KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is once again stepping up its patrols targeting DWI drivers over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. The department is participating in a state grant that will provide funding to the department to bring in officers who are not on regular patrol. If a suspected drunk driver refuses to take a breath or blood test, a search warrant will be obtained to have blood drawn by a nurse on staff at the Smith County Jail. And besides looking for the drunk driver, officers will also be checking to make sure everyone is buckled up. The no refusal campaign started Friday and will run through Monday.

KAUFMAN — A Gun Barrel City man has pleaded guilty to the murder of his next-door neighbor in a love triangle. Donald Coleman said John Morgan was dating his estranged wife. So in March of last year, he followed Morgan to the Kaufman Walmart, shot and killed Morgan, then turned the gun on himself. But he survived. Morgan’s daughter, Shauna Constantine, says it happened while she and her dad were having a rough time in their relationship — something she never got to patch up. Coleman, who was left with a permanent brain injury, took a 38-year prison term. A prosecutor says it will effectively keep Coleman, 59, locked up for the rest of his life.

LONGVIEW – One person has been killed in a Longview accident. The motorcycle-truck accident was reported just before 1:00 Thursday afternoon on West Loop 281 and Ray Street. Pronounced dead at a Longview hospital was Charles Tems, 40, of Gladewater. Investigators report Tems was westbound on Loop and was not wearing a helmet. The truck was making a left turn from the center lane of the loop onto Ray Street. The accident remains under investigation.

TYLER- A scholarship has been created at Tyler Junior College for students in the school’s Associate Degree Nursing program. The Smith County Medical Society Alliance presented school trustees on Wednesday a check for $30,250 to create the endowed scholarship. The endowment will allow TJC to award a $1,200 scholarship each year to a deserving nursing student. Funds for the scholarship were raised through the medical alliance’s book sales held in April and October.

KILGORE – A Gregg County woman has been arrested for shoplifting at the Wal-Mart in Kilgore. She is also charged with assaulting the arresting officers. Arrested was Megan Elizabeth Curl, 19, of Longview. She has been charged with theft of property, resisting arrest/search/transport, five counts of assault of a public servant and five counts of harassment of a public servant. She is said to have spit on the officers and tried to injure a firefighter. Her bonds total $81,000.

TYLER – For the second straight year, the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) will give back to the East Texas region. Last year, NET RMA awarded Gregg County $400,000 in funds towards the reconstruction and improvement of intersection U.S. Highway 259 at Hawkins Parkway. This year, Upshur County will receive $250,000 for its project, Wood County will receive $172,183 and Kaufman County gets a check for $77,817. The funds come from revenues from Toll 49 in 2016. Continue reading NET RMA Announces Priority Project Winners

TYLER – A Tyler plastic surgeon has been found negligent in a Facebook posting case. The Tyler jury found Dr. James Motlagh guilty and awarded his patient $140,000. The Tyler plastic surgeon posted video taken in the operating room just before surgery. The patients lawyer, Jim Rodman of Austin, said the video showed his patient under general anesthesia. Her face, breast and pubic area were exposed and the patient was identifiable. Last year, Dr. Motlagh was sanctioned by the Texas Board of Medical Examiners for this incident.

LONGVIEW – Longview detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle theft suspect. The man is thought to have stolen a vehicle at Gill Food Mart on South High Street on Monday. He is described as heavy set, about 30 years of age and has brown hair. They also warn that you not try to apprehend him yourself. Instead, contact your local police or sheriff’s department. You can also contact Detective Fred Runnels 903-237-1146, Gregg County Crime stoppers at 903-236-7867, or greggcountycrimestoppers.org and reference case #17-5971.

MARSHALL – A man wanted in a kidnapping in Marshall two years ago has been arrested. Marshall police confirm that Antonio Dante Rivers was arrested last weekend in Berkley, California. An extradition hearing is pending regarding his transfer back to Texas. Rivers and Lionel Ray Wheeler had been accused of kidnapping a man who had given them a ride to an auto parts store on May 10, 2015. The driver was able to get away and call police. The car was later found abandoned and Wheeler was later arrested.

TYLER — Smith County authorities are investigating a counterfeiting case. On May 9, deputies responded to a call regarding suspects passing at least three $50 bills at a location on Hwy. 110 North. The complainant said the money was checked with a counterfeit pen but the pen did not detect the fake money. According to a sheriff’s office news release, it is believed that the suspects are trying to recruit employees to assist them with their attempts to pass the bogus bills. Merchants are advised to be aware of this scam, and to instruct employees on procedures for verifying the currency that they are processing. Continue reading Smith County Authorities Probe Counterfeiting Case

GREGG COUNTY — Two suspects have been arrested this week after a woman was assaulted and forced out of her car. Nicole Marie Fenton, 27, Ore City, and Nickolas Thomas Patrick Hamilton, 21, Longview, were charged with aggravated robbery, according to the Longview News-Journal. The incident happened May 18th north of Longview. Continue reading Aggravated Assault Suspects Arrested

TYLER – The city council has approved a zone change that paves the way for a loft project in downtown Tyler. It will go on land previously owned by King Chevrolet. The council’s action makes possible the construction of a $12 million project that includes the construction of 96 apartment lofts. There will be 45 one-bedroom units on the ground floor and 51 two-bedroom units, which will be two-story townhome style apartments. There will also be 4,800 square feet dedicated to retail space, and 3/4 of an acre green to be dedicated to open space. The property is bounded by West Ferguson Street on the north and West Erwin Street on the south. This is land owned by the city, which had previously approved its sale.

MARSHALL – A man charged with manslaughter in a Marshall death has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Leon Bowman, 30, was charged with the March 3rd shooting death of his brother, Michael Phelps Jr., 22, The shooting occurred at the Belaire Manor Apartment complex on Paula Street. In a plea agreement, Bowman pleaded guilty Wednesday to negligent homicide. He was sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication, ordered to pay a $1,500 fine, perform 300 hours of community service and attend a drug and alcohol abuse course. He also has to give up the gun used in the shooting.

TYLER – Two Longview men have pleaded guilty in Tyler federal court to drug trafficking violations. Quintus Dewayne Shaw (pictured), 30, and Jonathan Lavel Wilson, 35, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine near a playground. Shaw also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Federal prosecutors say both men participated in the distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Longview playground. Shaw was found to be in possession of the firearm when officers executed a search warrant at a Longview residence back in January. A sentencing hearing for the two will be held at a later date.

TYLER – From 4:00 till 7:00 on Thursday, the Tyler Main Street Department and Historic Preservation Program will host an “Imagine the Possibilities Tour.” For those who are curious about business or living spaces in downtown Tyler, you will be able to see what’s available. The event is serving as the local launch of a new statewide effort to focus attention on the potential of living and working in older buildings. The tour will start at Liberty Hall on East Erwin Street. The tours are free and open to the public.

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying a person of interest in a theft case. It occurred last Friday at the Dollar Tree on Business 259 in Kilgore. If you are able to identify the woman in the photo please contact Detective Kay Lynn Newbill by email at kay.newbill@cityofkilgore.com or call 903-218-6907 You can also contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903 236 STOP. Refer to KPD Incident #1705-1228.

LONGVIEW — Safety City of Longview has received a $5,000 donation from the Joy Global Foundation. KETK reports it’s part of a $1 million campaign to raise funds for an interactive fire safety theater. Safety City is a miniature version of Longview that is used to teach safety tips to children. The Longview Fire Department says the project involves a 2,800-square foot building that will house four different interactive rooms to put the kids in a real world scenario. Fire officials say the city is always accepting donations to continue the campaign.

LONGVIEW – Longview’s Big Pines Blues Festival has announced the names of 15 finalists for the festival’s “Junior Showcase” competition. The young guitar slingers will face off in head-to-head competition to determine the winners in two age groups on Saturday morning, June 3, on the Maude Cobb Rodeo Arena stage. Contestants in Grades 6 through 8, along with their home towns, are Ryan Groom, Kemp; Cody Lattis, Murchison; Harleigh Lodato, Athens; Ben Smiley, Larue; Elijah Thompson, Marshall; and Jackson Zemler, Lewisville. Grade 9-12 hopefuls are Will Beeman, Nashville, Tenn.; Kurtis Bell, Longview; Brody Blanton, Henderson; Derian Hadley, Canton; Ethan Kuntz, Murfreesboro, Ark.; Mathias Lattin, Houston; Liam McCabe, Grapevine; Noah McCray, Mount Vernon; and Grant Mcinnis, Bullard.

TYLER — City of Tyler employee Joy Fry was honored at Wednesday’s City Council Meeting with a service award for her 25 years with the Tyler Police Department. According to a city news release, Mrs. Fry began with the department in April of 1992. Beginning in Data Management, she was named Employee of the year in 1996. A few years later, she was promoted to administrative secretary, a position she still holds. City officials say Mrs. Fry is an important part in preparing the yearly budget and keeps documents up to date for all employees and retirees.

WHITEHOUSE – The new Director of Bands for Whitehouse ISD is Tom Mensch. He is succeeding long-time Director, Denny Whitley, who has decided to retire after 46 years in public education. Mensch has had an active band career after being the Director at both Lamar High School and Robert E. Lee High School before leading the Tyler Junior College Band for 11 years. From there he became Minister of Instrumental Music at Green Acres Baptist Church. Continue reading Tom Mensch Now at Whitehouse

PALESTINE – The Anderson County grand jury has returned no indictment in the death of a jail inmate last month. Texas Ranger Nick Castle investigated the April 17th death of William Edward Brown, III, 31. He had been arrested for a parole violation. At the time of his death, authorities said he died from natural causes. Ranger Castle’s investigation was presented last week to the grand jury. When the panel was asked “was there sufficient evidence that a criminal act occurred causing his death?” The grand jury’s answer was, “no.”

TYLER – The Tyler Junior College Occupational Therapy Assistant program has received full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Occupational therapy assistants work with licensed occupational therapists to provide care and treatment to help people participate more fully in everyday life. They help persons develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They work with in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools and nursing homes, as well as in the patients’ homes, places of employment and other community settings. Continue reading TJC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Receives Full Accreditation

MARSHALL — The family of a man who died at work at Marshall Pottery has filed a civil lawsuit. KETK reports the family of Arturo Gonzalez is seeking more than $1 million. The lawsuit says he entered the kiln to perform maintenance, but that while he was inside, the automated system suddenly closed the kiln doors. After they were closed, the chamber began heating, killing Gonzalez, according to the suit. The cause of the death has been ruled accidental.

EMORY – A man accused of not paying for cattle at 7 East Texas auction markets in 2011, is heading to prison. Ronald Ryan Shepard Jr., 41, in an appearance in state district court in Emory, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of livestock. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay court costs, attorney’s fees and more than $125,000 in restitution to his victim in Texas. As a part of the plea agreement, he also agreed to pay restitution of $200,000 to a victim in Florida in lieu of extradition and criminal prosecution in that state. Continue reading Cattle Thief Pleads Guilty

LARUE – Two drug suspects are in custody following a high speed chase in Henderson County. Arrested Monday night were John Henry Smith, 17, of Larue and Cherith Mills, 18, of Athens. The two sped off after a sheriff’s deputy tried to stop the couple’s car for a traffic violation in Larue. Speeds reached 100 miles-per-hour for several miles before the pair was stopped on County Road 4704 in the Baxter area. Baggies of a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine was found under the driver’s seat and in the truck’s console. Glass pipes containing what is also believed to be the illegal drugs were also found in the vehicle. The two were booked into the Henderson County Jail.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police arrest three armed robbery suspects. It happened at the Summer Brook Apartments on Bill Owens Parkway just after 2:00 Monday after a man was reportedly robbed at gunpoint. Officers said Devonte Smith, 19 (pictured), Kaleb Bush, 18 and a juvenile approached a resident while he was in the parking lot unloading his car. One of the three pointed a gun at the resident and tried to rob him, then fled the scene. They were in custody a short time later. The juvenile was transported to Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center. Bush and Smith were charged with aggravated robbery and booked into the Gregg County Jail.

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) — Wills Point native, singer-songwriter Jimmy LaFave, whose 2007 album “Cimarron Manifesto” drew critical raves and reached the top of the Americana music chart, has died just days after he appeared at a concert held in his honor. A statement Monday from Music Road Records says LaFave died Sunday at his Austin home after a fight with cancer. He was 61. More than 1,000 people attended a sold-out concert Thursday night at Austin’s Paramount Theatre to honor LaFave. He attended using a wheelchair. The East Texas native embraced the spirit of folk music icon Woody Guthrie. In 1996, Nora Guthrie invited LaFave to appear at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to her father and at her father’s 1997 induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. LaFave also was a two-time Austin Music Award winner for singer-songwriter.

PALESTINE – Palestine’s Interim Police Chief, John Herod, has resigned from the post to become the city’s Emergency Management Director. City Manager Mike Alexander said the administration “fully supports Herod’s transition into the role.” In Herod’s place, Lt. R.C. Johnson has been named as the interim police chief while a search begins for a permanent chief. Alexander said during Monday’s City Council meeting the search for a permanent chief will begin immediately. Continue reading Palestine’s Interim Police Chief Changes Posts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court may have just taken a bite out of the Marshall economy. The town was home to a huge chunk of all patent infringement lawsuits nationwide. Now the high court has ruled that these cases can only be heard in states where the defendant is incorporated. Joshua Landau, patent counsel for the Computer and Communications Industry Association, says, “They developed rules that tended to drive cases quickly and were pretty favorable for plaintiffs — and the juries in Eastern Texas have historically been pretty favorable to plaintiffs as well. He says the practice of buying patents from a company or inventor, living or dead — with the purpose of suing over infringement — is common.

TYLER – The Texas Department of Transportation marks the 15th anniversary of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign with a special event in Tyler. It will be Tuesday from 11:30 to 1:00 at the fountain at the Village at Cumberland Park on South Broadway. Kathi White with TxDOTsays seat belt compliance in the district is about 92%. But that leaves 8% percent who are still vulnerable. She said there were 100 crashes in the district last year that had unrestrained persons in the vehicle. Those crashes killed 41 persons and 74 persons sustained serious injuries. Continue reading Click It or Ticket Campaign