KTBB News, Weather, Talk

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that two men were arrested in Henderson County early Sunday morning after narcotics investigators discovered suspected meth underneath the frame of a car.

According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, around 12:33 a.m. narcotics investigators conducted a traffic stop on a black Cadillac inside the Bonita Point Subdivision near Gun Barrel City where they located a large gallon size bag of suspected meth concealed underneath the frame of the vehicle.

Officers said that the passenger, Cody Ray Harper, 32 of Arlington, threw a baggie with suspected meth out of the passenger window onto the roadway while the driver, Dustin Sky Reneau, 38 of Fort Worth, had three theft related felony warrants out for his arrest. Continue reading Traffic stop leads to large quantity of meth

TYLER – According to our news partner, KETK, an arrest affidavit for three Tyler ISD staff members has shed new details on an incident in which a student’s hands were bound with tape, and they were forced to walk for hours.

Documents obtained from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office show that Tyler High School administration contacted the Tyler ISD police department to request camera footage from the Life Skills room on March 12. An administration staff member stated that the incident likely occurred in the afternoon, as the student’s hands were still red when he got off the bus. They also mentioned speaking with an aide in the room, who indicated that the incident occurred before lunch, but was unsure how long the student’s hands had been taped. Continue reading Tyler ISD staff arrested for taping special needs student’s hands

LONE STAR – The City of Lone Star has issued a mandatory curfew for its residents following the severe weather Friday. According to our news partner KETK, the curfew, starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 8 a.m. until further notice.

The curfew order said that citizens in these areas of of Lone Star are required to remain indoors unless performing essential work or if an emergency occurs: Williamsburg Street, Sunnybrook Street, Northhaven Drive , Woodcrest Street, Wild Rose Street, Devereau Drive, Bunt Drive, Leslie Drive, City Park and Baptist Encampment.
Continue reading City of Lone Star issues mandatory curfew

TYLER – Storms that ripped through the area on Friday night left severe damage and flooding all across East Texas according to our news partner KETK. The City of Lindale had water overflowing into parts of downtown and multiple county roads. Lindale Candy Company’s building experienced flooding and closed their candy viewing area due to the extensive water in the back of the store. Lindale’s Lorraine Lake washed out after the dam broke due to the high rainwater.

Smith County was not the only one’s dealing with Friday night’s storms, another intense storm ripped through the town of Hawkins. The strong winds downed trees and powerlines blocking people from reaching their homes like Jay Boyce who had trees blocking his road.

“A tornado just passed through here and it knocked down everything,” Boyce said. “It blew off the roofs of houses, trees and knocked down 100-year-old trees. We’re just trying to get home to our houses.” Continue reading Severe weather leaves damage, flooding all across East Texas

CANTON – The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Van Zandt County on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, a NWS storm survey team found that the tornado touched down 9.5 miles east of Canton along CR 1321 and moved northeast passing Grand Saline. It crossed Highway 80 and then lifted north of Silver Lake.

A home along FM 1255 lost part of it’s wall and NWS said another home on FM 1255 near CR 1605 had roof and porch damage. According to NWS, tornado had an estimated peak wind speed of 80 miles per hour and a maximum width of 75 yards.

NWS added that the tornado may have passed into Wood County for a short time but they couldn’t confirm that it did because of a lack of roads. Continue reading Tornado confirmed in Van Zandt County

LINDALE – Lorraine Lake in Lindale has been washed out by flooding that hit the East Texas community on Friday night.

Witnesses at the scene told our news partner, KETK, that the water in the lake had risen above the lake line, spilling over a dam on the edge of the lake.

The lake is connected to North Prairie Creek and is surrounded by many private properties with docks and piers on the lake off of Spring Drive and Hillside Lane.

The City of Lindale hasn’t commented on the lake washing out but on Friday Lindale Mayor Gavin Rasco thanked first responders for serving the community during the flooding. Continue reading Lorraine Lake disappears after flooding

SMITH COUNTY –Several Smith County roads are closed due to high water crossings and trees and power lines down, according to a news release from the county. Roads closed for downed trees include:  CR 1125, 1134, 313 west, 4129, 485, 4105, 4126, 423, 4127, 4106 and 4104. CR 313 east  and 4126 (off of the CR 4106 side) are closed due to downed power lines. County roads closed because of high water include:  CR 463, 411, 474 and 4129.

TYLER — Severe storm activity hit East Texas hard Friday night. After severe weather hit East Texas, about 2,050 customers are reportedly without power as of 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The power outage had 25,000 customers without power during the peak of storm activity Friday and early Saturday. Our news partner KETK, has a county by county breakout of where power outages are still occurring in our region. You can see that list here.

TYLER – A Tyler man was found guilty of the July 4, 2024 fatal shooting of 19-year-old Rawly Sanchez, according to our news partner, KETK.

Seferino Bautista-Renteria, owner of Bautista Auto Sales in Tyler, was found guilty of murder before 114th District Court Judge Reeve Jackson on Monday. According to court staff, Renteria’s sentencing hearing will begin on Monday.

Renteria was arrested after Sanchez was shot in the back of the head while riding in the backseat of a truck on the night of July 4, 2024, according to an arrest affidavit. The truck was turning behind Bautista Auto Sales when the affidavit said the driver reported seeing a person with an AK-47-style rifle who started shooting. Continue reading Tyler businessman found guilty of murdering a 19-year-old

TYLER – As severe weather hits East Texas, several school districts have announced they will be releasing students early on Friday to ensure students and staff stay safe.

As we head into Friday afternoon, severe storms are predicted with the possibility of creating hail or tornadoes. To ensure student and staff safety, our news partner, KETK, has compiled a list of schools that will release students early. To view the full list, click here.

NEW LONDON – Parents are pushing for the 2025 school bond project which includes a new elementary building. According to our news partner, KETK, it would be the third time voters are asked this question following two previous failed attempts.

West Rusk parents who drop their children off every morning at the elementary school said they are concerned with the current conditions. Some of the problems include leaks, aging floor, mold and have termite damage in their classrooms and windows that leak during rain.

“My daughter cannot run in the gym in certain spots because the floors buckled up so high and kids will trip and fall,” concerned parent Nathan Bishop said. “The kids have to bring their own water because we can’t drink out of the water fountain.” Continue reading West Rusk parents advocating a bond for new school building

SMITH COUNTY – 24 dogs and 3 cats have been seized from the Lanellas Rescue and Sanctuary due to alleged animal cruelty, according to our news partner, KETK.

After receiving a tip about animal cruelty on March 24, members of the Smith County Animal Shelter (SCAS) arrived at Lanellas Rescue and Sanctuary, and found several animals to be emaciated.

SCAS supervisor Amber Green told KETK that Lanellas owner Bonnie Kelley was given a time limit to take the animals to the vet to receive rabies shots and vaccinations. In the agreed time period, Kelley reportedly took only seven or eight of the 27 animals to receive care. Due to Kelley failing to meet the agreement, Green said SACS obtained a warrant and seized all 24 dogs and 3 cats from the property. Continue reading 27 animals seized from an East Texas animal sanctuary for cruelty

BULLARD – According to a report from our news partner, KETK, a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 69 near Bullard slows traffic Friday morning.

The multi-vehicle crash is out of the roadway but is slowing northbound traffic. Drivers in the area are encouraged to use caution and watch for emergency personnel in the roadway. Information regarding the crash will be updated as it becomes available.

LONGVIEW — A Longview doctor has pleaded guilty to a 2022 charge of sexual assault against a child, according to our news partner KETK.

The Texas Medical Board issued a suspension order after two of Matt Hipke’s former patients, both male under 17, accused him of sexual assault. This led the board to investigate Hipke and suspend his license. They then learned that Hipke had been previously accused of sexually assaulting another patient in 2018. Records show that neither child provided specific details to their parents or guardians regarding the scope or extent of the alleged inappropriate touching. After interviewing the two victims, police obtained a search warrant for Hipke’s office where they located inappropriate images of children on his computer.

Following this investigation, Hipke was arrested in August 2020 on two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and was released on a $1 million bond. Continue reading Longview physician pleads guilty to sexual assault of child

LONGVIEW – A Longview officer has received an award from the police department after saving a teacher’s life last year.

Our news partner, KETK, reports that in September 2024, Josh Marrs took action after a teacher at Spring Hill ISD became unresponsive during class. After being alerted by the school’s nurse, Marrs quickly arrived in the classroom and began chest compressions and guided the team in using the AED prior to EMS arriving.

According to the police department, the teacher was stabilized and transported to the hospital. Marrs was credited by the school nurse with saving the teacher’s life, and believes she would not have been able to manage the situation without his support.

Due to Marrs heroic actions, he was bestowed the Lifesaving Award by the police department on Thursday afternoon.

RUSK – The Rusk Police Department’s chief has been placed on leave pending an active city investigation.

According to City Manager Bob Goldsberry, Rusk’s Chief of Police Scott Heagney was placed on administrative paid leave Wednesday after a complaint was filed against him.

Goldsberry said Sgt. Jeremy Farmer will be in charge of day-to-day operations while investigation is active.

Our news partner, KETK, reports that officials have not released details of the investigation, however, Goldsberry said the city will provide details once it has concluded.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that an 80-year-old man was arrested on March 30, after he allegedly admitted to sexually assaulting two children in his 18-wheeler. According to the arrest affidavit obtained through the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, on Jan. 14 deputies requested investigators to interview a suspect who sexually assaulted a five and eight-year-old more than once “over a period of time.”

On March 18, investigators interviewed the suspect, Randall Tee Tidwell, 80 of Kemp, at the Henderson County help center office in Athens, Officers advised Tidwell he was free to leave and was not under arrest. During the interview, Tidwell reportedly said he participated in the sexual assault of a five-year-old and eight-year-old, more than once, in an 18-wheeler he drives for work. Continue reading Elderly man confesses to the sexual assault of two children

ATHENS – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a cyber tip submitted to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrest of a 20-year-old, who allegedly confessed to being in possession of child pornography.

According to the arrest affidavit obtained from the sheriff’s office, around 9:24 a.m. on Feb. 26, a Henderson County officer was assigned a CyberTip for an investigation by the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Two minutes later, that tip escalated due to the risk of new child sexual abuse material being produced.

The report listed a total of 17 files including, eight which appeared to be self produced and four that were listed “as an AI classification.” Eleven of those files were listed as “pubescent minor engaging in a sexual act”, and one file was listed as a “pubescent minor in lascivious exhibition”. Continue reading CyberTip leads to arrest of Athens man for child porn

GRAND SALINE – According to a report from our news partner, KETK, a suspect is still at large after a high-speed motorcycle pursuit Thursday morning in Grand Saline.

Around 1 a.m., officers were notified by the Mineola Police Department about a blue sports motorcycle heading west on U.S. Highway 80 towards Grand Saline at speeds of 122 mph.

At around 1:10 a.m., officers located the bike entering city limits on U.S. Highway 80 near east city limits headed westbound at a speed of 120 mph. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the bike accelerated and continued westbound at speeds over 140 mph. After a short pursuit, the motorcycle turned back north on Main Street from U.S. 80 where officers lost sight of him. Continue reading Police still in search of suspect after high-speed chase

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the East Texas State Fair announced Wednesday morning that PRORODEO will be coming to the 2025 fair in September.

The East Texas State Fair is partnering with Cavender’s to bring a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned rodeo to Tyler, welcoming PRORODEO athletes across the country to East Texas. The rodeo will take place during the first weekend of the fair, Sept. 19 through Sept. 21 and will feature events including bull riding, barrel racing and team roping, along with entertainment for all ages. The Texas founded western store and fair sponsor, Cavender’s is also excited to be apart of this major milestone for the East Texas community. Continue reading First PRCA rodeo coming to the East Texas State Fair

UPDATE: An Oncor representative said that as of 1:35 p.m., all power has been restored.

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, multiple traffic signals are without power throughout the city including several on Broadway Avenue. The traffic operations department has deployed generators however some intersections will remain without power. According to an Oncor representative, a transformer fell at a substation at the intersection of Grande Boulevard and Broadway Avenue.

“Drivers should treat a ‘dark’ traffic signal as a four-way stop—each vehicle comes to a complete stop and takes its turn to proceed through the intersection,” city officials said.

Oncor said power should be restored at around 1:30 p.m. and about 6,300 customers have been affected.

TYLER — A reminder from our news partner KETK, Texans have until April 3 to register to vote for the upcoming May elections. Early voting begins April 22 and runs through April 29 while Election Day is May 3.

How to check if you’re registered to vote: Residents are encouraged to contact their county voter registrar since voting in Texas is county-based and Texan residents can go to Am I registered? to see if they’re eligible to vote. Residents who have recently changed their name can update their registration status here.

How to register to vote: To register to vote in Texas, residents must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and a resident of the county in which they plan to vote. They must also not be convicted of any felonies, unless their rights have been restored.

Voters can register by completing a voter registration form online through the Texas Secretary of State’s website or by obtaining a form from their local county voter registrar’s office. Once completed, the form must be mailed to the registrar’s office. Continue reading How to register for May elections in Texas

UPDATE: An Oncor representative said that as of 1:35 p.m., all power has been restored.

TYLER – The City of Tyler informs KTBB that because of a power outage, multiple traffic signals are without power, including many along Broadway. The Traffic Operations Department is sending out generators, but, some intersections may be without power. Travelers should regard any “dark” traffic signal as a four-way stop. With each vehicle stopping completely before proceeding through the intersection. Oncor expects power to be restored as soon as possible.

GLADEWATER – The Gladewater Police Department is seeking information after residents reported gunshots and damage to their properties on Tuesday night.

According to our news partner, KETK, around 10:50 p.m. officers responded to a report of gunfire in the 200 block of W. Gay Avenue and spoke with residents who heard gunshots and found damage to their homes.

Officials said there was no reported injuries but they found multiple shell casing on the walkway near the intersection of W. Gay Avenue and Canfield Street and “apparent bullet holes” in a fence running parallel to the walkway.

After officers searched the area and talked to residents, officials said the incident appears to be connected to an earlier disturbance involving a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses. Continue reading Gunshots and property damage reported by Gladewater residents

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a special event was held at Moore Middle School in Tyler on Tuesday to warn kids about the danger of using tobacco products.

The event was held on Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action to celebrated the recent Healthy Bodies Tobacco Prevention $1,500 grant the school received from the National PTA. The grant will go towards enhancing the school’s outdoor courtyard space including adding a pickleball court, storage space, and healthy recreational opportunities.

“We want our students to understand the risks of tobacco use and empower them to make decisions that support their well-being,” Ballard said. “This grant allows us to provide positive, enriching activities that keep our students engaged and active.” Continue reading Tyler middle school warns against tobacco use