KTBB News, Weather, Talk

CANTON — The National Weather Service confirmed on Friday that seven tornadoes touched down in East Texas on Wednesday, including five in Canton alone. According to our news partner KETK, two of the Canton tornadoes were rated EF-0s, two as EF-1s, and one as an EF-2. Survey teams from the National Weather Service offices in Fort Worth as well as Shreveport had teams throughout the area examining damage and paths the systems left behind. The other tornadoes struck the Kemp/Mabank and Winnsboro areas.

PALESTINE — Two people were arrested in Palestine after police executed a search warrant and found a one-year-old living in an apartment with cocaine and an infestation of rats. According to our news partner KETK, Aaron Johnson, 38, and Kandice Asberry, 25, both of Palestine, were booked for manufacture of a controlled substance and endangering a child. According to a statement from the police department, concerned citizens had filed multiple complaints about the residence on South Magnolia. Child Protective Services took the child into custody.

TYLER — After nearly 50 years of business, the Honey Tree in Tyler has closed its doors as of 3 p.m. Friday. The health food store and café is located on Shelley Drive. According to our news partner KETK, the current owner is retiring. She says she’s looking forward to a chance to relax. Three generations have managed the business over the years. They say they want to thank the community for its support and love, and the staff for its dedication.

ATHENS — Henderson County authorities arrest a woman in connection with reported illegal gambling. Officers raided a game room named Cowboys just north of Seven Points and a residence in Gun Barrel City said to be connected with the game room. Officials say Shelia Nell Zbleski was found to be in possession of the game room. She faces charges of organized criminal activity, possession of a gambling device and paraphernalia, and promotion and keeping a gambling place. Authorities say more arrests are expected to come in connection with this case.

EAST TEXAS — The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army arrived in Canton and Winnsboro Wednesday night to help tornado victims and first responders. According to our news partner KETK, the Salvation Army is providing water, coffee and snacks. The Red Cross of East Texas is also on the ground in Van Zandt County and Wood County. Both organizations are surveying the needs of the communities. “Right now, we’re doing disaster assessment. We’re going out seeing the damage and then providing financial assistance for families who are without a place to live because their home was destroyed,” Doug Hanning, with the Red Cross, said. Continue reading Disaster Teams Helping Storm Damaged East Texas

HENDERSON – Henderson police will not be charging the father of 2-year-old Ariel Smith with child abduction “at this time,” according to a statement from the department. According to our news partner KETK, the child has been placed with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. In the statement, authorities say Lamarcus Smith turned himself and Ariel in and cooperated with them in an “extensive interview.” Smith was initially named a suspect in Ariel’s disappearance this week in Henderson, which prompted an Amber Alert.

TYLER — For the first time, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Tyler Police Department will join together to present free active shooter training to the public. The training, “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events,” teaches what happens during an event and actions you can take to help you survive the attack. The training will be Saturday June 8th, at 9:00 a.m. in the Crosswalk Conference Center at Green Acres Baptist Church. Officials point out that this subject is graphic and some portions of the training may not be suitable for children. Parents are strongly encouraged not to bring children younger than 13 to the training.

TYLER — UT Tyler will graduate its first class of University Academy seniors this Saturday. Offering grades K-12, the academy is a state-funded charter school specializing in STEM education. It was founded in 2012. UT Tyler Dean Dr. Ross Sherman says increasing the number of STEM prepared students in East Texas is “critical to the economic vitality of the region.” 42 students from campuses in Tyler, Longview, and Palestine will get their diplomas, and UT Tyler President Dr. Michael Tidwell will give the commencement address.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court approved the completion of a road bond project, as well as the start of two more. According to a news release, County Road 2171, or Willingham Road, saw 2.7 miles widened and improved. A portion of CR 2171 remains closed while TxDOT replaces a bridge with a new box culvert structure. It is located just south of the Whitehouse city limits and the project is expected to take about four months. Crews completed similar improvements and paving to 0.3 miles of CR 1302. Both roads are south of Whitehouse. Continue reading Smith County Road Report

EAST TEXAS — Severe weather moved through East Texas Wednesday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, significant damage was reported in downtown Canton, where two tornadoes hit, along with damage elsewhere in Van Zandt County. Tornadoes were not only reported at Canton, but also near Gun Barrel City and at Quitman. A number of communities were placed under tornado warnings. All tornado warnings have expired or been canceled. Several counties remain under a tornado watch until 1:00am. They are Bowie; Camp; Cass; Franklin; Morris; Red River; Smith; Titus; Upshur; Wood.

GLADEWATER – Gladewater police are asking for the public’s help in identifying an aggravated robbery suspect. He is said to have robbed the Cash Store on East Upshur Avenue on May 18th. The suspect is a black male, approximately 5’10’ tall with a medium build. He was wearing black hospital scrubs and black flip flops. The suspect was last seen running eastbound on East Upshur Avenue. They say he should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have information about his identity you are asked to contact the Gladewater Police Department.

TYLER – In recognition of stroke awareness month, you will get the latest information on strokes at the Strokes for Stroke event in Tyler on Thursday. It starts at 5:30 at Tyler’s Willowbrook Country Club. Nurse Cindy Salem will be discussing acute stroke treatment and diagnosis. You will learn important prevention tips and how to recognize early signs of stroke. You will also hear about life after a stroke from a stroke survivor. Tickets are complimentary, but seating is limited, and registration is required. Register online at ChristusHealth.org/StrokePrevention to reserve your seat.

MARSHALL – The city of Marshall has a new early warning siren that is up and in operation. It is near the Oaklawn Municipal Golf Course.The new siren replaces the old siren located near the golf course that was damaged by a lightning strike in a previous storm. There are 7 early warning sirens in the city: Washington Early Childhood, Evans Street; William B. Travis Elementary School, Carolanne Street; Oak Lawn Golf Course, Victory Drive; Key Street at Martin Street; I-20 behind I-HOP; End of Carters Ferry; and East End Boulevard North at the Marshall Police Department.

LONGVIEW – The University of Texas at Tyler has named Sherry Howard as its new Longview University Center director. The starts her new duties June 1st. Howard was most recently the associate vice president for workforce and advancement at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Arkansas. She also has some experience in the banking industry and the nonprofit sector. Howard holds a master of business administration and a bachelor of business administration degrees.

CUNEY – An investigation that began in 2017 has led to three indictments in Cherokee County. One of those indicted was the police Chief of Cuney. The investigation was of the Cuney Sweepstakes and Game Room. The investigation led to the seizure of around 150 gambling devices and around $19,000. The investigation also uncovered that Cuney Police Chief Gregory Sinkfield (pictured), Michael Folks, and Sabeer Nelliparamban received the earnings of the business. The three were indicted last week by the Cherokee County grand jury. All three were arrested this week and are currently free on bond.

HENDERSON — A Henderson two-year-old has been found safe after an Amber Alert was issued for the girl. According to our news partner KETK, the Henderson Police Department reported Ariel Smith was taken around 10:25 p.m. Tuesday from the Henderson Village Apartment Complex. Authorities say Smith’s mother lives at that complex off Highway 259. Authorities earlier identified the little girl’s father as her possible abductor. But officials say the man, Lamarcus Smith, 41, is not being considered as a suspect or being charged at this time. The investigation continues, and we’ll continue to provide updates as they come in.

MARSHALL – Hot check writers in Harrison County are being given a month amnesty. Between June 1st and July 1st, if they pay off their debts, they will avoid arrest in an upcoming roundup. According to a press release from the District Attorney’s Office, “At this time there are over $1,262,000 worth of outstanding hot checks, dating back to the early 2000s, and most of these cases have outstanding warrants.” District Attorney Reid McCain says his office wants to make sure that local businesses get what’s due to them. Once the outstanding debts are paid, the individual warrants will be dismissed.

TYLER – Last month, the Smith County jail was found to be non-compliant after an inspection. The jail was found to be deficient in the amount of time that an inmate has to exercise during the week. The Sheriff and his staff made critical adjustments within the jail to accommodate the low manpower shortage and to correct the deficiency. But, their action only brought it up to minimum standards. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith and the jail administration appeared before Smith County commissioners Tuesday requesting funds for repairs for the low and medium risk jail facilities. Following a lengthy discussion, the commissioners approved spending $514,250 for the jail upgrades. Besides renovating two guard stations in the jail, the work will also include plumbing, lighting, painting, as well as work in the inmate bathrooms, sleeping areas and common areas.

TYLER – Work begins Wednesday on Old Omen Road in Tyler. Base repairs will be made to the road between University Boulevard and East Fifth Street. The work will run through Friday. Construction will begin at 7:00am and end at 5:00pm each day. Motorists can expect delays and road closures. The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen issues.

TYLER – The 66th annual Parade of Homes begins in Tyler this weekend. The ribbon was cut Tuesday by Mayor Martin Heines marking the start of ticket sales. Nearly 30 houses will be on display for nine days starting Saturday. They range from boathouses to townhomes with a wide variety of styles. The Parade of Homes gives members of the Tyler Area Builders Association and subcontractors the opportunity to show off their personal talents along with the latest in home designs. Over 4,000 visitors toured the Parade last year. Tickets at $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. You can find ticket locations as well as pictures of the various homes at the Tyler Area Builders Association’s web site.

KILGORE – Five Kilgore College instructors have been awarded the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award. Honored with the award were Angela Aulds (dance), Dewey Greer (process technology), Larry Kitchen (visual arts), Julian Redfearn (business and management) and Debbie Williams (biology). Each Excellence Award recipient received a specially cast, pewter medallion. Kitchen is also the school’s 2019 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor nominee and the recipient of the Hamilton F. and Kathryn G. Beeson Teaching Award.

TYLER – One of the men arrested last year in a multi-agency sex sting operation has pleaded guilty in state district court in Tyler. As part of a plea agreement, Joshua Williams, 24, of Tyler, pleaded guilty to online solicitation of a minor. He was sentenced to six years in prison. He must also register as a sex offender. He was one of nine men arrested last October in the sting operation. The suspects were arrested when they arrived at an undisclosed location after soliciting sex online with investigators posing as minors. Tyler Police, Longview Police, FBI, ICE agents, DPS and Highway Patrol Division took part in the operation.

KILGORE – A man wanted for damaging a Kilgore park has turned himself in. Jose Maldonado-Martinez, 22, of Kilgore, turned himself in at the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently free on a $20,000 bond. He was named in a warrant after meeting with a Kilgore police detective and reportedly confessed to causing the damage earlier this month to the Veteran’s Memorial at the Harris Street Park. He said he was under the influence of alcohol. Martinez is said to be the one who drove a vehicle into the park and crashed into the Veterans Memorial wall, a bench, and a sign. He then drove through the park and left near the northern parking lot next to Driller Stadium. The car was found abandoned on a resident’s lawn in a nearby neighborhood. They have estimated the damage to the park is up to $5,000.

LONGVIEW – One person has been arrested following a chase by Longview Police. Charged with three counts of evading arrest was Joshua Alexander Graves, 26, of Longview. He was also charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. It began on Sunday when an officer tried to stop a suspicious vehicle. But the vehicle, which had been reported stolen, would not stop. During the chase the vehicle even hit an officer’s patrol car. The chase ended when the Graves wrecked the stolen car near the intersection of Highway 259 and Farm Road 2751. He tried to flee on foot but was quickly arrested near the scene of the accident. He remains in the Gregg County Jail under bonds total $11,000.

TYLER – The work on Cumberland Road in South Tyler was rescheduled to this week. Reynolds & Kay, Inc. will be making base repairs on Cumberland Road between Wilder Way and Paluxy Drive beginning Tuesday and running through Friday. Construction will begin at 7:00am and end at 6:00pm each day. Cumberland Road will be closed to through traffic. Only residents will have access. Expect major delays, so it would be best if you use an alternate route.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College’s business services division has been recognized for improving students’ online payment experience. TJC recently received the Distinction Award for Student Experience from Blackboard Payments Powered by Cashnet for being the first adopter of Project Viking. Officials say improvements included a redesigned user interface with a responsive, mobile-first design for use on any screen size, including mobile phone, tablet, and laptop. TJC went live with the new interface in September 2018.

TYLER — The Summer Food Program of the East Texas Food Bank kicks off Tuesday. The program serves children in low-income communities in 22 East Texas cities, who participate in free and reduced feeding programs during the school year. Since these programs end when school does, the Summer Food Service Program helps fill that hunger gap, according to a news release. Officials say the program also provides supervised activities that are safe, fun, and filled with nutrition education opportunities. You can go to https://www.easttexasfoodbank.org/programs/child-assistance/summer-food-program to find a serving site near you.

EAST TEXAS — DPS troopers have been staying all too busy with fatal accidents this holiday weekend. One was reported at 6:20 Sunday morning on SH-155, half a mile north of Tyler. A vehicle driven by Jose T. Navarro-Ortiz, 22, of Spiro, Oklahoma, went off the roadway and struck a tree, ejecting and killing the unrestrained driver. Sunday at 11:07 a.m., Joseph J. Jaggernauth, 29, of Tyler was walking on the shoulder of SH 31, two miles east of Tyler, when he jumped into the path of a passing vehicle. Jaggernauth later died at a local hospital. Continue reading At Least 4 Dead in East Texas Highway Accidents

EAST TEXAS – Memorial Day has been observed all around East Texas. In Tyler, the Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home held a special celebration, and a ceremony at the Tyler Memorial Funeral Home Cemetery and Mausoleum featured Congressman Louie Gohmert as guest speaker. Lindale was the site of an observance at the veterans memorial at East Valley Street and North Commerce Street. Longview’s ceremony was conducted at Buckner Westminster Place on Horseshoe Lane.

SMITH COUNTY – Fireworks sales in Smith County end on Monday. Last month, the county commissioners voted to approve an order authorizing fireworks sales over the Memorial Day holiday period. The sales started last Wednesday. The state legislature previously approved three additional holidays for fireworks sales, as long as county commissioners authorize it. The extra holidays are Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day and Memorial Day. County Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson said Smith County residents are allowed to pop fireworks throughout the year, and are only restricted on when they can buy them.