KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — Initial autopsy results show the preliminary cause of death of a Longview man found Sunday morning was gunshot wounds to the head and torso. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The results, released Tuesday by Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Talyn Carlson, list seven gunshot wounds to Devin Melik Gibson, 18. Carlson said the list of seven gunshot wounds does not necessarily mean Gibson was shot seven times and that she would not know more specific information until the full autopsy was completed. Continue reading Autopsy Results Released on Longview Teen Found Dead Sunday

TYLER – A registered sex offender from Tyler has been sentenced in Tyler federal court to 23 years behind bars for transportation of minors. Anthony Nelson, 33, pleaded guilty last November. According to authorities, in November and December of 2013, Nelson was assisted by others in transporting individuals, including two minors, in interstate commerce with the intent that the individuals engage in prostitution. An investigation also revealed that Nelson was a registered sex offender, having served eight years in prison for the 2001 aggravated sexual assault of a minor in Smith County. Nelson was indicted this past March.

TYLER – First Lady Cecilia Abbott Tuesday addressed the Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance at its 8th annual awards luncheon. According to a news release, Abbott was also on hand to announce the winners of the Hispanic Business Achievers Award, given to eight Hispanic-owned businesses in the Tyler area. Abbott called small businesses “crucial” to the Texas economy and lauded the award winners for improving Tyler’s quality of life. Tyler Mayor Martin Heines was among others on hand for the event.

TYLER — Smith County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton Tuesday handed over the nearly 60-year-old court documents from a civil rights case involving U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall to representatives of the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. “It’s magnificent,” DeCarlous Y. Spearman, law library director and associate professor of law at Texas Southern University, said of the donation of documents from a 1956 civil rights case to the university. Continue reading Smith County Donates Historic Documents to Law School

EAST TEXAS — East Texas is on the itinerary this week as Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar continues a 27-city, two-month Good For Texas tour, meeting with local officials and citizens to talk about the future of the Texas economy. Following Tuesday visits to Lufkin and Nacogdoches, Hegar appeared at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce this morning before traveling to Longview for a 2:00 p.m. session at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex. Continue reading Hegar’s Good For Texas Tour Arrives in East Texas

TYLER — Police are making advance plans as the East Texas State Fair prepares to open this Friday, designated as Senior Citizen Day. The Tyler Police Department advises drivers that on West Front Street in front of Harvey Convention Center, traffic will be shut down to one lane in both east and west directions Friday from 8:00 a.m. until midnight. After Friday all lanes will be open until 4:00 p.m. each day, and then the traffic will revert back to one lane of traffic flow in each direction until closing time of the fair. Continue reading East Texas State Fair Traffic Advisory

GRAND SALINE — The Grand Saline Middle School principal is facing felony charges after an incident in which authorities say he put his children in danger while trying to use his vehicle to force his estranged wife’s vehicle off the roadway. According to the Longview News-Journal and KETK, Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Michael Bates said Brad L. Swain’s wife called 911 and reported her husband was trying to run her off the roadway Friday afternoon as they drove from Martins Mill on FM 16 toward Van. Continue reading Grand Saline Principal Facing Felony Charges

HAWKINS — A controversial sign in Hawkins is coming down. Monday night, the city council voted to remove the “Jesus Welcomes You To Hawkins” sign. Last month, it was announced that a survey showed the sign was on private property and would stay up. But last night it was announced that another survey had indicated that the sign was on public property. The Freedom From Religion Foundation had objected to the sign saying the sign welcoming visitors to Hawkins is an unconstitutional religious display on government property. Continue reading Jesus Sign Coming Down in Hawkins

JACKSONVILLE — Republican Susie Saxion has announced her candidacy for judge of the 2nd District Court in Cherokee County. Saxion has served as Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Smith County for 17 years. She has been involved in in the prosecution of over 23,000 cases. She has served as lead counsel or 2nd chair in over 100 trials. Saxion is a graduate of Bullard public schools and earned her JD/MBA from Texas Tech University in 1998 and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas the same year. Continue reading Saxion Running For Judge in Cherokee County

MARSHALL — The burn ban is back up in Harrison County. The burn ban was reinstituted Monday by the commissioner’s court. It takes effect immediately. A stiff penalty awaits anyone violating the burn ban. Other area counties under burn bans include, Cherokee, Anderson, Marion, Morris, Titus, Franklin, Panola and Nacogdoches.

LONGVIEW — Longview police have identified the man whose body was found along side a road. He is Devyn Milek Gibson 18, of Longview. Gibson died as a result of gunshot wounds. His body was found just before 1:00 Sunday morning beside the road near Sibley Street and Rothrock Drive. A passerby called 911 to report the body. They are asking that anyone with information contact Crimestoppers at 903-236-7867 or Longview Police at 903-237-1199.

NACOGDOCHES — A Louisiana Couple are in custody in Nacogdoches, accused of trafficking drugs through East Texas. KETK identifies the two as Osborne Kimble, 31,and Carla Summers, 36, both of Raville, Louisiana. Their arrest started with a traffic stop. Both appeared to be nervous and gave different stories about their travel. After giving authorities permission to search their vehicle, deputies found over 16 pounds of synthetic marijuana found in a trash bag inside the trunk. Both have been charged with felony possession of synthetic drugs and had a bind set at $7,500.

TYLER — Some marijuana plants have been found growing in southwestern Smith County. Sheriff’s deputies seized around 1,000 marijuana plants growing on County Road 1141, also known as Dean Road. State game wardens discovered the plants over the weekend. No one was present when deputies arrived and no arrests have been made.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of September 21. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

Concrete repair work continues on Interstate Highway 20 with crews moving to Van Zandt County this week. The work schedule – 6:30am to 7:00pm, is as follows, weather permitting:
-Monday: Westbound outside lane at Mile Markers 538 to 537. The rest area is closed at this location.
-Tuesday: Outside lane at Mile Markers 535 and 534
-Wednesday: Outside lane at Mile Marker 527
-Thursday: Work returns to Smith County eastbound lanes starting at the Van Zandt County line.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention when driving through these work zones. Lane closures and brief delays are possible so look for signage and other traffic control devices to assist you through the work zone. Law enforcement is also providing assistance at these locations. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

LONGVIEW — The death of a man in Longview is under investigation. His body was found just before 1:00 Sunday morning beside the road near Sibley Street and Rothrock Drive. A passerby called 911 to report the body. According to the department’s Face Book page, police have limited information on this crime and are investigating this incident as a homicide. They are asking that anyone with information contact Crimestoppers at 903-236-7867 or Longview Police at 903-237-1199.

LONGVIEW — A shooting in Longview has left one person injured. It happened Saturday evening around 6:15 in the 1400 block of Mobberly Avenue. Longview police report the victim was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the foot. Longview police are looking for the shooter, who fled the scene before they arrived.

MOUNT ENTERPRISE — A fourth person has been arrested in the theft of livestock from Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Jackie Risinger in Mount Enterprise. The four are accused of stealing four cows. The Longview News Journal identified the men as Christian Rhuns Collins, Gwivonna Long Jr., Charlie Divonne Long and Jovante Duran Fields, all of Nacogdoches. Larry Hand, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association special ranger, said the theft occurred in October of last year. The four stolen heifers were found at the Athens Livestock Barn where the suspects are said to have sold them for over $7,000.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department is investigating after a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle Friday morning. According to KETK, Public Information Officer Becky Holland says around 8:35 a.m., a person was crossing the street to head into work at Good Shepherd Medical Center-Marshall when the accident occurred. The extent of the victim’s injuries was not immediately known.

MINEOLA – Mineola High School Principal David Sauer has been named the Region VII Outstanding Principal of the Year for 2015‐2016 by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Sauer will be considered for the state Principal of the Year honor and will be recognized during the Josten’s Night of the Stars Awards Dinner next June at the Hilton Austin Downtown Hotel. In a news release, Sauer says he loves Mineola ISD and is thankful for the opportunity to serve the community’s students and families.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a person believed responsible for a recent theft. According to KETK, the man was wearing a blue shirt and has multiple tattoos on his arms. The person was seen driving an older 90s model gold and white Ford X-Cab pickup. If you have any information about this suspect, contact Detective Tim Dukes at Charles.Dukes@cityofkilgore.com or 903-218-6904. You can also get paid for your information. Submit an anonymous tip to Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867). If your information leads to the arrest or identification of the suspect, Gregg County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1000. You can text your anonymous tip to 847411+KILGORE+your tip. Refer to Kilgore Police Case/Incident #1509-0282.

LONGVIEW — Now that the Gregg County Commissioner Precinct 3 seat is contested, the incumbent is speaking about why he is running for re-election. Gary Boyd has served Precinct 3 for five years. According to KETK, he’s voicing concern about falling tax revenues and says more and more things are being pushed from the federal and state level down to the county level to absorb cost. Boyd is running against Gregg County Jail Administrator Floyd Wingo.

TYLER — A man who allegedly terrorized a church in Cherokee County has been indicted in Tyler federal court. KETK reports Rasheed Abdul Aziz was indicted Wednesday on one count of felon in possession of a firearm for a September 13 incident. The suspect had previously been convicted of an aggravated robbery in Harris County in 1996, thus making it illegal for him to possess a gun. Aziz was taken into custody when Smith County deputies found him in possession of a Taurus PT111 9mm pistol. Authorities also confiscated two magazines and 70 rounds of ammunition. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The suspect is also accused of making a terroristic threat after allegedly antagonizing the Corinth Missionary Baptist Church congregation near Lake Palestine, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. He has not yet been indicted for that charge.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating after a truck ran into a hospital building Friday morning. It happened around 6:00 near the intersection of Beckham Avenue and Houston Street near the Trinity Mother Frances Hospital business administration building. No injuries were reported. The cause of the wreck is under investigation.

COLLEGE STATION — A spokesperson for Easterwood Airport in College Station says a plane crashed Thursday near the airfield, with two East Texans injured. KETK reports the Cessna fixed-wing single-engine aircraft was not intending to land or take off from Easterwood. The plane took off from an Edgewood airport and was headed to Port Aransas. According to the Department of Public Safety, at 1:10 p.m., the aircraft crashed on North Dowling Road when the plane hit either a junction box or transformer. The plane landed in the parking area of the Brazos Valley Trash Valet, a recycling facility. A vehicle and trailer belonging to the owners of the business were hit by the plane. Continue reading East Texans Hurt in Central Texas Plane Crash

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals, and the Tyler Police Department have seized a car they believe maybe connected with the August 29 shooting at Bunny’s convenience store. KETK reports officials responded to a house in the 800 block of West 24th Street around 2:00 p.m. Thursday, after receiving a tip from Crimestoppers. An arrest was also made at the scene, but SCSO PIO Gary Middleton says the arrest was not in connection with the shooting at the gas station. The suspect was arrested on probation warrants and is not the owner of the vehicle. The gold passenger car was taken to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office to be processed for evidence. Continue reading Officials Seize Car Possibly Linked to Bunny’s Shooting

TYLER – Ranchers and livestock producers in Upshur County may be eligible for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2015. That word comes from Chris Lynn, the county executive director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Smith-Upshur-Gregg County. In a news release, Lynn says, “Upshur County recently met qualifying drought ratings that ‘trigger’ eligibility for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program on improved pasture, native pasture and sorghum forage.” Continue reading Drought Disaster Help Offered to Upshur County Livestock Producers

TYLER — Smith County Precinct 3 Commissioner Terry Phillips is seeking a third term. In a news release, the Republican cites his “excellent conservative voting record.” Among other things, Phillips is drawing attention to his role in promoting voting centers, which have been approved for the upcoming November election. The centers will allow residents to vote at any polling place without being restricted to their precinct. So far, there’s no announced opposition to Phillips.

WHITEHOUSE — The city of Whitehouse released a new budget, and cuts were made to the police department. According to KETK, this concerns some residents who worry the city is taking manpower off the streets. The city’s public information officer, Madison Johnson, says that assumption is false, and the city’s just cutting back on administrative positions. Last year’s budget allowed for 15 officers, four administrative positions, and nine patrolmen. Johnson says, “This new budget really allows for 13 full time officers and, of course, the two resource officers, but only two administrative positions. So actually what this does is, it puts 10 patrolmen on the street able to interact and protect our citizens.” City officials say they believe the department can work effectively with the new structure.

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Rangerettes will share the football field Saturday for a halftime performance with more than 230 high school drill team members in honor of the organization’s 75th anniversary performance. According to a news release, Saturday will mark exactly 75 years to the date of the Rangerettes’ first performance on Sept. 19, 1940. Kickoff versus Trinity Valley Community College is set for 7 p.m. at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. KC officials say the Rangerettes pioneered an American art form that 75 years later has inspired a multi-billion dollar dance-drill industry.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler Department of Health and Kinesiology faculty continue to recruit men and women for a research study. That word comes from College of Nursing and Health Sciences dean Dr. Yong Tai Wang. An additional orientation session is scheduled for 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, Sept. 19, in the UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center, next to the Citizens 1st Bank/Perkins Soccer Complex off Old Omen Road. According to a news release, participants must be 50 years or older and have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. The group will meet three times a week for 45 minutes per session. Principal investigator and UT Tyler Assistant Professor Dr. Arturo Arce-Esquivel will lead the study, which involves participation in a five-week “Infrared Light Therapy” protocol to begin sometime next month. For more information, call Arce-Esquivel at 903-565-5838.