KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Violent crime in Tyler continues to drop. While some areas showed increases. Even with three more homicides than in 2014 and auto theft up just over 26%, violent crimes in Tyler dropped 12.41% last year. Part two crimes, which covers such offenses as forgery, public intoxication and family offenses, dropped just over 5% in 2015. And this drop in crime has been the trend over the past five years. Police Chief Gary Swindle said their were 449 violent crimes reported in Tyler in 2011. Last year that figure had fallen to 374. Continue reading Tyler Shows 2015 Crime Decrease

KILGORE — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the people believed to have stolen an oilfield pipe in Kilgore the night of February 17. According to KETK, photos taken from an oil lease located near Sinclair Road in Kilgore show two people, driving a white truck, pull up to the property. They were then seen loading oilfield pipe from the property onto their truck. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at (903) 236-STOP.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the Tyler TxDOT district during the Week of Feb. 22. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance crews will be making base repairs on SH 155S between Toll 49 and Loop 323 during the week. Expect closures with the travel lanes reduced. Crews will also be addressing ditch maintenance in various other locations around the county. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

SMITH COUNTY — There’s more on a Republican candidate for State House District 5 who dropped out of the race last week. It’s been learned that Philip Hayes did not earn two degrees from SMU. The Tyler Morning Telegraph obtained documents showing Hayes attended SMU but did not graduate. He had claimed to have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the university. The Morning Telegraph had previously endorsed Hayes in the election but withdrew the endorsement.

SMITH COUNTY — The fourth annual Smith County Warrant Round Up will get underway Saturday, March 5. The Smith County Judicial Compliance Department mailed out 3,000 yellow flyers (pictured) Friday to people with outstanding arrest warrants for delinquent, court-ordered fines and fees. Those people have until March 5 to take care of the outstanding warrants in person before Smith County law enforcement officers begin searching homes, businesses and/or schools. Officials said there will be about 300 jurisdictions participating in this year’s round up across the state. Continue reading Smith County Sets Date for Warrant Round-Up

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is being held in connection to a July 2011 Oklahoma murder with ties to the Aryan Brotherhood. KETK reports Kalvin McCown was indicted by an Oklahoma grand jury in January on several charges. McCown was arrested on Wednesday. Authorities said McCown, along with two other men, held a man against his will and killed him. They said it was a way to increase their position in the Aryan Brotherhood.

TYLER — Police in Tyler are investigating a drive-by shooting reported shortly after noon Sunday on Northcrest Drive near the Claude Street intersection. Officers arrived to find a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the upper right thigh. The victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The victim told police he and a friend were walking along Northcrest when a silver car drove by and one of the occupants fired 3-5 shots, striking the victim in the right leg. The vehicle then left the area. The vehicle was possibly a Ford Focus occupied by two unidentified males. One male in the suspect vehicle may have been a light skinned black male in his early 20s. Police said there was no further immediate information. Continue reading Police Probe Drive-By Shooting

DALLAS (AP/Staff) – Dallas police say they could conclude their domestic violence investigation of Cleveland Browns quarterback and Tyler native Johnny Manziel by late next week. Police spokesman Major Midge Boyle said Saturday that investigators have reviewed medical records provided by Colleen Crowley, Manziel’s ex-girlfriend. Crowley told police Manziel hit her and dragged her into a car in late January. Meanwhile, Von Miller says during a visit to College Station he’s standing behind Manziel and thinks he’ll turn things around. The Super Bowl MVP pass rusher and the one time star quarterback attended Texas A and M at different times but have become close.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Half Cent Sales Tax Board is announcing an open house as it continues its annual call for projects. The project call kicked off Feb. 9 and runs through Mar. 31. City staffers say it provides citizens, community leaders, the Half Cent Sales Tax Corporation Board, the Tyler City Council, and city of Tyler staff the opportunity to bring capital projects forward to be considered for Half Cent Sales Tax funding. The open house to gather public input is set for Tuesday, Mar. 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Tyler Development Center Large Conference Room, on W. Ferguson Street across from City Hall. Continue reading Half Cent Sales Tax Call for Projects, Annual Open House

LONGTVIEW — The intersection of Hollybrook Drive at Judson Road is scheduled for work beginning February 22. The purpose to reconstruct the pavement transition on the Hollybrook Drive side of the intersection, according to a city news release. Drivers wishing to travel through this intersection may consider using alternate routes. Traffic on Hollybrook Drive will be reduced to two lanes. Daily lane closures will occur on the northbound outside lane of Judson Road (SH502) as needed. The work is expected to take one month. This project was approved by voters as part of the Capital Improvements Bond Election in May 2011. If you have any questions related to construction, call City Engineer Alton Bradley at 903-237-1067.

TYLER — Starting today, Longview Bridge and Road will close Cumberland Road for construction from Old Jacksonville Highway to Stonebridge Way in Tyler. Construction is expected to continue for two months, weather permitting, according to a city of Tyler news release. In addition, crews will be permanently closing the connection of Balsam Gap to Cumberland Road to form a cul-de-sac at Balsam Gap. Residents affected by the construction will be able to use Blue Mountain Boulevard as a detour for their daily commutes. Continue reading Portion of Cumberland Road Closing for Construction

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff’s deputies have returned to Smith County from Dallas with Michael Paul Koch, suspected in the fatal shooting of a police dog, and two other suspects in the incident have been arrested. That’s according to a news release from Sheriff Larry Smith. Koch was arrested in Dallas on January 23 by Smith County sheriff’s detectives and Dallas Police Department officers on multiple charges out of Smith and Dallas counties. After pleading guilty to the charges against him in Dallas County, Koch was released to Smith County officials to face charges pending against him in Smith County. Continue reading K-9 Shooting Suspect Back in Smith County, Two Others Arrested

SMITH COUNTY — State House District 5 candidate Philip Hayes is suspending his campaign. On his Facebook page, Hayes says, “It is with a great sadness and remorse, that I announce that I am suspending my campaign. I full heartedly ask that all of those who were supporting me to vote for Jay Misenheimer. Jay is the most capable person in the race for House District 5.” Misenheimer is among several candidates vying for the position now held by Bryan Hugues, who is running for state Senate. Hayes didn’t provide further details, but the announcement came the same day as Smith County Judge Joel Baker, citing the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, said he was not endorsing Hayes. Continue reading Hayes Suspends House District 5 Campaign

PANOLA COUNTY — The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified a trooper involved in the fatal shooting of an East Texas man last Saturday. KETK reports 27-year-old Daniel McBride has been with DPS in Carthage since August 2011 and is currently on administrative leave. Around 8:00 p.m. Saturday, McBride to stop a car for a traffic violation on State Highway 149. Officials say the driver refused to stop and evaded law enforcement in his vehicle. According to DPS, the driver, identified as Calin Roquemore (pictured), 24, of Tatum, exited his still-running vehicle in a residential neighborhood in Beckville. Authorities say the car traveled a short distance and struck a tree. Continue reading Officials ID Trooper in Officer-Involved Shooting

LONGVIEW — Longview Police need help locating runaway Tyler Brishae Hinton, according to information from the police department. Tyler is a 15-year-old black female. She is 5’5″ and weighs approximately 135 lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Tyler was last seen on January 20 in Longview, wearing a blue coat and gray jogging pants. Tyler is believed to be at or around an assisted living center located at 3737 Munger in Dallas. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Chris Bethard at 903-237-1161.

TYLER — A Tyler man who allegedly shot and killed a man late last year has been indicted on one count of murder. KETK reports that a Smith County grand jury handed up the indictment February 11 for John Douglas Smith, 69. He’s accused of killing Francisco Douglas, 47, at the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park off Highway 64 West near Tyler December 18. Smith was the caretaker of the park, where Douglas resided, and the two had been arguing over rent when Smith allegedly shot and killed Douglas. Smith remains in the Smith County Jail on $150,000 bond.

TYLER — Citing the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, Smith County Judge Joel Baker says he is not endorsing a state House candidate. According to a statement from Baker, “The ethical rules governing judges in Texas prohibit judges from endorsing political candidates.” Baker says when it came to his attention that state House District 5 hopeful Philip Hayes had included an express endorsement from Baker on his campaign fliers without his permission, Baker contacted the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for advice. Baker says Executive Director Seana Willing advised him to request in writing that Hayes discontinue the use of his name in campaign literature. Continue reading Baker Clarifies He’s Not Endorsing Hayes for State House

BULLARD — Bullard police say they have a “person of interest” following a stabbing Wednesday night. According to KETK, police say three people were driving north on Highway 69 in an SUV. They had stopped at an intersection when one of the passengers stabbed the driver of the vehicle. The victim is identified as James Wills of Tyler. After the stabbing, Wills got out of the vehicle. The other passengers took off in the SUV. Police say Wills is expected to make a full recovery.

LONGVIEW — The Great Texas Warrant Round-Up is coming soon. Beginning March 5, 2016, more than 300 law enforcement agencies across Texas will be concentrating their efforts to address outstanding arrest warrants. The Longview City Marshal Office and officers of the Longview Police Department will be canvassing the city attempting to locate anyone with outstanding city warrants. Officials said taking care of your outstanding warrants now, could mean not spending the night in the Gregg County Jail and saving yourself the embarrassment of being arrested in the future. Continue reading Longview to Participate in Warrant Round-Up

TYLER — Tyler fire crews responded to a report of a house fire around 9:00 Thursday night that left a family of four displaced. Officials said the blaze was contained to the bedroom of the home at 3306 Luberta Street. Investigators determined that the fire was caused by a space heater plugged into an extension cord. Continue reading Tyler Family Displaced by House Fire

RUSK — The Rusk Volunteer Fire Chief has been suspended six months following an assault charge brought against him in early January. According to KETK, City Manager Mike Murray confirmed Fire Chief Donald Lankford was suspended on February 11. The suspension was made by the Volunteer Fire Department’s Membership Committee, and the decision was based on their by-laws. Back on New Year’s Eve, two teenagers reported a man tried to pull one of them from a vehicle near Highway 69 and Highway 84 after they threw a firecracker toward a stand owned by Lankford, according to police reports. Video from a local gas station showed Lankford later caught up with boys on the road. In the video, Lankford pulled his car in front of the SUV and approached it. Continue reading Rusk Fire Chief Suspended Following Assault Charge

TYLER — 36-year-old attorney Clark Hampe has announced a run for Tyler City Council in the May election. Hampe has been selected as a Super Lawyer Rising Star in Energy and Natural Resources for three straight years as featured in Texas Monthly. He also has an extensive community service record. In a news release, Hampe says, “My life experiences…have equipped me for the unique challenges that lie ahead in this rapidly growing city.” District 6 is currently represented by John Nix. There was no immediate word on whether Nix plans to seek re-election.

MARSHALL – A Carthage man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after a jury trial for his involvement with the Sept. 30, 2014, theft of 12 head of cattle and ranching equipment from a Harrison County rancher. The information comes in a news release from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Authorities say Michael Duane Nettles, 32, stole the cattle along with three other suspects from Carthage: Stacie Laine Soape, 45; Alex Christopher Hinton, 36; and Elizabeth Ann Newton, 39. Nettles will also be required to pay over $6,000 in attorney’s fees and court costs. Soape, Hinton and Newton are out on bond and await trial in Harrison County. Continue reading Carthage Cattle Thief Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison

TYLER — A Longview man who was in the Gregg County Jail awaiting trial on a murder charge pleaded guilty Thursday in Tyler to several unrelated charges and was sentenced to four years in prison. KETK reports Christian Sibley, 22, was booked into the Smith County Jail on those charges Wednesday afternoon. They included driving with an invalid license with a previous conviction (out of Rusk County, arrest made by Tyler Police Department), possession of a controlled substance (arrest made by Department of Public Safety), and possession of a prohibited substance in a correctional facility (arrest made by Smith County Sheriff’s Office). The charges pertained to multiple 2014 incidents. Continue reading Man Awaiting Trial for Murder Pleads Guilty to Unrelated Charges

TYLER (Staff/AP) — Preliminary autopsy results indicate a man found dead following a February 10 Smith County SWAT standoff died of a single gunshot wound to the head. Sheriff Larry Smith says pathologists at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science provided the information in a verbal report relating to the death of Kenneth Brent Barton. Smith says toxicology reports will not be available for several weeks. The preliminary autopsy report on Barton’s mother, Frances Barton, also revealed she died from a single gunshot wound to the head. According to KETK, her body was found in a freezer after the standoff. Officials were serving a search warrant related to her disappearance in 2014. The incident also included the destruction of Kenneth Barton’s home by fire.

KILGORE (AP) – An East Texas emergency room has been closed after bats began to spread through the building. In a statement posted Tuesday night on the Kilgore Police Department social media pages, Good Shepherd Medical Center said “a number of small bats” had moved into the Longview, Texas-based hospital’s free-standing emergency room in nearby Kilgore. The bats had moved into the building’s walls and ceilings, with some migrating into the area that receives ambulances. Continue reading Bats Close Emergency Room for at Least 2 Weeks

BULLARD — Authorities are investigating a reported stabbing and carjacking in Bullard. According to KETK, three people were driving north on Hwy 69 in a maroon Ford Explorer with paper tags. They were said to be stopped at the intersection of Highway 69 and FM 344 when one of the passengers stabbed the driver of the vehicle. The victim has been identified as James Wills, of Tyler. After the stabbing, Wills got out of the vehicle. One of the passengers got into the driver’s seat and drove off in the SUV with the other passenger still in the vehicle. Police are still trying to identify those two people and are currently searching for the maroon Ford Explorer. Wills was taken to a Tyler hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

TYLER – A pain management physician who spent part of his time working in East Texas has pleaded guilty to illegally dispensing controlled substances. Sameer Andoni Fino, 49, of Murphy, Texas, entered his plea in Tyler federal court and faces up to ten years in federal prison. No sentencing date has been set. Continue reading Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Prescribing Pain Medication

KILGORE — A Kilgore College professor who resigned in November was being accused of sexual harassment claims, according to an email complaint and text message evidence. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The complaint and text messages were obtained Tuesday through a public information request sent to Kilgore College spokesman Chris Craddock on Nov. 11. Kilgore College then sent the request to the attorney general’s office for review. William Wells, a professor of history and philosophy, is accused of encouraging a female student to come to his home to drop off a paper, according to the email complaint. Continue reading Ex-KC Professor Accused of Sexual Harassment

TYLER — In the wake of concerns that emerged last year, Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) has made several process changes to improve its water quality since November, according to a city news release. Those include increasing the use of ozone, enhanced coagulation, and the addition of sodium hydroxide in the water treatment process. The increased use of ozone at the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant was a recommendation from Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd, Inc. (eHT). That firm was hired by the Mayor and City Manager to evaluate Tyler Water Utilities’ processes. Continue reading Officials: Tyler Continues Work to Improve Drinking Water Quality