KTBB News, Weather, Talk

PALESTINE — The city of Palestine website reports that power has been restored at the local water treatment plans and water restrictions have been lifted. Power was lost at the plant due to the storms of May 25, so the city temporarily asked citizens to conserve water wherever possible, turn off sprinklers, and limit unnecessary water usage.

MARSHALL — The Dallas FBI’s Tyler Resident Agency, the East Texas Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Marshall Police Department announced a $10,000 reward Wednesday in a cold case dating back more than 18 years. According to KETK, the agencies seek information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the murder of Edgar Dwight Dawson in February 1997. On February 21, 1997, Dawson was found dead in the driver’s side seat of his vehicle; he had been shot one time in the chest. Officials say the investigation, conducted by the Marshall Police Department and the East Texas Violent Crimes Task Force, went cold after all credible leads were exhausted. The case was reopened in 2014 after the Marshall Police Department announced a commitment to clear the city’s cold case murders. Continue reading $10K Reward Offered in Cold Case

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) – A Texas woman was sentenced to five years in federal prison for defrauding a Kansas couple in an adoption scheme. Thirty-five-year-old Chrystal Marie Rippey, of Marshall, Texas, was sentenced Tuesday for two counts of wire fraud. Federal prosecutors say Rippey admitted that she took $22,225 from a Shawnee, Kansas, couple who believed she was pregnant with twins and who wanted to adopt the children. The money was intended to pay for Rippey’s living expenses. Prosecutors say the transactions were based on Rippey’s false statements that she was pregnant and wanted to put her twins up for adoption.

SMITH COUNTY — A chase through Smith County has led to the arrest of the vehicle’s driver. He is identified as Marco Matthew Gonzales, 32, Flint. It began just before 4:30 Tuesday afternoon when a Smith County sheriff’s deputy tried to pull over the vehicle on Loop 49 near the old Jacksonville Highway. The man sped away, at times reaching speeds up to 100 miles an hour. The chase ended under 30 minutes later when the suspect stopped and surrendered to authorities on Highway 155 near the Noonday Fire Department. The chase is said to have been triggered by the fact the man had an outstanding parole violation warrant. Gonzales was booked into the Smith County Jail on Charges of parole violation, evading arrest, and suspended drivers license.

TYLER — Funeral arrangements have been announced for former state representative Leo Berman. His life will be celebrated at Tyler’s Christ Episcopal Church, 118 South Bois d’ Arc at 2:00 Friday afternoon. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Berman died May 23rd following a long battle with lymphoma. After retiring from the military, he settled in Texas. While residing in Arlington,Texas, he was a member of the city council 1979–1985. Mr. Berman was a retired public affairs executive for Sun Exploration and Production Company. Representing District 6, Berman served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1999-2012.

ATHENS — An Athens teacher has been placed on administrative leave while the police department investigates a report of inappropriate texting between the high school teacher and a student. The investigation is just beginning and the teacher’s name has not been released. The school district is also conducting an investigation into the alleged texting.

TYLER — The new director of the Center for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College will be Kim Lessner. She will oversee the science center’s growth and development, with primary responsibility for overall leadership, management, planning and fundraising activities. Most recently, Lessner served as development director for PATH in Tyler, where she was responsible for fundraising efforts, public relations, marketing, communications and special events such as PATH Week. Continue reading New Director for the Center for Earth & Space Science Education

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Tyler Economic Development Council has once again been recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as an accredited economic development organization (AEDO). TEDC is one of 43 groups to hold the accreditation. Originally accredited in February 1999, the organization was reaccredited by IEDC In 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011. Following three more successful years of activity, TEDC has once again achieved reaccreditation through May 2018, which will result in 19 consecutive years of accreditation. “The Tyler Economic Development Council displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle. Continue reading TEDC Reaccredited by International Group

GREGG COUNTY — A Pine Tree ISD bus driver is recovering from an assault that happened while dropping off students on his route Monday afternoon. According to the Longview News-Journal, the name of the driver has not been released. No students were injured during the assault. Longview police spokeswoman Kristie Brian said the assault happened just before 4 p.m. near Old Hwy 80 and Breland Street. Continue reading Pine Tree School Bus Driver Attacked

EAST TEXAS — State highway department crews are asking the public to avoid travel in the Henderson area in Rusk County after thunderstorms and a possible tornado struck Monday evening, littering roadways with trees and debris. Local crews as well as additional manpower and equipment dispatched to the area are currently working to clear roadways including U.S. Highway 79 and State Highway 43. Crews were then due to move into the city of Henderson to assist with tree removal and cleanup. Continue reading Highway Crews Cleaning Up Following Storms

MARSHALL — Some residents in Harrison County and Marion Counties spent their Memorial Day holiday cleaning up after weekend storms. The two counties were under a tornado warning for nearly an hour starting at 11:36 Sunday morning. A National Weather Service team from Shreveport confirmed the damage was done by an EF1 tornado. It began about 10 miles northeast of Beckville, moving northeastward over Interstate Highway 20 into eastern Marshall where it lifted about six miles north northeast of the city. The heaviest damage was reported off Highway 43 North near the Jasper Drive and Forest Trail areas. There have been reports of homes and trees damaged. A golf course near Airport Park reported damage. Power outages were also reported in the area. There were no reports of any injuries.

LONGVIEW — Police are still looking for the driver involved in a hit-and-run Friday morning in Longview. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report it happened in the 4100 block of the West Loop, near Lear Park, around 5:00. Police say they found a damaged sedan and utility pole, but nobody was there. You’re asked to call police if you have any information.

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith keynoted the annual Memorial Day observance at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery. The sheriff told KTBB, “I just can’t stress enough how important it is not to just do this on Memorial Day, but to think about those individuals, think about their families, as often as we can — not just one day out of the year.” Though Memorial Day is set aside for those who have lost their lives in battle, Smith says it’s equally important to honor those who have survived their wartime service to their country.

AUSTIN – As severe weather including tornadoes, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flooding continues across areas of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott Monday declared a state of disaster in 24 additional counties, including some in East Texas. Those counties are Archer, Bastrop, Caldwell, Cass, Collin, Dewitt, Fannin, Grayson, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hill, Houston, Kendall, Jasper, Johnson, Newton, Nueces, Parker, San Jacinto, Walker, Wichita, and Wilson. The declaration authorizes further mobilization of state resources to assist impacted communities. Additional counties may be added to the declaration as the situation develops. Continue reading East Texas Counties on Disaster Declaration List

LUFKIN — The body of a missing Lufkin teenager has been found in a Lufkin ditch. Ayanna Austin, 13, was reported missing Thursday morning. The body was located in the rain flooded ditch behind Lufkin Middle School and off Virgil Avenue. Her body was said to have been found Saturday afternoon around 4:30 by family and friends who had been aiding in the search effort. Her body has been sent to Beaumont for autopsy.

TYLER — Milling and resurfacing of failed pavement in various areas along Rice/Shiloh Road will be this week. Construction is expected to last a week and is dependent upon weather. Three locations will be resurfaced, including the curves of Shiloh Road around Sweetbriar Lane, Rice Road around Kinsey Drive and Rice Road around Plantation Drive. Lane closures are to be expected in these locations from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29. Drivers should use caution due to possible uneven pavement conditions.

SMITH COUNTY — Kids playing on a phone has led to the seizure of some marijuana. It began when the kids called 911. Because of the call, a deputy was sent to a residence on County Road 481. Two vehicles were parked in front of the house. One vehicle had several kids inside. He was unable to get anyone to come to the door and smelled the odor of burning marijuana. He heard a noise from the back of the house and saw a man crawling out a window and running away. He was unable to catch the man. When he returned to the house, the cars were gone. Looking through a window, he saw one and a half bricks of marijuana on a table inside the house. Continue reading Marijuana Seized in Smith County

MARSHALL — Damage from a tornado has been reported in Harrison County. Harrison and Marion Counties were under a tornado warning for nearly an hour starting at 11:36 Sunday morning. A National Weather Service team from Shreveport confirmed the damage was done by an EF1 tornado. It began about 10 miles northeast of Beckville, moving northeastward over Interstate Highway 20 into eastern Marshall where it lifted about six miles north northeast of the city. The heaviest damage was reported off Highway 43 North near the Jasper Drive and Forest Trail areas. There have been reports of homes and trees damaged. A golf course near Airport Park reported damage. Power outages were also reported in the area. There have been no reports of any injuries.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of May 25, 2015. Schedules are subject to change due to weather, equipment or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in these and all work zones.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance is conducting base repair work on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 16 and Farm Road 14 with traffic reduced to one line and controlled by flaggers. A second crew will be on Ranch Road 2767 cutting high shoulders between Farm Road 2908 and the Gregg County line. Some of this work will be done as a moving operation while some will require reducing the roadway to one lane with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

MARSHALL — Damage from what may have been a tornado has been reported in Harrison County. Harrison and Marion Counties were under a tornado warning for nearly an hour starting at 11:36 Sunday morning. The storm was spotted on Farm Road 2625 near U.S. Highway 59. There have been reports of homes and trees damaged. A golf course near Airport Park reported damage. Power outages were also reported in the area. There have been no report of any injuries.

TYLER — After a long battle with lymphoma, former Texas state Representative Leo Berman died Saturday. He is survived by his wife, Lou Ann Berman, five children, seven grandchildren, three great-grandsons, one sister, and two brothers. He is predeceased by wife, Cara Sue Hughey Berman. Funeral services are pending with Christ Episcopal Church. Continue reading Former State Representative Berman Dies

MARSHALL — A two vehicle accident in Marshall has left one person dead and three injured. The victim has been identified as Todd Lane Davis, 19, of Waskom. The injured were taken to Good Shepherd Center-Marshall for treatment. The wreck occurred around shortly after 3:15 Saturday morning. It was reported at the intersection of U.S Highway 59 and U.S. Highway 80. It is said to have occurred when a vehicle ran a red light and hit Davis’ vehicle. The accident remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — An undetermined amount of items have been taken in the burglary of a Longview jewelry store. It happened sometime before dawn on Friday at Murray Jewelry at 2320 Judson Road. Reports indicate the suspects took a significant amount of jewelry, but not the most expensive items in the store. The entered the business through a back door. At last report, no suspects had been identified.

TYLER — The law firm of Perdue, Brandon, Fielder Collins and Mott, L.L.P., announced Friday that it had obtained $342,063.70 for the Tyler ISD from the holding company Sears Methodist Retirement System. The money was for back property taxes on the Meadow Lake retirement community in southern Smith County. Sears Methodist sold Meadow Lake as part of a liquidation plan after filing for bankruptcy. Law firm partner Tab Beall said that it “took a lot of hard work from a number of people” both within Tyler ISD and Perdue Brandon to get the money for the school district. TISD CFO Tosha Bjork said, “We are extremely careful with taxpayer money and this additional sum will be used in a frugal and careful manner.” Continue reading Law Firm Gets over $342,000 in Back Taxes for TISD

PALESTINE – The Palestine Police Department is stepping into the picture following the devastating EF-3 tornado that ripped through Van May 10, with Van residents still needing help in their recuperation efforts. The Palestine PD is assisting those efforts and asking for the public’s assistance through Operation Hope for Van. Continue reading Palestine Police Department Supports Van Disaster Relief Operation

BROWNSBORO — A Brownsboro ISD employee has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student. In a news release, Superintendent Dr. Chris Moran stated, “The safety of our students and staff is our first priority and we are taking these allegations very seriously. An investigation has been initiated and a more complete statement will be provided when appropriate.”

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is warning the public about a string of vehicle burglaries in north Kilgore. According to KETK, police say several vehicles were broken into over the past few days on Reynolds Street near the intersections of Tidewater and Beall Streets. Authorities remind you to take valuables from your vehicle or hide them in your vehicle, and to leave your vehicle in a well-lit area. If you see suspicious activity, call police.

VAN — Natural disasters can create anxiety and emotional stress amongst children, families, and the community. The impact of a natural disaster such as the May 10 tornado in Van can cause traumatic stress and confusion and create fear. Van ISD counselors and administrators encourage parents to monitor their children closely for symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that may arise over the weeks ahead. Tammy Willis, licensed specialist in school psychology for Van ISD, says that most children will be able to cope on their own over time. However, some children may be at risk for extreme reactions to natural disasters. These reactions can vary by age groups. Continue reading Van ISD Encourages Parents to Monitor for PTSD Symptoms

TYLER — KTBB is now at 97.5 FM, covering all of East Texas. According to Owner-General Manager Paul Gleiser, it’s a big step for the station — and our listeners. “One of the problems we’ve always had is that our AM signal has to change at night, and we lose a lot of people, particularly to the east in Longview,” says Gleiser. “That won’t happen anymore.” And Gleiser says there’s even more to the big switch. “Lots and lots of news/talk stations are moving to the FM band; it’s a trend in the industry,” he adds. “I want to be on the leading edge of that trend, rather than the trailing edge. This is something that excites me — we’ve been trying to get this done for a long, long time.” Continue reading KTBB Now on 97.5 FM

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A Federal Appeals Court has ruled for a Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputy who pepper-sprayed a 75-year old woman. The incident happened during a protest over the Keystone XL Pipeline. Barbara Janette Singleton is a member of the “Raging Grannies” a group from the Nacogdoches area that opposes the Keystone XL Pipeline. In November of 2012, she was among a group demonstrating in Cherokee County blocking a road. A sheriff sergeant didn’t give a lot of warning. He got his pepper spray and hit Singleton square in the eyes, sending her to the hospital. A Federal Judge dismissed her suit and in a 2-1 split decision, the 5th Court of appeals has upheld the judge’s decision.