KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is seeking the help of the public in identifying two people who are believed to have stolen a wallet from a vehicle and used the credit cards. The picture shows the suspects entering the Wal-Mart on Highway 64 West, where they allegedly charged hundreds of dollars on the stolen cards. According to KETK, if you recognize the people in the picture or know of their location, you should contact Detective Brock at (903) 535-0122.

MARSHALL — A Harrison County jailer was killed after his gun accidentally discharged. Deon John Adams, 22, of Marshall, was found dead at his home in the 900 block of Alvin Street around 12:45 yesterday morning said Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Jay Webb. The Marshall Police Department responded to the scene. KETK reports Adams had been a jailer with the sheriff’s office since last August. No foul play is suspected.

KILGORE – As part of a recent partnership initiative designed to expand opportunities for student success in the Gregg County area, The University of Texas at Tyler and Kilgore College have launched the Roadmap to Success Program. “Our nursing program at the Longview University Center and Kilgore College’s nursing program have been strong partners for many years. We are excited to announce the next phase of collaboration, which will help high school students transition seamlessly from Kilgore College to the bachelor’s degree nursing program at UT Tyler’s Longview University Center,” said UT Tyler President Rodney H. Mabry. Continue reading UTT, KC Launch Nursing Degree Partnership Program

GILMER — An East Texas man convicted of murder has been sentenced to prison. Eddie Baker, 28, Gilmer, was sentenced to 45 years behind bars after pleading guilty last week to several charges, including murder. According to KETK, in February of last year, Baker stabbed three people, killing one of them after an argument turned violent.

LONGVIEW — The trial for a Longview man accused of murder has been postponed. KETK reports the trial of Cedric Bernard Carldwell, 43, was originally scheduled to begin this week. Carldwell allegedly shot and killed Huey “Bull” Gray April 14 of last year during an argument at a neighborhood party in the 400 block of Walnut Street. Carldwell was taken into custody the following day but was released on $175,000 bond. He was re-arrested 10 days later, when he was allegedly found to be in the possession of a firearm. Being a felon, one of the restrictions placed on Cardlwell after his 2007 prison release was he was not allowed to own or carry a gun. Continue reading Trial of Accused Murderer Postponed

WINONA – Until further notice, Winona is under a boil water notice. The problem is low chlorine residuals. The chlorine pump at the city’s Well 5 location failed and had to be replaced. The system is back in operation but the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality says, until they can test the well, the boil water notice must remain.

PALESTINE — Short-haul freight service has resumed at the Texas State Railroad after a 45 year absence. This is the first revenue generating freight service on the railroad’s line since Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC took over as operator in August 2012, and the first on the railroad since before it became a historic passenger train operated by the state of Texas through Texas Parks and Wildlife. The last freight hauler was Texas Southeastern Railroad, which leased the line in the 1960’s and gave up the lease in 1969. Continue reading Texas State Railroad Hauling More Than Passengers

LONGVIEW — Longview school trustees meet this evening to continue their discussions about their superintendent finalist. Controversy continues after an initial search narrowed the candidates down to current Assistant Superintendent Horace Williams. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report school board negotiations first stalled over Williams’ salary demands. Since Williams’ apparent appointment was made public, though, questions have been raised over his history. That most recently included filed grievances, questionable employee hiring, extensive travel logs and financial deficits at Cedar Hill schools, the Dallas-area district he previously served as superintendent.

LONGVIEW – A man sentenced to three life prison sentences for aggravated robbery in Upshur County, now has four more on his ledger. Robby Brian Stevens, 43, of Leander, appeared in state district court in Longview Monday morning. He pled guilty to four counts of aggravated robbery in Gregg County. He was sentenced to four more life sentences. They will be served concurrently with the life sentences from Upshur County. Stevens was captured in Tyler on January 2nd following a manhunt of several hours.

TYLER – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews were scheduled on Monday to complete several days of weather-interrupted work on South Loop 323 between Broadway Avenue and Paluxy Drive. But the work was halted by equipment failure. Crews will not be able to continue and finish the work until today.

ATHENS — A Silver Alert has been canceled in Henderson County after a missing man was found. Authorities had been looking for Marvin Delbert Gardner, 82. He is diagnosed with a cognitive impairment. He had last been seen around 8:15 Sunday night at 7907 Farm to Market Road 2494 in Athens. Law enforcement officials said it was believe that his disappearance posed a credible threat to his health and safety. In cancelling the Silver Alert Monday, authorities said he has been found and is safe. No other information was released.

MINEOLA — According to the Mineola Police Department, a shooting that took place Sunday night at a local convenience store has resulted in one death. Police tell KETK the incident occurred at the E-Z Mart located at 115 North Pacific Street at around 11:30 p.m. When police responded, they found Christopher James Griffin, 19, of Mineola, with a gunshot wound to his neck. Officials say when they arrived they spotted Griffin lying on the ground in the alley and Jason Russell Walters, 41, (pictured) of Mineola, holding a handgun. After further investigation, it was discovered a verbal altercation had taken place between Walters and Griffin and they decided they would meet in the alley to discuss their problems. Police say that is when Walters shot Griffin. Griffin was taken to the hospital, where he later died from the wound. Walters was arrested and charged with murder.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is giving Midtown a facelift. According to KETK, planners are hoping for more of an “urban feel.” Blue “Midtown” street signs have already started popping up — but that’s just the beginning. Midtown is the area that runs from Front to Fifth — from hospitals to the college scene. Seeing everything come together has developers excited. Planners are looking at the possibility of mid- to higher density. For example, in the bottom level of a multi-story building you could see retail and restaurants, and maybe some residential space above that. Other long-term possibilities include a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The city has already installed adaptive controls on traffic signals along Beckham.

SMITH COUNTY — A portion of Smith County Road 411, also known as Mack Thompson Road, will be closed for repair starting today. The temporary closure for bridge repair will last approximately three weeks. County Road 411 is in the western part of Smith County, south of Lindale. The bridge scheduled for repair is located between County Road 46 and State Highway 110. Alternate routes are recommended starting today until completion of the bridge repair project

TYLER — Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler will have southbound lane closures between Grande Boulevard and Three Lakes Parkway beginning today for a box culvert installation. Lanes will be closed between 7:00am and 4:00pm. The first block of Elkton Drive west of Old Jacksonville Highway will also be closed. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes when available. The construction is anticipated to be finished around 4:00 on Friday afternoon.

EAST TEXAS– A revised system goes into effect today for people who have been using the East Texas Council of Governments’ GoBus system. Smith County Friday announced a temporary solution for GoBus users living outside the Tyler city limits. Beginning today, GoBus will no longer serve 107 customers in the area surrounding the city of Tyler. According to a news release, last-minute efforts by Smith County and TxDOT were able to identify federal funds that could be redirected to provide service to the people affected by the reduced GoBus service area. Affected people should phone transit provider NDMJ, Ltd. at 903-592-3232 to arrange service one day in advance.
Continue reading Revised Arrangements for GoBus Customers

TYLER — An East Texas man linked by authorities to a double homicide in Longview has been arrested in Tyler following a high-speed chase. Police tell KETK Isaiah Christopher Roberts, 29, shot and killed two people at a home on Thelma St. near Scenic Dr. in Longview around 9:00 Sunday morning. Roberts then reportedly took off at high speed. Longview police say they began chasing Roberts as he sped down U.S. Highway 271, reportedly reaching speeds up to 100 mph. Authorities report Roberts then made his way into the Tyler area. At this point, Smith County sheriff’s deputies, DPS, and constables began pursuing him, according to police. Continue reading Arrest Follows Lengthy Chase after Double Homicide

LONGVIEW — Authorities are investigating an aggravated robbery claim over the weekend in Longview. Police tell KETK the victim reported walking along Oden Street when two men pulled up next to him and robbed him. He says they took all of the money he had on him. A description of the men and the car involved is unknown at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact police right away.

TYLER — It was another big night as Tyler held its 27th annual Cattle Barons’ Gala Saturday at Rio Neches Ranch. The event is the largest local fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, typically bringing in some $500,000 annually — and co-chair Brian Merritt told KTBB this year should be no exception. Merritt said, “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work throughout the last year and people giving out of their pockets, their time, their energy to fight cancer, to fund research, and to help those that are battling cancer — and we’re out here celebrating all that hard work.” Merritt emphasized that the anti-cancer effort never stops. He added, “Year round, research is done, work is done to help find a cure — and this is just one night to celebrate all that hard work.” Continue reading Cattle Barons’ Gala Held at Rio Neches Ranch

TYLER — Dr. Ross Sherman has been named interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at The University of Texas at Tyler, effective July 1, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. He follows Dr. Alisa White, who has been named the next president of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. Sherman has served as dean of the UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology since last May. “For more than two decades, Dr. Sherman’s vision, energy and belief in the mission of UT Tyler have contributed greatly to this institution,” President Mabry said. “He has an exemplary history of service to this university and a truly strong standing in the field of education at the local, state and national level.” Continue reading UT Tyler Names Interim Provost

SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County home has been destroyed after a lawn mower caught fire. KETK reports the fire started around 11:45 Saturday morning at a home in the 1800 block of County Road 233. Smith County fire officials say homeowner Napoleon Square had just finished mowing his yard when he parked the lawn mower inside the garage. He then went inside the house. A passerby noticed the fire and notified Square and his wife. Jackson Heights, Chapel Hill, Red Springs, Arp, and Winona fire crews were then called to the scene. The house was destroyed by the time crews were able to put the fire out. Early investigation shows the lawn mower had a shortage in the battery which sparked the fire. No one was injured in the blaze.

CANTON — A man is in custody in Van Zandt County following a hostage incident. According to a news release, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call Friday from County Road 2151 in the Wynn Community near Canton. The caller told 911 operators that his father, 40-year-old Johnny Ray Harris, had pointed a firearm at him and threatened to shoot him, subsequently forcing him out of the residence. Officials say deputies arrived at the location a short time later and determined that Harris, who was reported to be armed with a handgun, was inside the residence and refused to come out. According to authorities, tactical officers from the Sheriff’s Office and Canton Police Department were dispatched to the residence and determined that the suspect was holding a female hostage inside the home. Continue reading Hostage Situation Quelled in Van Zandt County

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has completed a check of sex offenders who reside in the county. Of the 320 individuals who were investigated June 12 and 13, 25 were found to be out of compliance, according to a news release. Officials with the Sheriff’s Office said that verification checks of this type are unannounced and comprehensive. The check included a team of approximately 40 officers, including members of 12 different local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, coordinated with the U.S. Marshals Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force. Continue reading Sheriff’s Office Conducts Sex Offender Verification Check

LIBERTY CITY — Multiple East Texas law enforcement agencies responded to a two-vehicle collision in Liberty City Friday morning in which one person was critically hurt. KETK reports the accident was between a car driven by Brett Bartley, 28, and an SUV, driven by Clarence Holcombe, 70, of Montana. It happened at the intersection of State Highway 135 and Farm to Market Road 1252. Officials on scene from the Sabine Fire Department, Kilgore Fire Department, and DPS say preliminary reports suggest Bartley ran a red light and collided with Holcombe’s SUV. Bartley was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the Sabine Fire Deparment. We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.

TYLER — The City of Tyler is encouraging residents to register their home and cell phone numbers on the City Code Red System. This system is used by emergency management officials to notify residents of emergency situations. Officials say the system is used in a myriad of emergency situations, including amber alerts, critical missing persons, gas leaks and extreme weather emergencies. “The purpose of the Code Red system is to get information to our citizens as quickly as possible in an emergency situation,” said Tyler Police Chief Gary Swindle. Go to https://cne.coderedweb.com/Default.aspx?groupid=21wKlSaog8sfkw7OHS29qQ%3d%3d for the direct link to the Code Red registration page. Continue reading City Encourages Code Red Registration

WOOD COUNTY — Authorities in Wood County are investigating the case as a homicide after a body was found Thursday. KETK reports that around 5:40 p.m., Wood County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a 911 report of a dead body located off CR 2388. Deputies were dispatched and arrived to discover the body of an unknown male. The condition of the body indicated that it had been at the location for several days. An autopsy has been ordered. The body has been sent to SWIFTS for autopsy and to assist in positive identification. Anyone with information in reference to missing persons or facts that may provide leads in the investigation is requested to contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit.

TYLER — Smith County has announced a temporary transportation solution for citizens living outside the Tyler city limits who previously relied on the East Texas Council of Governments’ GoBus system for their transportation needs. After June 15, GoBus will no longer serve 107 customers in the area surrounding the city of Tyler. According to a news release, last-minute efforts by Smith County and TxDOT were able to identify federal funds that could be redirected to provide service to the people affected by the reduced GoBus service area. Affected people should phone transit provider NDMJ, Ltd. at 903-592-3232 to arrange service one day in advance.
Continue reading County Announces Transportation Solution For GoBus Customers

MARSHALL — Harrison County investigators have met with the United States Marshal’s Office in Dallas and returned an illegal alien, who is an East Texas murder suspect, from Mexico. According to KETK, Jose Casiano-Aburto fled to Mexico after he was named a suspect in the death of 2-year-old Yeli Madalyn Jimenez. The suspect fled to Central Mexico in February of 2012, after her death. Continue reading East Texas Murder Suspect Arrested in Mexico

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office received notification from Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas that the cause of death for Jacob Hamilton Garrett, 14, Whitehouse, was mixed drug toxicity. Garrett’s body was found on March 17 on Highway 110, between Whitehouse and Tyler. Dental records confirmed the remains found in a wooded area behind Nipper’s Quality Auto Works March 17 belonged to Garrett. He went missing on February 13 and was reported as a runaway. Continue reading Cause of Death Released for Whitehouse Teen

TYLER — Work resumed Friday on Tyler’s Loop 323, with crews working in the westbound lanes in various locations between Paluxy and Broadway till 6 p.m. Weather permitting, crews are scheduled to resume work Monday on the eastbound lanes between Copeland and Paluxy. One lane will be open to traffic while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.