KTBB News, Weather, Talk

AUSTIN – A Smith County man is one of 11 persons being named to Agriculture Commissioner-elect Sid Miller’s transition team. One of the members of the team is Pierre De Wet of Tyler, agricultural entrepreneur and President & Founder of Kiepersol Enterprises. Miller said De Wet and other members of the team will be working with him to ensure the TDA is focused on the many critical issues facing Texas including our state’s long-term water needs, strengthening and promoting the state’s equine industry, and protecting consumer safety. Continue reading Tyler Man Named To Ag Commissioner-Elect’s Transition Team

LINDALE — The Lindale community is preparing to welcome injured firefighter Joe Yeakley home Wednesday afternoon. Yeakley suffered serious injuries battling a structure fire in January. Following the fire, Yeakley was taken to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. He was later moved to a rehab center. KETK reports Yeakley is expected to be back around 4:30 p.m. A Lindale VFD spokesperson said Lindale Engine 1 will take Yeakley to his home. A procession will lead him north on Highway 69, starting at Interstate 20 and ending taking a left on to Highway 16, in downtown Lindale. Continue reading Community Prepares to Welcome Injured Firefighter Home

TYLER — Beginning March 1, 2015, ETMC EMS will no longer offer ambulance service in Upshur County. The information comes in a brief news release from ETMC. “For many years, ETMC has been able to provide ambulance service in many communities for free or for a small fee. With the changes in reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, we can no longer afford to provide this service,” said Neal Franklin, general manager, ETMC EMS. ETMC EMS has enjoyed its years of service to the residents of Upshur County and will assist during the transition to a new EMS provider, according to the release. ETMC didn’t immediately say what the transition might entail.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department reports a clean slate after conducting its annual city-wide sex offender compliance check November 20 with the assistance of officers from multiple law enforcement agencies. Officers were charged with checking on 147 registered sex offenders who are registered with the city of Tyler. Officers showed up unannounced at the offenders’ addresses to confirm their whereabouts and correct addresses. Upon completion of the check all 147 sex offenders were found to be in compliance with their registration requirements, according to a news release. Continue reading City of Tyler Sex Offender Compliance Check

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson has sparked anger after appearing to compare his child abuse charges to the situation unfolding in Ferguson. Peterson pleaded no contest in a Conroe courtroom to a misdemeanor assault charge following his arrest for disciplining his four-year-old son with a switch. Now he’s taken to Twitter with, “The grand jury decided not to indict me too! But that changed a week later! Maybe, but not likely in this case.” One follower tweeted, “Not the same thing — let it ride.” The Palestine native followed with yet another tweet an hour later: “My heart goes out to Mike Brown’s family! My thoughts & prayers are with you!” The NFL has suspended Peterson without pay for the remainder of the 2014 season.

FORT WORTH — Coal-fired plant operators in Texas could be writing some big checks, and East Texas could see the results. Under a federal proposal, the operators of the eight biggest such plants would spend two billion dollars to retrofit 15 units to reduce air pollution. Tom “Smitty” Smith with Public Citizen welcomes this. Smith says, “It will improve our public health, and many of the sort of hazy days that now cloud our skies over the Dallas-Fort Worth or Tyler area will come to an end.” He says it would make much more sense to scrap the old coal plants and go with another form of energy like natural gas or renewables.

NACOGDOCHES (AP) – Police in East Texas say a woman has been released from the hospital after her husband called 911 and said he choked her to death. George Girard, 72, was being held at the Nacogdoches County jail on Tuesday morning on a felony aggravated assault charge. The Nacogdoches man was waiting outside for officers after he called 911 on Sunday. Police found his wife unconscious on the kitchen floor with blood on her neck. She was taken to an area hospital where she was treated and released. Girard told police he pinned his wife to the floor and choked her until she stopped moving.

LONGVIEW — A bat found in Longview has tested positive for rabies. The confirmation came yesterday from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The injured bat was found late last week in a parking lot at LeTourneau University, 2100 South Mobberly Avenue. This is the second positive rabies case in Longview this year. “In this instance, someone found the bat outdoors. As a reminder, we encourage people to avoid touching bats, but to please contact the City of Longview Environmental Health.” said Leisha Kidd-Brooks, Longview Environmental Health Manager. Continue reading Longview’s Second Rabid Bat of the Year

CLEVELAND (AP/STAFF) — Police say a Browns fan who says he wanted to give Johnny Manziel “a hug” was struck by the quarterback’s entourage at a downtown hotel Friday and was left with a swollen eye and lip. Chris Conos told police he was assaulted by Tyler’s “Johnny Football and his entourage.” The 33-year-old fan said he and his girlfriend approached Manziel while waiting for an elevator and he told the first-round draft pick: “I’m the biggest Browns fan ever. I love you. I want to give you a hug.” Conos said he took one step toward Manziel and was punched by a man listed on the report as Dana Kirk. Conos contends he was struck several times in the face and “pushed and attacked” by a group of unidentified men who were with Manziel. Kirk tells a different story. He said Conos tried to assault Manziel.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is investigating shots fired early Monday into the home of a Kilgore College trustee. According to KETK, Assistant Chief Roman Roberson says police received a report of shots fired at a house in the 2800 block of Green Hills Drive. The shooting is believed to have happened between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. A bullet hole was found by investigators in the front door of Brian Nutt’s home. No injuries were reported. Authorities say they do not have any persons of interest at this time. Officers will be patrolling the area at the request of the victims, according to police.

GILMER — Authorities in Gilmer are asking for the public’s help finding a missing girl. KETK reports Snowy Turner, 17, has not been seen or talked to any family or friends since Saturday, November 16. Officials said she left a note saying she was leaving but did not take her phone, truck, wallet, or any clothes. Anyone who has seen her or has any information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Gilmer Police Department at 903-843-2552.

CANTON (AP/Staff) – A Texas judge has cleared a woman accused in a fatal wreck after General Motors acknowledged her car would’ve been among millions recalled for an ignition switch problem that may have contributed to the death. Candice Anderson pleaded guilty to charges related to a 2004 crash that severely injured her and killed her fiance, Gene Erikson. Investigators say Anderson was driving when her Saturn Ion suddenly veered off a road in Van Zandt County and hit a tree, but the air bags didn’t deploy. Court officials say a judge on Monday expunged Anderson’s record in the case, after GM said the recall condition “may have caused or contributed” to the air bags not deploying. Anderson was charged with criminally negligent homicide. She pleaded guilty to lesser charges and received five years’ probation.

AUSTIN – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has been notified by Farmers Branch-based Honors Academy of its decision to cease operation effective December 1, 2014. Landmark School in Palestine, also known as Leadership Academy, is among seven campuses that will be shutting down. According to a TEA news release, TEA’s revocation of the Honors Academy state charter became effective June 30, 2014. Since the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year, Honors Academy has been operating as a de facto private school at its seven campuses and falsely holding itself out as a public charter school, a violation of the Texas Education Code, according to the release. Continue reading Honors Academy Closes Campuses

KILGORE — Kilgore College President Dr. Bill Holda is responding to asbestos-related claims about the college. Holda cited allegations reported by local media “that some Kilgore College facilities are not safe, that asbestos has been removed improperly and that this removal has been covered up by the college.” Holda says, “I have no evidence from any source that would corroborate any of these allegations. Neither Dalton Smith, KC’s Coordinator of Physical Plant nor any federal investigators have contacted me with specific allegations nor details.” Continue reading Holda Responds to Asbestos Claims

LUFKIN (AP) – Police are trying to determine who shot an East Texas postal worker in the leg as she delivered mail in a neighborhood. Lufkin police say the 25-year-old worker was treated for an injury not believed to be life-threatening. Police believe the woman was shot with some sort of air gun or rifle. Nobody was immediately arrested. A spokeswoman with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said Monday that the agency is cooperating with police in the investigation. Leslie McClain had no immediate information on possible charges. The shooting happened Saturday as the postal worker was walking her regular route in Lufkin. She managed to call a supervisor for help. The victim’s name wasn’t released.

MONROE, LA. (AP/STAFF) — A northeast Louisiana prosecutor says he’s dismissing the ticket issued to a Terrell, Texas teenager who apparently fell asleep at the wheel, causing a wreck that killed five members of his family.

District Attorney Jerry Jones tells The News-Star that the 16-year-old has been punished enough, and there’s no need to add to his pain. KNOE-TV reports that Jones has dismissed the misdemeanor ticket for careless driving. State police say the sport utility vehicle veered off Interstate 20 in Ouachita Parish near Calhoun and flipped, ejecting six of the eight occupants. Three children and two adults were pronounced dead on the scene. The eight people were a blended family traveling to Disney World for a Thanksgiving vacation. Continue reading DA to Dismiss Ticket in Wreck that Killed Family

BULLARD – A wood frame home in Bullard has been destroyed by fire. It was reported around 3:30 Sunday morning on County Road 150. The home was being remodeled and no one was at home when the fire started. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

PALESTINE – Palestine police are looking for the man that robbed a convenience store. The robbery occurred shortly before 9:45 Saturday night at the Chanel Stop and Go, 1907 West Oak Street. The suspect pointed a small handgun at the store’s clerk and then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. No injuries were reported. The suspect was described as a black male about 5’9” with a thin build. He was said to have been wearing gray sweat pants and a gray hooded top. One witness said he was wearing some type of Halloween mask.

EAST TEXAS — Here’s a quick look at work planned in the Tyler District during the next two weeks: Officials remind drivers that many area roadways have high traffic volumes and that only increases during the holiday season. TxDOT is reminding motorists to slow down, put away the cell phones and pay attention when traveling through work zones so that everyone can safely reach their destinations. Continue reading TXDOT Projects This Week in East Texas

WINONA — Multiple Smith County fire crews responded to then scene of a massive structure fire in Winona. The fire sparked at a former elementary school in the 600 block of Dallas Street. According to KETK, a man who was living near the building smelled smoke early Sunday morning. It’s not known what sparked the blaze. The building was reportedly destroyed. One firefighter was injured while battling the fire. He was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries. Crews from Winona, Hawkins, Jackson Heights, and Dixie Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.

HAWKINS — The Department of Public Safety has released the names of the two people found shot to death in Hawkins on Wednesday afternoon. Jean Dark, DPS spokeswoman, said the two are identified as Shannon McNabb, 67, and Daniel Lee Faulk, 60. According to Mayor William Rogers, Hawkins police responded Thursday afternoon to the scene in the 100 block of Estelle Street after a home health care worker couldn’t get anyone to answer the door. Officials found that the couple and three dogs dead had been fatally shot. The door was reportedly unlocked and there were no signs of forced entry or theft. The bodies were sent to Dallas for autopsy.

MOUNT ENTERPRISE — Motorists traveling US 259 Highway near Mount Enterprise this morning are advised to use caution. TxDOT will be providing traffic control during recovery operations starting at 8:00am Saturday for an overturned truck that lost its load in a ditch earlier on Friday. The incident occurred in the southbound lanes of US 259 about two miles south of Mount Enterprise. During recovery operations, southbound traffic will be moved to the northbound inside lanes. That means the northbound lanes will carry two-way traffic until the operation is complete. The recovery will include the use of wrecker and crane services to remove the oversized load from the ditch. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution when traveling through the area.

GILMER — A trial date has been set in the case of a man charged with capital murder in a September 2013 shooting death that occurred at a Gilmer sub-varsity football game. According to the Longview News-Journal, the judge set a Feb. 3 trial date for Jonathan Ray Shepherd, who was arrested in connection with the Sept. 26 shooting death of 29-year-old Cheyenne Green. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Feb. 2. The decision came during a hearing Friday in which Shepherd, 33, was seeking to have his $1 million bond reduced and in which he was requesting a change of venue for his trial. The judge denied both requests. Continue reading Trial Date Set for Gilmer Murder Suspect

TYLER Quick work by the Smith County Sheriffs Department has resulted in the arrest of two robbery suspects. Taken into custody early Friday morning was Jacob Lee Roper, 20, of Tyler and Jacobi TyWan Washington, 21, of Tyler. The two have been charged with aggravated robbery and burglary. Their bonds total $120,000 each. Continue reading Smith County Robbery Suspects Arrested

JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville police are looking for the man who held up CJ’s Quickstop, located at 613A East Rusk Street. It happened shortly after 7:30 Thursday night. The man took, showed the clerk a handgun, took an undisclosed amount of money, and fled. A “large-bodied” maroon car was seen near the gas station about the time of the robbery. That matches the description of a car used in the robbery of the Rite Track #7 gas station on November 15th. The investigation into the robberies is continuing.

GILMER – A trial date has been set for early next year for a man charged with capital murder in a September shooting death that occurred at a Gilmer 8th grade football game. State District Judge Lauren Parish on Friday set Jonathan Ray Shepherd’s trial date for February 3rd. The date was set after the judge denied motions to reduce his bail and to move the trial from Upshur County. He is accused of the September 26 shooting death of Cheyenne Green, 29. Shepherd is said to have shot his son’s mother at point-blank range. A couple of hours after the shooting, Shepherd surrendered to authorities at the Upshur County Jail. Investigators say its appears as if the shooting followed an argument about parental rights. The couple shared custody of their two year old son.

TYLER — After a 38-year career in community college education and administration, Tyler Junior College Provost Dr. Homer “Butch” Hayes will retire in early 2015. TJC President Dr. Mike Metke made the announcement to TJC faculty and staff this week and bestowed Hayes with the title of “provost emeritus.” “The title of ‘emeritus’ is only given to a person of outstanding merit,” Metke said, “and it is most appropriate to recognize Dr. Hayes in this way, for his many outstanding contributions to Tyler Junior College.” For now, Metke said, there is no plan to initiate a search to replace Hayes. Instead, day-to-day operations in the academic affairs office will be transferred to Dr. Juan Mejia, TJC vice president of student affairs. In January, a transition period will begin and Hayes will begin transferring his provost duties to Mejia, who will become acting provost and assume duties of both academic and student affairs. Hayes will officially leave his post in March 2015. Continue reading Hayes to Retire as Provost Emeritus at TJC

MINNEAPOLIS (AP/STAFF) — Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson has a date for his hearing with the NFL. The league has announced the Peterson will be able to appeal his suspension on December 2 with longtime hearing officer Harold Henderson. Commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to decide whether to hear the appeal by himself or appoint someone else. Goodell suspended the Minnesota running back for the rest of the season earlier this week after Peterson, who is from Palestine, Texas, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.