KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) is moving to the next step in the Taste and Odor Study with pilot testing treatment technologies to address taste and odor concerns. Earlier this year, TWU received an enclosure designed to house filter columns, which will test different methods for removing geosmin. Geosmin is the compound that gives water sourced from Lake Palestine its “earthy” taste and smell. TWU provides water to the City of Tyler through two water treatment plants, the Golden Road Water Treatment Plant and the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant. The Lake Palestine plant sources its water from Lake Palestine, which has inherently high levels of geosmin due to the age of the lake and the amount of natural organic matter, which contributes to geosmin production. The water is safe to drink and continues to meet or exceed all Federal and State water quality standards. The Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant can typically remove more than 95% of the geosmin compound from the raw water. However, geosmin is detectable by humans at a very low taste and odor threshold, which is why it is treated year-round. Continue reading TWU begins testing water for taste and odor study

ECTOR COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a weekend crash that left two people dead in Ector County, including one man from Longview, according to our news partners at KETK. According to a crash report, around 11:37 p.m. on March 8, troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash near Goldenrod Drive and Alfalfa Avenue. Investigators said the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado, identified as Nicholas Matthew Gonzalez, 34 of Miles, was traveling westbound on Goldenrod while the driver of a Dodge Ram, identified as Juan Jesus Vasquez, 42 of Longview, was traveling eastbound on Goldenrod. Continue reading Longview man killed in Ector County crash

LONGVIEW — A Longview police officer was injured on Saturday night while responding to a vehicle burglary, according to our news partners at KETK. The Longview Police Department said officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Lincoln Drive at around 11:22 p.m. to a vehicle burglary in progress. As police searched the area, they located the burglarized vehicle and the suspect was found inside a second vehicle on Kenwood Drive. While attempting to take the individual into custody, officers were unaware that the suspect was armed with a handgun. Officials said that during the attempt to handcuff the suspect, one officer was shot. Other officers on the scene quickly administered first aid and called for Longview Fire EMS. Continue reading Suspect in custody after Longview officer shot

LONGVIEW – Retiring Longview Fire Department Chief J.P. Steelman was honored for his 34-plus years of serving the city in a retirement ceremony on Friday, according to our news partners at KETK. Steelman announced his retirement as chief on Feb. 24 and he’ll now be serving as the Region-3 Section Chief for Preparedness and Response with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, according to the City of Longview. Continue reading Longview Fire Department chief honored at retirement ceremony

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler Center for Opinion Research recently surveyed 1,252 Texas voters about their views on the first month of the Trump administration and policy priorities of the state legislature. The poll conducted Feb. 20–27 found the voters starkly disagree on party lines about how policies should be addressed, but voters see the state of the economy through the same lens, according to Dr. Ken Wink, UT Tyler professor and poll director.

“At first glance, it may appear that the honeymoon period for candidates who won elections in 2024 may already be over, even though Donald Trump won Texas by more votes than any of his prior campaigns,” said Wink. In this poll he said, slightly fewer voters approve of how Donald Trump is handling his job as president (44%-53%) than at the end of his first term (47%-48%). Trump is still performing well on two key policy areas, he noted. Continue reading UT Tyler poll shows issues voters care about

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that a candlelight vigil was held on Friday evening for a motorcyclist who lost his life during a crash last weekend in Tyler. Dakota Hunter was killed in a crash in the 7900 block of South Broadway Avenue at around 4:45 p.m. on March 1. Tyler Police Department said an SUV turning into the Pizza Hut parking lot collided with two motorcycles, injuring the SUV driver, another motorcycle rider and killing Hunter. The vigil was held on Broadway Avenue where Hunter lost his life at only 21-years-old. A ceremony was held to remember Hunter’s life and a cross was planted in his memory.

LUFKIN – The Lufkin Police Department has arrested a man they said is connected to multiple recent robberies according to our news partners at KETK. At around 10:40 a.m. on Friday, Lufkin PD officers responded to a reported robbery at Western Finance on S Chestnut St. An employee had reported that a man reaching into his pocket was demanding money and had stated that he didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Lufkin PD said the man left the business after the employee gave him the money he was demanding. While officers were at Western Finance getting a description of the man and his vehicle, another robbery attempt was reported from Covington Credit on Wednesday Frank Ave. Continue reading Alto man arrested in connection to multiple robberies

TYLER – On Tuesday, March 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) will conduct a come-and-go community meeting in District 3 at the Glass Recreation Center, Large Classroom, 501 W. 32nd St. This come-and-go event will feature information stations staffed by Department Directors and the opportunity for individuals to speak directly with Councilmember Shirley McKellar. Water Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) will also be available to assist with individual account questions. Customers are encouraged to attend the event in their district and speak one-on-one with subject matter experts to learn more about TWU, utility billing, and improvement projects, voice questions or concerns, and provide feedback on these topics. Residents should bring a copy of their water bill for specific billing questions. Continue reading TWU hosts public meeting for District 3 on Tuesday

TYLER – A man was arrested for injury to an elderly individual on Thursday after an elderly woman was brought into a Longview emergency room with serious injuries, according to a press release.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies started an investigation after an elderly woman in Smith County was brought into a Longview emergency room on Feb. 4, following a hospice referral.

Officials said the woman had been sitting in a chair in her own waste for two weeks, and that her clothing had to be removed from her skin, causing further injury. Our news partner, KETK, reports that he woman has been put under the care of Adult Protective Services, and is being treated for several serious medical conditions resulting from this neglect. Continue reading Man arrested after elderly woman was neglected for two weeks

TYLER – A Mineola man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

Bobby Wayne Land, 48, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle on March 7, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on February 28, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search of Land’s residence in Van Zandt County which resulted in the discovery of approximately 205 grams of methamphetamine. Land admitted that the methamphetamine was his and possessed if for the purpose of distributing to others. Co-defendant, Preston Mitchell Wilson, was sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 120 months in federal prison. Danny Lynn Nabors was also sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 96 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Grand Saline Police Department; the Canton Police Department; and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.

PANOLA COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that more than $50,000 of timber was recovered and given back to its owners in Panola County following an investigation.

The Texas A&M Forrest Service Law Enforcement began the investigation in January after Panola County landowners filed a timber theft complaint after they believed that they were given an unjust deal during their negotiations with a timber harvesting company. The harvesting company paid $21,167 for their timber, which landowners believed was significantly lower than what the volume of timber was worth. Investigators determined that the company owed the timber owners an additional $41,655.

On Feb. 21, the harvesting company sent the landowners a full payment, which was valued at $50,240. Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer Jarred Lemmon spoke about the case and how his department’s top priority is protecting the integrity of timber owners and the sales process. Continue reading Panola County landowners recover over $50k in timber theft case

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — An East Texas man was arrested after being pulled over twice in three months where authorities reportedly found illegal drugs.

According to our news partner, KETK, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle on Jan. 9 for alleged equipment and moving violations. The driver was identified as Jerrick Munns, of Wills Point. When officers spoke to Munns, he reportedly admitted to having illegal drugs ensuing a search of the vehicle.

Officials found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and a large sum of money.

He was arrested and taken to the Van Zandt County detention center, where he had a medical episode that required attention, officials said. “As a result of Munns’ condition, he was released to medical personnel and a warrant was requested and issued for his arrest for the methamphetamine,” the sheriff’s office. Munns was arrested again on March 3, after he was pulled over for equipment and moving violations. The warrant from the previous encounter was implemented and the Interdiction Team`s K9 arrived to search the vehicle.

“The Interdiction Team`s K9 arrived and alerted to the presence of illegal items in the vehicle,” the sheriff’s office said. “A subsequent search located, suspected methamphetamine, scales, as well as pills suspected of being Trazadone. Marijuana and additional drug paraphernalia were also located.”

Munns was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and manufacturing/delivering of a controlled substance. He is being held at the Van Zandt County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

TYLER – The Tyler Public Library is excited to announce it received funding from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) under its Texas Reads grant program for the Library’s “Growing with Our Community” initiative. This grant program focuses on fostering literacy and reading and connecting with families and children in the community through a series of on-site visits to several Section 8 apartment communities and the installation of Little Free Libraries at these locations. The program kicked off this February at Town Parc and Rose Valley Apartment Communities and will continue through May. Four apartment communities will be visited, during which time families will learn about one of two program themes, folktales or graphic novels, and create their own unique folktale or graphic novel story. Little Free Libraries will be installed this March at Town Parc and Rose Valley Apartment Communities and in the remaining two communities later in the spring. Each little free library will be stocked with books to kickstart the library, and community members will be able to take and leave books during the grant program period and for years to come with support and regular check-ins from library staff. Continue reading Tyler Public Library awarded Texas Reads Grant

ANGELINA COUNTY – More than thirty people have been sentenced to federal prison for their connection to an Angelina County methamphetamine distribution ring, according to the Department of Justice. On Monday, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Abe McGlothin, Jr. announced the sentences of 34 people from Lufkin, Houston, Louisiana and Florida who were targets of a five-year long investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine in East Texas.

The investigation was started by Angelina County law enforcement in 2019, according to McGlothin. Our news partner, KETK, has compiled a complete list of the 34 people that have been sentenced for various crimes, including conspiracy to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Continue reading More than 30 people sentenced for Angelina County meth trafficking ring

SULPHUR SPRINGS – Cross Spur Cowboy Church is trying to get back on the saddle after Tuesday’s morning storms destroyed their arena.

Pastor Mike Eason heart sank as he pulled up to the gate and saw half the roof in a tangled mess. The arena has been open for 10 years now and has been used to hold events for the Sulphur Springs community and for the last seven years it has been home for the Elite Youth Rodeo Association. Trees are littered across the property and pieces of their buildings are among the horses. The church already had to cancel a rodeo event but they aren’t letting this setback stop their momentum. Continue reading Community helps Cross Spur Cowboy Church arena after storms

TYLER – A Tyler man has been convicted of federal firearms violations. According to a release from the Eastern District of Texas Public Affairs Office, Francisco Martinez, also known as Cisco, 23, was found guilty by a jury of selling a firearm to a person intending to use it in drug trafficking crimes and possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The verdict was reached following a trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on March 4, 2025.

“This verdict continues to demonstrate how relentless the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office and its FBI and ATF partners will work to combat violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “As promised, my office and our law enforcement partners will find drug and illicit gun dealers and take them off the streets.” Continue reading Smith County man guilty of arming cocaine dealer

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is searching for Adisen Anne Daniels, 16, was reported as a runaway on February 24 from an apartment complex on Kinsey Drive in Tyler. Daniels is described as 5’02, 140lb with blue eyes and naturally brown hair dyed red. She also has tattoos of stars on her right hand. She is possibly in the West Tawakoni, Quinlan Texas area.

Police ask that any information be referred to the Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer, Andy Erbaugh.

Authorities say it is a violation of the Texas Penal Code to harbor a runaway child and can lead to up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

TYLER — President Trump held his first Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday night, which garnered various replies from Texas politicians. The address discussed many topics ranging from the president’s plans on enacting tariffs in Mexico and Canada, which has started a trade war in North America, as well as immigration and border control.

East Texas Congressman, Nathaniel Moran, supported Trump’s remarks, noting that the President is “delivering on his promises at an unprecedented pace.”

“My fellow East Texans, thanks to President Trump, America is strong again. In tonight’s joint address, President Trump delivered a clear message of increased liberty and a promise of an abundant life for every American,” he said. “His vision is simple: return power to the people and ensure that all Americans can pursue life, liberty, and happiness. In short, he made clear that the American Dream is still available.” Continue reading Texas politicians react to Trump’s joint address to Congress

WHITEHOUSE — With tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico and China one East Texas business owner is sharing advice on how to avoid the price increase on products.

According to our news partner, KETK, East Texans may be worried about the prices of certain goods, but Wimberly Farm and Ranch in Whitehouse Store Owner, Steven Wimberly, said shopping local is a good way to get around price increases.

Wimberly said the tariffs will have no impact on his business since all of his products are made in Texas. The store gets products from local chicken, horse and cow feed mills across the state made by Texas families. The newly imposed tariffs by the Trump administration could increase prices on certain goods, but Wimberly said the tariffs could level the playing field for certain businesses. Continue reading Feed store owner shares how to avoid tariff price increase

TYLER – According to the National Weather Service, three East Texas counties were hit by tornadoes on Tuesday but no fatalities or injuries were reported.

Our news partner, KETK, reports that in Tyler County, a tornado hit on Tuesday evening. It originated 0.5 miles west of Highway 287, leaving several trees and a few buildings damaged. The tornado moved northeast where it damaged a home and destroyed an outbuilding. Several pine trees were snapped at the trunk and 30% of a roof was peeled off of a home. Further east towards Highway 287, it damaged several trees before it ended near Little Cypress Creek. Following the severe weather, the county issued a Declaration of Disaster on Wednesday. County officials claimed that populated areas could be impacted by flooding, property damage, short-term electrical power and utility outages. Continue reading Three East Texas counties struck by tornadoes during severe storm

TYLER — The 37th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball, Stars Over Texas, is scheduled for June 7, 2025, at the Texas Rose Horse Park, home of the event for the past seven years. Whitney Cain and Kimberly Taylor, 2025 Cattle Baron’s Ball Co-Chairs, announced the headliner entertainer is Wade Bowen. Tickets go on sale at the end of March.

“We are so thrilled to have Wade Bowen performing at the Ball, said Kimberly Taylor. “We invite you to join us on June 7h at the Texas Rose Horse Park.” “Our East Texas Community has united to raise over $18 million for the American Cancer Society. This incredible achievement is a direct result of the generosity of our donors, supporters, and volunteers,” said Whitney Cain.

The Tyler Cattle Baron’s Ball is the primary fundraiser for the American Cancer Society-Tyler. To support the Tyler Cattle Baron’s Ball, click here or call 903-570-8126. Continue reading Tyler Cattle Baron’s Ball headliner announced

NACOGDCOHES COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a Houston man was arrested on Tuesday morning after more than 17 pounds of ecstasy was found in the back of his car.

Donte Demond Brown, 44, was confronted by deputies at a gas station in the 3500 block of South Street after he was seen speeding through a construction zone on U.S. 59 South. Officials said they could smell marijuana as they were approaching Brown’s vehicle, although Brown claimed he did not use drugs. Once deputies searched the vehicle, they reportedly discovered drug paraphernalia and a bag containing pills that were later identified as ecstasy. In the trunk, officials said they found an additional 17.36 pounds of ecstasy, 11.2 ounces of meth and 1.11 pounds of cocaine.

Although deputies said they were unable to confirm whether Brown had recently used drugs, he was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance.

“Each charge carries a possible punishment of five to 99 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. His bonds were set at $80,000 on each charge for a total of $240,000,” the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office said

CHEROKEE COUNTY – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted two search warrants and a traffic stop on Tuesday leading to the arrest of five people and recovered meth, cocaine, marijuana and firearms according to our news partner KETK.

The first arrest occurred during a traffic stop on Loop 343 in Rusk. During the stop, officials discovered 56 grams of methamphetamine inside the vehicle, officials said. The owner of the vehicle was identified as Joe Castillo, 56 of Rusk. Castillo was arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Jail and was charged with manufacture and delivery of a substance. His bail has been set at $50,000.
First Search Warrant

Following the traffic stop, deputies conducted a search warrant on a home on County Road 1817 in Maydelle. During the search of the property, officials said they recovered 198 grams of methamphetamine along with 12 firearms. The residents of the property were identified as Ronnie Goff, 56, and Lee Deshawn Cockrell, 47. Continue reading Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office seizes more than 2,000 grams of meth

LONGVIEW — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a pedestrian has died, the Longview Police Department said, after a pick up truck reportedly struck them on Tuesday night.

Longview police officers responded to the call on Tuesday at around 9:14 p.m. in the 200 block of West Loop 281. An initial investigation shows that a man was crossing the roadway “at an improper location” when a pick up truck traveling eastbound struck him.

Authorities said the pedestrian was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, and an investigation is still in progress.

RUSK COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people on Feb. 28 after drugs were seized along with a firearm.

An investigation led county law enforcement to Henderson, where they carried out a controlled substance search warrant at the Woodlawn Hills Hotel on U.S. Highway 79. Authorities said they found 39 individual packages of suspected cocaine and a firearm in the possession of Cameron Horn, 23 of Henderson. She has since been charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and received bonds totaling $65,500.

She was also wanted on a Harris County warrant. Officials said, Tamara Simon, 44 of Henderson, was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance and received bonds totaling $10,000.Jayme Hogan, 20, and Aaron Yelverton, 22, were reportedly found in possession of suspected concentrated THC. Each were charged with the state jail felony possession of a controlled substance in penalty group two and received bonds of $10,000 separately.From Longview, Harold Holman, 31, had an outstanding Rusk County warrant for possession of marijuana and was given a $1,000 bond.

Future arrests are expected as the investigation continues and the sheriff’s office said no further information will be released at this time.