KTBB News, Weather, Talk

ARP – Because of repairs to the water tower in Arp, Arp ISD was dismissed before lunch Friday. This was because of a lack of running water to the district. According to Arp ISD Communications Coordinator Mike Alzamora, students from all Arp campuses were dismissed at 11:15a.m. with school buses running at that time as well.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A man was sentenced to prison after injuring a man and pregnant woman in a drunk driving crash. According to our news partner KETK, Rodney Seahorn, 48, left a residence in White Oak and traveled North toward Gilmer in early April. He allegedly entered the intersection of FM 1844 illegally and in the wrong lane of traffic. Authorities said he collided with a husband and wife who were reportedly driving to Longview to celebrate the wife’s birthday, who was seven months pregnant at the time. Officials said the victims had to be cut from the vehicle and their bodies were crushed. The baby reportedly had to be surgically removed and was placed in the NICU for an extend time. Continue reading Prison for man involved in drunk driving wreck

TYLER – After last week’s cyberattack, UT Health’s parent company, Ardent Health Services, has announced that records and other vital platforms have been restored. Our news partner KETK reports that although clinics and emergency rooms are back to full service, some non-emergency procedures are still at a halt as some repairs are still being made.

MURCHISON – India, a tiger taken off the streets of Houston in 2021 has died in Murchison at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch. According to our news partner KETK, ranch officials say that India had been lethargic and was less responsive to those caring for him. India was in the process of being taken for an examination, when he died.
Continue reading Tiger found in streets of Houston dies

TYLER – A Tyler man is sentenced to 11 years in federal prison Thursday in a Tyler court for a variety of charges, including using stolen valor. According to our news partner KETK, 39-year-old Derek Hamm in June pleaded guilty to money laundering, wire fraud, using a fake military discharge certificate, possession of a firearm by a felon and violation of the Stolen Valor Act. The Stolen Valor Act passed in 2013, makes it illegal to fraudulently wear medals, exaggerate rank and lie about military service to gain money, employment, property and other benefits.
Continue reading Tyler man sentenced for stolen valor scam

GLADEWATER — The shelter in place issued in Gladewater Wednesday following a gas leak has been lifted, according to Fire Chief Mike Simmons. Simmons said construction workers were installing a new utility pole when they accidentally hit a 4-inch gas pipe. The gas leak affected two schools, 12 businesses and nearly 50 homes, our news partner KETK reports. Though gas leaks can be serious, Simmons said he believes the quick response from all crews at the scene prevented anyone from getting hurt or sick. According to a release, officials ask anyone returning to the area affected by the gas leak to open all doors and windows and ventilate their homes for at least an hour or more. Officials warn people not to relight pilots or other flame and heat sources until ventilated to be safe. Continue reading Shelter in place lifted after reported gas leak

TYLER — The trial has begun for Daniel Nyabuto, who was charged in the death of a Smith County deputy. According to our news partner KETK, Daniel Nyabuto’s trail began with opening statements from the prosecution and defense. Nyabuto was charged with intoxicated manslaughter in connection to the death of Smith County Deputy Lorenzo Bustos. In the first half of the day, multiple witnesses were called to the stand to share what they remembered from that night. “I got out and I ran towards the accident and just asked the other officer how I could help,” said Jacob Miller, a witness. The judge then took a 30 minute recess to allow both sides to discuss the evidence. Detective Michael Skinner, a witness, who was training deputy Bustos the night he was killed, explained what Bustos was doing when the incident occurred. Continue reading Trial underway for man charged in death of deputy

TYLER – A massive inflatable Santa Claus has appeared seemingly out of thin air in the Hollytree subdivision in Tyler. A Hollytree resident told our news partner KETK that the aired-up Chris Kringle has been up for about a week, but its origins are unknown. Another resident said it’s located on an empty lot and nobody knows where it came from. Others also believe it’s a sign that Jolly ‘Ol St. Nicholas is coming to Tyler on Christmas Day. It can be found on 6709 La Costa Drive, Tyler in Hollytree.

TYLER – In a press release from DPS Sgt. Adam Albritton, a three vehicle crash on State Highway 31 East, west of County Road 246 in Tyler Wednesday afternoon has killed one and left four injured. The preliminary investigation states that a 2009 Isuzu Truck, driven by Cameron Reeves, 18 of Hawkins, “failed to stay in single lane” and collided into a Ford F-150. Reeves continued driving and led to Cory Threadgill, 40 of Gladewater, hitting a tree to avoid him. Out of the 5 involved, only Aidan Kelley, 20 of Chandler was declared dead at the scene. Reeves, Threadgill, Robert Pierzchalski, 67 of Henderson and Brandon Carpenter, 42 of Gladewater, were all transported to a Tyler hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

TYLER – Two people are dead after a wreck on Loop 323 Wednesday afternoon. According to our news partners at KETK, authorities are on the scene of a wreck involving an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle on Loop 323 at the intersection near the American Legion. Traffic is being rerouted to Highway 271 and officials expect the area to be closed for a few hours while the investigation continues. Drivers are asked to avoid the area. No identities have been released, but DPS said both fatalities were in the passenger vehicle.

WHITEHOUSE, Texas – In an updated provided by our news partner KETK, Whitehouse Police have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone involved in the throwing of alcohol during the city’s Christmas parade. In a statement, Chief Paul Robeson said they were unable to find evidence that the driver of the vehicle was under the notion that the 3 and 4 year old children in the back seat has thrown out a small-sized bottle of alcohol during the festivities. To find Robeson’s full statement, KETK has provided it here.

GLADEWATER – Authorities in Gladewater are warning those living in the 300 block of S. Roden Lane after a gas leak was reported. According to our news partner KETK, the leak is a possible hazard to homes and businesses in that area. CenterPoint Energy estimates it will take two to three hours to fix the leak. In the meantime, Gladewater Fire asks that those in this area to close their windows, shut down air and heating, have no open flames and stay indoors until an all-clear is given.

UPSHUR COUNTY — The man accused of murdering two East Texas sisters has been extradited from California. Alvin McKnight Jr. was captured in San Bernardino, California on November 15. He’s accused of fleeing to the Golden State after the capital murders of Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37, and Mandy Ray, 35, at a home near Gilmer on November 4. McKnight, Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb, deputies and DPS Officers landed at East Texas Regional Airport Tuesday afternoon. They flew in a DPS plane. McKnight was in handcuffs during the entire flight. McKnight was arraigned Wednesday in Gilmer. The 41-year-old is being held in the Upshur County Jail with bond set at $5 million. Continue reading $5 million bond set for double homicide suspect

LAKE PALESTINE – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office answered a call Sunday at Lake Palestine in which a person had been shot. A Sheriff’s Office press release explained a 911 caller said they and the victim were in Noonday on Highway 155 South. When deputies arrived, the caller and the victim told them they were sitting in a vehicle on a boat ramp on Lake Palestine. They explained the gun went off as they handled it. A single shot went through the victim’s left hand and upper thigh. After undergoing surgery, he is now in stable condition. Since all parties involved cooperated with law enforcement. The shooting is being considered accidental and no charges are being filed.

JACKSONVILLE – The association that that hosts the National Night Out, has recognized the City of Jacksonville with an award. According to our news partner, KETK, the National Association of Town Watch, has given Jacksonville a first place award for cities with population between 5,000 and 15,000 for their National Night Out community involvement. National Night Out is an annual program designed to further positive relations between the police department and the community.
Continue reading Jacksonville gets National Night Out national award

TYLER– The Smith County Republican Party Chairman David Stein announced Monday he is seeking re-election . According to our news partner KETK, if elected, this will be Stein’s third term holding the office. Stein said in a press release, “The progress made in our County Party is significant. When we began, the party was limited financially and had a significant number of open precincts. Today, the party is on sound financial footing and the number of precinct chairs has almost doubled. We continue to dominate local elections and contribute heavily to statewide victories as Smith County always outpaces the statewide voter turnout.”
Continue reading Republican Party Chair to run for third term

WHITEHOUSE, Texas – Patient care is now being affected because of the recent ransomware attack on UT Health East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, Patricia Cowan and her sister have been forced to wait on daily phone calls in order to find out if she can receive urgent treatment for her case of cancer. The ransomware attack, that was almost two weeks ago, means that now Patricia must travel 45 minutes to get care. Director of Communications Allison Pollan spoke with KETK and said that, “safely caring for patients remains our highest priority.”

SMITH COUNTY — On Monday morning, Smith County’s 7th District Court conducted jury selection for the trial of Daniel Nyabuto vs the State of Texas. According to our news partner KETK, Nyabuto, 22, of Grand Prairie is charged in connection with killing Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy Lorenzo Bustos. In July of 2022, while Bustos was conducting a traffic stop on Highway 155 he was reportedly killed by Nyabuto’s vehicle rear-ending his patrol car. In October of 2022, Nyabuto was indicted on two charges in connection to Busto’s death: Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and intoxicated manslaughter causing the death of a peace officer. Opening statements were to be delivered Tuesday morning. Nyabuto’s defense preciously filed a motion to transfer venue to Cherokee County, but the trial will go on in a Smith County court. 7th District Judge Kerry Russell will oversee the trial.

HENDERSON – Our news colleagues at KETK report a 74-year-old is dead and another man is injured after a two-vehicle crash involving a truck tractor towing a trailer on Friday afternoon four miles southwest of Henderson. According to a preliminary DPS report, the truck tractor was traveling southwest on US 79 and had made a U-turn with part of its load still in the southwest lanes when it was struck by a 2002 Toyota Echo. Officials said the Echo struck the load, traveled off the roadway and struck a culvert. The driver of the Echo, identified as James Pinkerton, 74 of Henderson, was pronounced dead at the scene and his passenger, a 79-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck tractor was not reported to have been injured.

POLK COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report a man was arrested for murder after Polk County deputies responded to a 911 call on Sunday morning and found a body in a private driveway. The call came in around 8:56 a.m. and after arriving at the scene in the 2800 block of Duff Road, it was “quickly determined to be a murder.” Officials identified the victim as 29-year-old Timothy Jacob Neal, of Livingston. “Through the course of the investigation, suspects were located and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office,” officials said in a release. “Toby Wayne Ford, 24 of Livingston, was booked into the Polk County Jail on a charge of murder.” Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Lieutenant Finegan at 936-327-6810.

WHITEHOUSE — The Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce said that they’ve filed a police report with the Whitehouse Police Department after alcohol was allegedly thrown out at their Christmas parade on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the incident was discussed at length in the Whitehouse Texas, Rants, Raves, & Recommendations Facebook group. Several members of the group reported that the truck was tossing bottles of alcohol and other items out to parade watchers. Ashley Westerfield with the Whitehouse Chamber of Commerce chimed into the Facebook thread to apologize for what allegedly happened: “I am the Admin for the Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce. The truck that did this was NOT a registered entry in the parade. He went behind Holloway and snuck into the parade line between floats. A complaint was filed with the Police department as soon as we were told about it. They have a picture of his truck, License plate and the name of his company. This was NOT an approved float. We apologize for anything that was handed out by this individual and his passengers.” Continue reading Whitehouse apologizes after Christmas parade incident

LAKE PALESTINE – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said that a man was shot in the left hand and upper thigh around 7:15 p.m. on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK a 911 call about the shooting victim was placed from Highway 155 South in Noonday. Officials said deputies found the caller and the victim at a hardware store in the 19600 block of Highway 155 South. The deputies were reportedly able to apply a tourniquet, which slowed his bleeding, before UT Health EMS arrived. The victim is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital. Smith County investigators and the crime scene unit are working to confirm the location of the shooting which officials said might be the boat ramp on County Road 189 which is just east of Highway 155. Officials are investigating the case and have reportedly detained one person of interest.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department said they arrested an aggravated robbery suspect on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK the Mt. Pleasant Police Department reportedly told Longview PD that Lakederic Fletcher, 42 of Longview, was driving a stolen vehicle. Longview PD patrol officers reportedly found the vehicle and Fletcher at a home in the 4500 block of Cannon Street. Longview PD said that Fletcher was allegedly armed and refused to come out of the home. The LPD SWAT team and crisis negotiators were brought out to the scene, and Fletcher was ultimately arrested without incident, according to Longview PD.
Continue reading Man arrested for possession of stolen vehicle

ATHENS – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office reports that two men were stabbed in the Oak Ridge subdivision near Athens just after midnight on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, after the sheriff’s office responded to a 911 call about the stabbings, both victims were flown to a hospital in Tyler. Both are listed in serious condition. Kevin Radican of Athens has been identified by the sheriff’s office as a suspect. According to the sheriff’s office, Radican was last seen reportedly leaving the crime scene with Savanah White of Malakoff. Officials are asking anyone whose seen Radican or White to call Henderson County Sheriff’s Office or Henderson County Crime Stoppers.

NEW BOSTON – The New Boston Police Department said that a juvenile was shot near East Lion Drive on Friday night. According to our news partner KETK New Boston PD responded to the 900 block of East Lion Drive around 10:30 p.m. and found a juvenile who had been shot. The juvenile was first taken to a local hospital and then to Dallas to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The juvenile is reportedly listed in good condition. According to a press release, two black males dressed in black carrying a semi-automatic rifle reportedly fired around 35 shots on East Lion Drive. Officials said they’ve collected evidence from the scene including video from security cameras. Continue reading Shooting leaves juvenile injured, suspect at large