KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Vice President Mike Pence filed Thursday to dismiss Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert’s lawsuit against him. Pence’s legal team stated that the vice president is not the proper defendant in the case, according to our news partner KETK. “The Vice President — the only defendant in this case — is ironically the very person whose power they seek to promote,” the response stated. Gohmert’s lawsuit, filed against Pence in his official capacity as vice president, sought to give Pence the ability to “determine which electors’ votes, or whether none, shall be counted” when there is any objection to the slate of electors. Pence’s legal team’s response went on to state that “A suit to establish that the Vice President has discretion over the count, filed against the Vice President, is a walking legal contradiction.” Continue reading Pence tries to get Gohmert suit dismissed

JACKSONVILLE — Don Henley and other conservationists will be esteemed by Friends of the Neches River, Saturday at 10 a.m. According to the group, nesting boxes will be placed in the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge in the names of recent Caddo Lake Institute honorees Jim Neal, retired US Fish and Wildlife biologist; Richard LeTourneau, water and river conservationist; Janice Bezanson, past executive director of Texas Conservation Alliance. Henley, a native of Cass County, founded the Eagles, as well as a successful solo artist career. He was a founder of Caddo Lake Institute, a non-profit scientific and educational organization, working to preserve Caddo Lake. More details are available by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-the-Neches-River-111473105531196.

TYLER — DPS Troopers responded to a two vehicle fatal crash Wednesday night. The wreck killed Anthony Scott Lester, 21, of Canton. Officials say Lester’s vehicle crossed over the center strip and struck a vehicle driven by Alberto Cruz, 37, of Ben Wheeler. Cruz was taken to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, where he was treated and released. Cruz also had 3 of his passengers that were transported to Christus hospital. Emerlin Morales, 31, of Ben Wheeler, a 7 year-old male and a 3 year-old female, that are all listed in stable condition. The crash remains under investigation.

RUSK — A former Rusk Chamber of Commerce manager is accused of stealing money from a non-profit. According to our news partner KETK, Tara Tatarski is facing a felony theft charge. She is accused of stealing anywhere from $2,500 up to $30,000. The investigation began, when the Chamber President discovered discrepancy’s in this year’s annual audit. Tara Hood, also known as Tara Tartarski, was arrested at her residence in Rusk earlier this week, without incident. Tatarski has been released on bond.

LONGVIEW — One person is dead, after a Wednesday night shooting in Longview. According to Longview Police, the shooting took place on Bertha Street. Authorities discovered the body of TruShawn Burns, Longview, inside a vehicle at 11:13p.m. Police continue investigating and urge anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward. Contact LPD at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867), and online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

TYLER — TxDOT crews are getting ahead of the winter storm forecast for East Texas by preparing roadways around the eight-county district for potentially icy and flood conditions. According to a news release, bridges and other roadway areas susceptible to wind and ice have been pre-treated. I-20 and other major roadways have been pre-treated with a brine solution consisting of salt and water designed to prevent ice and snow from sticking to surfaces. The process is a fast-moving mobile operation with minimal impacts to traffic. The district is also preparing for potential flooding and will be monitoring areas of concern throughout the life of the storm. Continue reading TxDOT prepares for possible winter weather

TYLER — A Smith County grand jury has indicted 40-year-old Danny Tate on charges related to escaping from custody and injuring an arresting deputy. That’s according to our news partner KETK. The sheriff’s department’s Larry Christian said deputies unsuccessfully tried to arrest Tate Oct. 6 on a parole violation charge. A week later, Tate was spotted in a vehicle by a deputy. Officials say Tate then drove to his home and ran but was chased down. Christian said during the ensuing scuffle, Tate bit the deputy, drawing blood. Records show Tate is being held on bonds of more $500,000. Records also show he has numerous arrests dating to 2007.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department is joining the Drug Enforcement Administration in launching a “Secure Your Meds” winter campaign. Police say with Americans spending more time at home due to COVID-19, this is an excellent opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinets and dispose of unused medications. Studies show that most abused and misused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets. Medications that are no longer used or past their expiration date may be disposed of in the 24-hour collection box in the lobby of the Marshall Police Department.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is requiring that all of their employees get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Maxey Cerliano sent a letter to all staff on Dec. 22 to notify them. According to the notice, employees are able to be exempt due to the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as their religious practice or belief or because they are pregnant. Staff will have to meet with Sheriff Cerliano to discuss their reasoning for being exempt. Cerliano was also the first person in the office to get the vaccine.

TYLER — The DPS has released additional information on Monday’s multiple fatal in Smith County. Officials had earlier confirmed three deaths; they now say four people died in the crash. The investigator’s preliminary report indicates that the driver of a GMC Sierra was traveling south on FM 757, failed to yield the right of way at the FM 2767 intersection, and pulled into the path of a Peterbilt truck that was eastbound on FM 2767. The deceased are 53-year-old Sara Vasquez of Overton, along with a 15-year-old male, a 17-year-old male, and a 13-year-old female. All were passengers in the GMC. The drivers were listed in serious condition at a local hospital. The crash remains under investigation.

GARDEN VALLEY — An international charity, based Northwest of Tyler, in Garden Valley, has announced a new chairman of the board. According to our news partner KETK, Ruben S. Martin III will fill the seat for Mercy Ship’s board of directors, starting in January. In 2021, Mercy Ships will launch their newest ship, the Global Mercy. Martin was a key player in the launch of the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the Africa Mercy. Mercy Ships aims to bring health care to those in need offering surgical procedures, medical training, and infrastructure development.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A man faces multiple charges following a standoff with deputies when he barricaded himself inside a camper with his gun. According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Jason Morris was arrested and placed in the county jail on charges of evading arrest, aggravated assault on a public servant, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threat on public servant and resisting arrest. The altercation took place at the camper on Highway 175, following a report that a woman was being beaten in the face with an arrow by the man. Authorities arrived and the suspect presented a weapon. After a two-hour standoff and the large use of pepper spray, Morris left the trailer and was taken into custody.

LINDALE — Four individuals have been arrested in connection to a report filed by a Lindale man, who said he was kidnapped and beaten by the group. According to our news partner KETK, the suspects- McKaylah Fruge, Vernon Morris, Anthony Waymire and Zoey Stevens — have been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated kidnapping. On Dec. 7, a man says he was taken against his will to a different city, after at least one of them had a weapon. Upon arrival at the new location, with the weapon again displayed, all four individuals proceeded to assault him. During questioning, one of the suspects confirmed the allegations.

TYLER — Congressman Louie Gohmert filed action earlier this week, that could lead to overturning President-Elect Joe Biden’s election victory. The East Texas Congressman told KTBB Tuesday, his reasoning for filing the lawsuit in Tyler, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. “If you don’t have a hearing where evidence is brought in, people testify, and experts come in and explain what has happened, then you haven’t had a hearing on fraud.” Gohmert went on to say, “There is not a single court in America, that has so-called ‘debunked’ the fraud in the election. Nobody has allowed an evidentiary hearing and taken witnesses and evidence, and that needs to be done!” Continue reading Gohmert highlights action steps of case filed this week

TYLER — NET Health released the weekly Regional Advisory Council G numbers from the Trauma Service Area, over the last 7 days on Tuesday. Data of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 continue to rise. On Monday, COVID patients hit 19.12% of the hospital capacities in RAC-G, which makes up Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Franklin, Freestone, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood counties. Once the metric climbs above 15% and lasts above the threshold for 7 consecutive days, businesses must operate at 50%, instead of 75% capacity. Bars remain closed. Continue reading Coronavirus hospitalization numbers continue to surge

ATHENS — An East Texas man was arrested Monday, in connection to an ATM robbery from two weeks ago. According to our news partner KETK, Rudy R. Jimenez, 28, Athens, has a previous history of violence and theft, and has been arrested 5 other times in Henderson County. Jimenez, later turned himself in, after a probable cause affidavit was issued. Detectives with the city say, during an interview with Jimenez, he admitted to committing the crime. He was arrested for aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. Jimenez was transported and placed into the Henderson County Jail.

MINEOLA – Law officers are continuing an investigation that drugs were being shipped across the nation from a home in Mineola. According to our news partner KETK, the case began when a Mata, the K9 dog of constable Kelly Smith, detected drugs “during a random open air sniff” on Monday. One suspect was detained and methamphetamine, scales and drug distributing materials were taken from the suspect’s home on North Pacific street. Additional suspects have been identified in other states and warrants are pending for their arrests for delivery of methamphetamine. Continue reading Mineola law officers investigating possible drug distribution ring

JEFFERSON — Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur says he will be working from home for the next ten days after his wife tested positive for COVID-19. LeFleur said his wife, Brooke, is doing well with minimal symptoms. Marion County has the fewest confirmed cases of COVID-19, in Northeast Texas, 199 as of Sunday. The County has also reported 17 deaths due to the coronavirus. LaFleur went on to say that he is not aware of anyone else that is quarantining in local or county government, as a result of potential exposure. Marion was one of nearly 80 Texas counties, that opted out of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order requiring face masks.

TYLER — D.P.S worked the scene of a two vehicle fatal crash on Monday. Troopers described the scene as a two vehicle fatal crash at the intersection of FM 757 and FM 2767 in Smith County. DPS. Sgt. Jean Dark has confirmed that three people are dead at the site of the accident. The investigation into what caused the wreck, remains open at this time. More information will be released once it becomes available.

TYLER — Multiple criminal charges have been filed by Texas game wardens into possible illegal hunting in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, authorities seized, 16 sets of antlers, among other things. The investigation was put into motion in November, after Smith County game wardens received a tip. Some of the charges filed include, hunting without landowner consent, harvesting illegal white-tailed bucks, tagging violations, and hunting at night with aid of an artificial lights. Authorities have also seized two crossbows and a one compound bow with flashlights, several rifles, a night vision scope, and about 80 lbs. of deer meat.

TYLER — Tyler Police arrested a man on a charge of driving under the influence after he crashed his SUV into a pond at Cathedral in the Pines. According to our news partner KETK, the incident took place Sunday morning at the cemetery located on Broadway. The burial ground continued to remain open as a tow truck removed the vehicle from the shallow waters of the water feature.

MARSHALL — The City of Marshall notified residents and local businesses of road closures, as a result of the Downtown Redevelopment Project. The work started Monday, on the southern end at the intersection of Austin and N. Washington. It then plans to move to to N. Washington and Rusk’s northern end. Citizens are asked to use Austin Street, Rusk Street, and the parking lot alley behind Joe Pine Coffee Company to access the businesses in the 200 block of North Washington. The city is asking for patience from the public during the job that is expected to last 8 to 10 business days project.

TYLER — The SPCA of East Texas is working hard to keep raising money in spite of COVID-19. According to the organization’s website, “2020 may have slowed life down for some, but we have been busier than ever helping more animals than ever!” It’s all in preparation for the SPCA’s New Year’s Eve 9th annual No-Show Gala. The website continues, “100% of your donation will go toward helping homeless pets in our community! So put on your jammies, get comfy on the couch, and be a (socially distanced) rescue hero from home!” You can go to https://spcaeasttx.com/no-show-gala-2020/ to donate and get additional information.

WHITEHOUSE — A trailer full of camping gear — and with a special meaning for the Scoutmaster — has been stolen from Whitehouse United Methodist Church, the normal meeting place for Boy Scout Troop 359. In a Christmas Eve posting on the troop’s Facebook page, Scoutmaster Jason Beaton says the trailer “was dedicated to the Troop back in 2000 in memory of a Dad who had passed away the year before and was a cornerstone of our Troop. The night before he suffered a brain aneurysm, we had Troop Meeting. He worked with me the entire night on the plans and designs of my Eagle Project. I will never forget his dedication to Scouting. His son (also an Eagle) and wife dedicated this trailer to our Troop in his memory.” Beaton says Whitehouse police have been notified and should be contacted at 903-510-7550 with any leads.

EAST TEXAS — High winds and dry conditions have been making it unsafe to do outside burning or ignite fireworks in East Texas, fire officials say. “We are asking people to voluntarily refrain from doing any outdoor burning or shooting fireworks,” said a statement from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s office. “The relative humidity is dropping…Combined with the high winds, this is a recipe for disaster.” Winds were expected to die down late Sunday and Monday, but officials still urge residents to exercise caution. Continue reading Officials warn of fire danger

UPSHUR COUNTY — Cases are pending against two men after Texas game wardens reportedly discovered they had 173 crappie over the legal limit. That’s according to our news partner KETK. In late November, game wardens in Upshur County received an anonymous tip that a large number of fish had been cleaned and dumped at Lake O’ the Pines, said information from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The investigation led the game wardens to the suspects. The game wardens seized 350 crappie fillets, which were donated to families in the area. The daily bag for crappie is 25, according to TPWD.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is investigating a Thursday night fatality accident involving a pedestrian and a car. Police say the pedestrian was stuck by a southbound vehicle while crossing Troup Hwy. near the Aberdeen Drive intersection. Further details weren’t immediately provided. The identity of the pedestrian has been withheld pending notification of family.