KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Tyler police responded to a report of an aggravated robbery around 3:00 Friday on Spring Street. According to police, the victims were in front of their residence when they were approached by two men pointing guns at them. The suspects reportedly took the victim’s money and other items and fled in a a black Ford Fusion driven by another male. Continue reading Tyler police search for armed robbery suspects

TYLER — The Children’s Park of Tyler will host a Bears and Brews event July 31 at True Vine Brewery on Earl Campbell Parkway. Park officials say there will be fun and games for the whole family, including a teddy bear auction and rock painting. True Vine is donating $1 per beer, from one of their special beers, served that day. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with the live auction beginning at 6:30, led by Friend of the Park and former Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. The Children’s Park of Tyler provides bereavement care to families who are grieving the loss of a child. Click here for more information.

HENDERSON – A Henderson man charged with murdering a woman in his home confessed to the crime in a police interview, according to an arrest warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. 39-year-old Coy Jones Sr. was arrested earlier this week after an 11-hour manhunt conducted by the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and the Henderson Police Department. He is accused of killing 42-year-old Kristi Wilson Collier, a Henderson woman. Police found her with a gunshot wound to the head. The warrant says Jones confessed to killing Collier during a fight with her. He is facing life in prison.

WASHINGTON – A Washington, D.C., federal judge agreed Friday morning that an East Texas man charged in the January Capitol riot could have his electronic monitoring removed. According to our news partner KETK, Alex Harkrider, a 34-year-old Carthage native, was released on bond in April until his trial. He is charged along with 30-year-old Ryan Nichols, a Longview resident, of several crimes stemming from the riot. Harkrider filed a motion in late June to allow for electronic monitoring to be removed, with his D.C.-based attorney heavily relying on the recommendation of his pre-trial officer, Lupe Saucedo. The type of electronic monitoring used on Harkrider is not precise GPS monitoring, but rather a device that alerts authorities when he leaves his home.

TYLER (Staff/AP) — The UT Tyler Cowan Center continues to await word on developments regarding the ZZ Top concert scheduled for December 1 following this week’s death of bassist Dusty Hill. In a statement, Cowan Center Executive Director Susan Thomae-Morphew said in part, “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and the band. When we receive more information from the band, we will communicate with our patrons via the Cowan Center website and Facebook.” A July 21 post on the band’s website said Hill was “on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue.” At that time, the band said its longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, would fill in on bass, slide guitar and harmonica. Hill was 72 when he died July 27.

SMITH COUNTY — A 43-year-old Kilgore man was sentenced to a little more than eight years in prison for drug trafficking violations. According to our news partner KETK, Christopher Marcell Mumphrey, 43, plead guilty on March 20 of this year to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to information presented in court on Feb. 5, 2020, Mumphrey was a passenger in a vehicle used to transport and distribute methamphetamine in Smith County. Mumphrey exited the vehicle and signaled to the buyer to approach the vehicle to complete the transaction.

TYLER — Pipeline Analysis has begun smoke testing sewer lines in Tyler sewer meter basins 13 and 17 as part of the city’s ongoing sanitary sewer inspection program. The sewer lines in the area located south of West Nutbush Street to West Oakwood Street and west from North Fannin Avenue to North Glenwood Boulevard will be smoke tested Friday, July 30, through Friday, Aug. 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Officials say smoke testing helps locate breaks and defects in the sewer system with an eye on repair and improvement. Continue reading City begins smoke testing sewer lines

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FOX/Staff) – The FBI continues its investigation into the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. East Texas Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert continues to voice concern about the aftermath of the incident. He says, “We’ve gotten reports that federal facilities were mistreating, abusing…people that had been arrested on January 6th.” An FBI spokeswoman says the Bureau “is aware of the allegations” but “can neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation.” Over 500 individuals have been arrested for their alleged role in the Capitol Hill riot.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College President and CEO Dr. Juan E. Mejia has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Western Regional Chief Executive Officer Award by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). The western region of ACCT covers 10 U.S. states and five provinces in Canada. Mejia will receive the award during the 52nd Annual ACCT Leadership Congress, to be held in October in San Diego. As a regional award recipient, he is the western region’s sole nominee for the Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award. Mejia is now in his third year as TJC president and CEO. According to a news release, among other achievements, he has been instrumental in securing approval to open the door for all Texas community colleges to have the opportunity to award baccalaureate degrees.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday authorized the city manager to execute a $1,042,325 construction contract with Utility Service Company, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the Glenwood Elevated Storage Tank. The water tank, at the intersection of North Glenwood Boulevard and North Gaston Avenue, was inspected and identified as being in need of rehabilitation in the fall of 2019. The project includes painting the interior and exterior of the 500,000-gallon tank and replacing many of the internal and external steel components that were also identified to be in need of repair from the inspection report. Continue reading Water storage tank to get $1 million rehabilitation

WASHINGTON — A Congressional hearing on voting rights today includes several Texas Democrats. A trio of Texas Democrats will, today, testify before a Congressional Subcommittee that’s looking into what’s being done in Texas when it comes to voting laws. State Rep. Senfronia Thompson is one of them. She says it’s important that they’re part of the discussion. There will be a Republican testifying, today, too. State Rep. Travis Clardy from Nacogdoches is poised to defend the GOP plan, which seeks to roll back much of the voting expansion that was made during COVID.

TYLER — The newly renovated Fun Forest Pool, located at 900 N. Glenwood Blvd., celebrated the grand opening of the new facility this year on May 29. According to a news release from the City of Tyler, Fun Forest Pool has served over 250 people each day this season and will be closing for the season on Aug. 8. For more information, please contact Parks Admin at (903) 531-1370 or click here.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is seeing a shortage of 911 dispatchers, but this issue is bigger than the local dispatch center, according to our news partner KETK. “We’re seeing a short decline nationwide of good qualified candidates putting in for these kind of positions,” Sergeant Larry Christian said. Christian said it’s been difficult trying find new employees. Most of the workers are in training and can’t help carry the work load. Christian hopes when they get up to date, they can help fill the gap. “We’re handling it and we’re going to be okay,” Christian said. Continue reading Smith County seeing shortage of 911 dispatchers

WILLS POINT – Two people are jailed and charged with murder after a man was run over in the driveway at a Van Zandt County home Tuesday evening. According to our news partner KETK, 20-year-old Braxten Henderson is accused of running over his 40-year-old stepfather at a home on CR 3808 just north of Wills Point. Deputies had been called to the scene for a domestic disturbance just before 8 p.m. The victim was identified as 40-year-old Bradley Dickson, a Forney native. 40-year-old Jamie Johnson, the victim’s wife, was also arrested at the scene after “it was determined she was also involved in the death of the victim,” according to a news release. Sheriff Steve Hendrix did not specify in the release how she was involved. Henderson’s bond has been set at $1 million. Johnson’s bond was not immediately set. Hendrix stated that more information would be released later.

HOUSTON (Staff/AP) — ZZ Top member Dusty Hill has died at age 72. A Wednesday Facebook post signed by longtime colleagues Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons reads, “We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX. We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top’. We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.’ You will be missed greatly, amigo.” ZZ Top had been scheduled for a December 1 appearance at the UT Tyler Cowan Center. KTBB has reached out to the university, but there was no immediate word on how Hill’s death might affect those plans. Continue reading ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill dies

LONGVIEW — Workforce Solutions East Texas will host an in-person hiring event in Longview Thursday, partnered with approximately 50 employers, according to a news release. Such events were held virtually for fourteen months but resumed in person this month. The first one was held in Tyler July 15 with over 100 attendees. Longview’s event is set for 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Holiday Inn Infinity Center. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress, bring an updated resume, and be prepared for on-site interviews. See the list of employers who will be at the event, along with other hiring event details and upcoming job fairs, by visiting this link.

NEW SUMMERFIELD — Preliminary autopsy reports of the four victims of a quadruple murder near New Summerfield last week are providing more information about their deaths. Cherokee County Justice of the Peace Rodney Wallace said a preliminary autopsy shows 18-year-old John Clinton was shot once in the back of the head. According to our news partner KETK, 47-year-old Jeff Gerla was shot once in the ear while in bed. Ami Hickey and Amanda Bain, both 39, were shot multiple times in both the head and torso, Wallace said. The three suspects remain jailed, and the investigation continues.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted Wednesday to allow residents to install solar energy devices on any roof elevation provided they are flush-mounted and color restricted. Ground-mounted devices will still be required to be screened from public view, according to a news release. Residential solar panels previously had to be placed away from the view of public streets. The revision is deemed consistent with upcoming changes to state law effective on Sept. 1. The new state law prohibits municipalities from prohibiting or restricting installation of solar energy devices by residential or small commercial customers, but homeowners associations may prohibit the installations. Continue reading Council addresses solar panels, accepts award

CORPUS CHRISTI – Sonar Technician 1st Class Niccole Ewen, of Tyler, assigned to Navy Recruiting Station Corpus Christi, Division 7, Talent Acquisition Onboarding Center Alamo City, was presented two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals by Cmdr. Stephanie Simoni, executive officer, Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio, at Navy Operations Support Center Corpus Christi. Ewen was awarded the medals last Thursday for her professional achievement while serving as a talent scout during the months of April and May 2021. Continue reading Tyler native receives award at Navy Operations Support Center

HENDERSON – The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man wanted for a Tuesday night murder. According to Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez, Coy Jones Sr. was arrested early Wednesday morning at a cemetery near Henderson. Jones has been booked into the Rusk County Jail. According to our news partner KETK, around 8:20 p.m., deputies did a welfare check at a home on CR 232 and found a white female dead. Her identity and cause of death were not released. The Texas Rangers were called in to begin a homicide investigation. An arrest warrant was then issued for Coy Jones Sr., of Henderson. Continue reading Rusk County murder suspect arrested

TYLER — A Lindale man who was shot in the leg during a gun battle with another man has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to our news partner KETK, Matthew Aric Jones, 23, is being held in Smith County Jail under $300,000 bond. Authorities say Jones went to UT Health in Quitman for treatment of the wound to the leg but fled the hospital when law officers arrived. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said Jones (pictured at left) was involved in a shootout with Jesse Lee Hasten, 29, of Mineola, at a house on County Road 447 about 12:30 a.m. Friday. Hasten also was wounded. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Tyler. Continue reading Two charged in Friday shootout

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler announces that the 2021 Mistletoe & Magic holiday shopping event will be held at the Rose Garden Center due to the construction of both Harvey Convention Center and The Cascades. In a news release, organizers say “you can still expect a festive holiday shopping experience with diverse merchants from all over the country, entertaining events for all ages, and a huge focus on fundraising for our community.” As the Junior League of Tyler’s largest fundraiser, Mistletoe & Magic raises vital funds that financially support over 20 local nonprofit agencies and community programs, according to the release. Click here for more information.

TYLER — When the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute welcomes its first patients August 16, Northeast Texans will be able to reach new levels of treatment and performance in both their daily living and athletic endeavors. That’s according to a CHRISTUS news release. The new facility at the corner of Broadway and Cumberland encompasses approximately 62,000 square feet of what officials term “world-class diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation space.” CHRISTUS unveiled the new facility during a Tuesday media event.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Staff/FOX) — Congressman Louie Gohmert joins colleagues at a Washington press conference to demand answers on the treatment of prisoners in the January 6 Capitol riot. Gohmert called for due process, asking “that people that are brought to trial have an opportunity to have a fair trial, to get due process, to see the evidence against them, and to…actually see any exonerating evidence.” But Gohmert noted that he condemns violence. Referencing his time as a Tyler judge, he said if he were still on the bench, he would have no problem sending anyone guilty of violent behavior to jail. Gohmert was able to get in his comments before the news conference was cut short by protesters.

RUSK COUNTY — Bystanders who witnessed a Rusk County car wreck early Tuesday morning were able to save two people who were pinned inside. According to our news partner KETK, several pipeline workers witnessed the crash near the intersection of FM 2276 and FM 850 north of Henderson. They were able to call 911 and get a child and an adult out of the car before emergency workers arrived. The two victims had only minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after an SUV drove into a house on Stonebridge Way early Monday morning, causing minor injuries to a man who was sleeping on the couch. According to our news partner KETK, the victim said the driver immediately pulled out and drove off, leaving a big hole in the house. A contractor is working on patching it up. Authorities suspect the incident was a deliberate act. Deputies later recovered the vehicle and have been questioning the driver, who went to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries he suffered in the crash, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Larry Christian. The driver could face multiple charges.

LONGVIEW – A police chase Monday through Longview led to the arrest of a White Oak man who allegedly assaulted two people during a robbery. According to our news partner KETK, 64-year-old Larry Farnham was arrested for burglary of a home and evading arrest in a vehicle. According to LPD, Farnham assaulted two people outside a home on Tenneryville Road. Police said he used a flashlight/stun gun on the arm and neck of one of the victims. The victim said Farnham took out a handgun and demanded car keys. Continue reading Police chase leads to arrest of White Oak man in connection to Monday robbery

TYLER — Smith County Assistant Road Administrator Charley Miller is retiring this week after 21 years of service to the county. Miller was hired by the Road and Bridge Department as a part-time laborer on June 5, 2000. His last day in the office is Friday, July 30. Miller and his wife of almost 31 years, Deana, have plans to set out and visit their first great-grandchild in Montana after retirement.