins other House members in urging the Trump Administration to address the importation of illegal Chinese e-cigarettes without FDA approval. According to the letter, Chinese vape exports to the U.S. surpassed $10 billion in 2025. The smart vapes are able to connect to smartphones, enabling unauthorized access to personal data, cameras, microphones and more, the letter said.

Representatives raise their concerns about the unauthorized importing of the vapes, as they are sold near schools and military bases.

“These illegal Chinese vapes are a threat on every front,” Moran said. “They contain toxic levels of lead and carcinogens, and are deliberately marketed to target our kids with candy flavors and social media influencers. They are sold near schools and military bases by foreign nationals, and their ‘smart’ technology risks funneling sensitive data directly to the Chinese Communist Party,” Continue reading Rep. Moran fights illegal Chinese vapes

HENDERSON COUNTY– A 17-year-old man from Trinidad was arrested on Wednesday after a car chase in Henderson County, where officials said he struck another vehicle. According to an arrest affidavit and our news partner KETK, officers from the Tool Police Department were dispatched to Arnold Hills Road after receiving reports regarding a suicidal man who had stolen a dark colored 2022 Kia Soul.

After locating the suspect, an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Lyndell Drive, but the driver disregarded the officer and continued to flee from authorities.

As the pursuit continued, the suspect collided with another vehicle that was traveling on State Highway 274. After the collision, the pursuit continued toward Tool and eventually ended in Trinidad.

Following the pursuit, the suspect was identified as Caidyn Farris. He was booked into the Henderson County Jail after being charged with evading arrest, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful use of a vehicle.

LONE STAR — Local and state officials are continuing to investigate an oil spill that spread across much of the shoreline at Ellison Creek Reservoir, with inspectors identifying the source at a well site on U.S. Steel property. According to our news partner KETK, Morris County Judge Doug Reeder met with the Precinct 2 Commissioner and the County Attorney on Monday morning to review the status of the oil spill at Ellison Creek Reservoir.

Reeder also added, a Railroad Commission inspector is on site and continuing an inspection of the spill in coordination with a Texas Game Warden. The inspector determined the source of the unauthorized oil release was a reserve pit at a oil well site located on U.S. Steel property. Investigators with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are expected to meet with the Railroad Commission inspector Monday to continue assessing the scale of the spill, its environmental impacts and any possible next steps.
Continue reading Morris County oil spill

SMITH COUNTY – One person has been injured following a head-on collision involving a day-care bus and a pick-up truck on Monday morning. According to our news partner KETK and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened in Tyler, on FM 2493, near Whataburger and Tyler Legacy Trails at around 8:20 a.m. Monday.

The driver of the pickup truck sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital, according to Nikki Simmons, the public outreach coordinator for Smith County Emergency Services District 2. No children were aboard the bus at the time of the crash and the driver had no reported injuries. However, both vehicles were heavily damaged.

TYLER – As severe weather moves through East Texas, many power companies and electricity co-operatives have reported thousands of power outages across the area.
Lake O’ the Pines marina docks flipped over by high winds

Our news partner KETK has compiled the following list of East Texas counties from the Texas power outage map and as of 11:00 a.m. on Monday, about 2,694 customers were without power. You can view that list here.

ATHENS – Four people have been charged for attempting to bring suspected cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and illegal pills into the Henderson County Jail with a tube of eczema cream. According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK, a narcotics investigator was investigating drug trafficking in Henderson County when they learned about a plan to deliver illegal drugs to the Henderson County Jail on Saturday morning.

Several sheriff’s office investigators and K9 deputies were able to intercept the delivery of drugs, which reportedly made use of a Gold Bond eczema cream tube to hide balloons of suspected cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and pills.

The sheriff’s office has arrested Megan Chapman, 36 of Eustace, and Shannon Boyle, 47 of Eustace, with allegedly attempting to make the delivery to two inmates in the jail, Jessy Pierce, 28 of Mabank, and Joshua Sallings, 40 of Mabank. Continue reading Four charged, trafficking drugs in eczema cream

JEFFERSON, Texas (KETK) – The Bullfrog Marina on Lake O’ the Pines was damaged by high winds during severe weather on Sunday. According to the Lake O’ the Pines Chamber of Commerce, the outer section of the marina’s boat slips were entirely flipped over by Sunday’s high winds, likely damaging many boats docked there.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple downed trees and a downed stop sign on Sunday as well.

EAST TEXAS — Several East Texas firefighter crews have been deploy to help respond to wildfires and elevated fire conditions being reported across the state. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Emergency Services District 2 has deployed a NWCG qualified dozer operator, a dozer operator trainee and a heavy equipment boss trainee to Childress to help fight wildfires there.

The district said this was the first time the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) has been used to deploy their dozer operators. TIFMAS Coordinator Josh Bardwell said their deployment has been years in the making.

“A couple of us former TFS heavy equipment operators that came to the County years ago are proud to see this come to fruition,” Bardwell said. “We retooled the county’s fire dozer training and qualification process to meet state standards years ago and it’s paying off.” Continue reading Local firefighters sent to battle fires

TYLER – Crime rates declined in most East Texas counties over the past year, according to newly released FBI data, though a handful of counties reported significant increases. Data from the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Crime in Texas (CIT) Online Portal shows reported crime fell in 18 of the 28 East Texas counties between 2024 and 2025.

Rains County recorded the largest decrease, with reported crime falling 36.03% between 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, Anderson County saw the largest increase, with reported crime rising 53.19% during the same period. Smith County reported 5,793 crimes in 2025, giving it a crime rate of about 2,293.4 per 100,000 residents after adjusting for population. While Nacogdoches County has less than half the population of Smith County, it recorded a higher crime rate of 2,702.5 in 2025, meaning crimes occur more frequently there relative to the county’s population.

Our news partner KETK compiled a list showing how crime rates changed across East Texas counties from 2024 to 2025. You can view that list here or by continuing to read below. Continue reading Crime rates fall, new data shows

RUSK — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Rangers, HEAL Corp, ALERT Academy and Houston County Search and Rescue are conducting another search for Rusk missing man James David Blount.

According to our news partner KETK, Blount was last seen near his residence on Dec. 2, 2025, more than 90 days ago. The 57-year-old white man is around 5-feet-9-inches tall, weighs about 200 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. His vehicle was later found abandoned on U.S. Highway 84 at the Neches River.

The sheriff’s office is searching the woods behind Blount’s house and workshop on Highway 84. Officials are searching this area more thoroughly on Friday and Saturday in order to rule out the area immediately surrounding Blount’s home.

Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson told KETK News that “a bunch of different stuff” was found during their search but they can’t say whether any of the items are actually related to Blount’s disappearance. Dickson added that they’re looking into all of the things they’ve found during their continuing search. Continue reading Items found during search for missing man

NACOGDOCHES — A judge ruled on Thursday that Stephen F. Austin State University must maintain all existing women’s sports teams, after the university cut several sports teams in August 2025. According to our news partner KETK, a U.S. District Judge approved a stipulated agreement requiring SFA to continue its current women’s teams with funding, staffing and benefits comparable to other varsity intercollegiate programs while the plaintiffs’ claims proceed in court.

“We are pleased that SFA has entered into this agreement, which will preserve the existing women`s teams and allow the case to move forward as quickly as possible,” the Arthur Bryant Law Firm said in a statement.

The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by several women athletes in August 2025 alleging the Nacogdoches-based university violated their Title IX rights when it decided to cut the women’s beach volleyball and bowling teams, as well as the women’s and men’s golf programs.