KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday authorized city staff to advertise for bids for the construction of the West Cumberland Road Extension construction project. The West Cumberland Road extension will consist of four traffic lanes, raised landscaped medians, and sidewalks. Construction includes a proposed bridge crossing over West Mud Creek and provides connectivity for a future hike and bike trail, which will be bid separately at a later date. The length of the Cumberland Road project is approximately 2.4 miles. In addition, the existing section of Cumberland Road east of South Broadway will be widened from two to four traffic lanes. Continue reading City Seeks West Cumberland Road Extension Bids

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday approved the designs brought forward by Fitzpatrick Architects for a new South Tyler Police Substation. Officials say the development of the substation will provide multiple benefits to the citizens of Tyler, including closer proximity to police services such as Records, Property, Investigations, and Community Response Officers. The personnel of the Tyler Police Department are its most important asset and resource, therefore it is important to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of every police officer during their assigned duty times, explained Police Chief Gary Swindle.

Officials say an analysis of the current officer travel time for Beats 4, 5, and 6 revealed that those officers are spending 5,161.54 hours annually traveling to and from their area of responsibility at a cost of $219,107. It has been determined that the officers’ time could be better managed with a south substation, according to a city news release. The City will not be adding any personnel, but instead will be housing officers closer to their beats for improved service to Tyler citizens, according to the release.

Paid for by the Half-Cent Sales Tax, the new facility will be approximately 17,500 square feet and is estimated to be complete by 2016. The total design and construction cost for the building is estimated at $3.1 million (including interior equipment). The new station will be located on city-owned property at Faulkner Park with access from West Cumberland Road and South Broadway Avenue.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Half Cent Sales Tax Board has opened the annual Half Cent Sales Tax call for projects. The call for projects will run from Feb. 11 through March 31 and provides the citizens of Tyler, community leaders, Tyler City Council and City of Tyler staff the opportunity to bring capital projects forward to be considered for Half Cent Sales Tax funding. An open house will be held to gather public input on Thursday, March 6, from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Tyler Rose Garden Center located at 420 Rose Park Drive. Staff from each of the funded categories (Police, Fire, Parks, Airport, Traffic, Engineering and Drainage) will be available to talk with the public and gather data for possible future half-cent funded projects. Continue reading Half Cent Sales Tax Call for Projects & Annual Open House Announced

TYLER – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has granted $1.29 million to collaborators the University of Texas at Tyler and Texas A&M University-Commerce to implement and evaluate what’s termed an innovative teacher residency program — said to be the first of its kind in Texas. According to information from both schools, The “Texas Teacher Residency Program (TRes): An Apprenticeship Model for Texas,” is based on the successful Urban Teachers Residency United Program in Chicago. It’s a one-year teacher residency program leading to a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and teacher certification in high school science or mathematics — fields in which teacher shortages persist, according to officials. Continue reading UT Tyler, A&M Commerce Get Big Grant for Teacher Residency Program

LUFKIN (AP) – A coroner has determined a 2-month-old East Texas boy who at the time he died weighed a pound less than when he was born suffered malnutrition and dehydration. Autopsy results released this week show Imauri Jackson of Lufkin weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces at birth but dwindled to 5 pounds, 6 ounces. His death was ruled a homicide due to child neglect. Angelina County jail records show the parents, Dequisha Jackson, 18, and Isaiah Tolliver, 19, were being held Wednesday on murder and child endangerment charges. Online jail records don’t list attorneys for the teens, whose bond is $25,000 apiece. Lufkin police say the couple called 911 last October 11 to report their son was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. The parents were arrested the following day.

EAST TEXAS — Multiple wrecks were reported on East Texas thoroughfares after weather conditions worsened Tuesday afternoon. Just after 6:00 Tuesday night, three persons were injured in a two vehicle accident in Tyler caused by ice in the road. The accident occurred in the 7600 block of U.S. Highway 271 North. Tyler police report a Chevrolet Blazer was South bound on 271 North when the driver lost control of the vehicle. It slid into oncoming traffic and struck a North bound Ford pickup. The passenger of the Blazer, a 17 year old white female, was pinned in and had to be removed by the fire department. She was transported to East Texas Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition. The driver of both the Blazer and the Ford pick-up were also transported to ETMC with apparent minor injuries.

EAST TEXAS — Due to winter weather in the area, some schools and businesses have announced closings, reschedulings, and cancellations. Check our News page for an updated list as more entities announce possible delays or shutdowns. Please use this email address: closings@ktbb.com to send us your closings or delays Continue reading Winter Weather Closures, Delays, Changes

TYLER – During extreme weather conditions, Tyler ISD continues to keep the safety and welfare of students and staff a priority, according to school district officials. The District follows an inclement weather procedure for delaying or canceling school. Continue reading Tyler ISD Reminds Parents, Community of Inclement Weather Policies

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is seeking information leading to the arrest of a suspect or suspects and the recovery of a vehicle stolen from an area business. According to the officials, the white dirt track race car and trailer were reported stolen Tuesda, from a mechanic shop on Main Street. KETK reports the car has been described as a 1980s model Chevrolet Monte Carlo with Hoosier racing tires. If anyone has seen this vehicle and trailer and knows where it is located or the identity of the person who took it, contact Det. Mike Lazarine at 903-882-3313.

TYLER — A jury duty scam continues in Smith County. On January 13, reports were released to the public that such a scam was taking place. The next day, an update was issued that stated more victims of the scam had come forward. Tuesday, Smith County District Clerk Lois Rogers contacted the Smith County Sheriff’s Office saying that on February 10, a Tyler woman reported being contacted, but refused to give the caller any money. Continue reading Jury Duty Scam Continues

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville police have detained a teenager who reportedly stole his mother’s car. Police tell KETK the 15-year-old boy had gotten in trouble at school and, when his mother attempted to discipline him, he is said to have stolen her car and was leading authorities on a chase through Cherokee County. Officials say he was caught on County Road 4218. He has been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, assault and family violence, and evading arrest.

TYLER — A north Tyler home is destroyed after a Tuesday fire. According to the Tyler Fire Department, the house caught fire near the intersection of North Ross Avenue and Cochran Street. The initial call was received at approximately 11:30 a.m., with callers reporting smoke and flames visible from the house. The first arriving units reported heavy fire involvement in the home and called for a second alarm. Five engines and one Ladder Company, along with a District Chief and an investigator, were on scene. The Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office tells KETK the fire was a result of a cooking accident. Officials say the homeowner fell asleep while heating up a meal. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — Smith County is combining forces with 320 other jurisdictions across Texas to participate in what’s termed the largest joint warrant round-up of this type in the state. Anyone with outstanding court costs and fines has until March 1 to arrange for payment before the warrant sweep begins. On March 1, officers will begin visiting homes, neighborhoods and places of work to arrest anyone who has not settled his or her debt with the county. Continue reading Great Texas Warrant Round-Up Begins March 1

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County-based Azleway Charter School has received a letter from the Texas commissioner of education denying an in-person informal review with the commissioner as requested in Azelway’s appeal of its charter revocation — but the story’s not over. According to an Azleway news release, the commissioner has referred the appeal to the SOAH (administrative hearing officer) for adjudication. The news release says, “We believe that the hearing officer at SOAH will provide a fair due process opportunity that will result in the reinstatement of the charter to Azleway, Inc.” Continue reading Azleway Appeal Denied, But School Keeps Fighting

GREGG COUNTY — Authorities in Gregg County release a reconstructed image of a woman found murdered in 2006 in an attempt to identify her. Sheriff Maxey Cerliano and the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office are requesting assistance in identifying “Jane Doe.” On October 6, 2006 the burning body of Jane Doe was discovered on an oil field right-of way off Fritz Swanson Road in Kilgore. The body was that of a white female, 17 to 22 years of age, 5’3″ to 5’5″, 100 to 120 pounds, with reddish brown hair and blond highlights. She was wearing size 7/8 jeans and a mauve or purple colored pull-over sweater. Continue reading Authorities Seek Help Identifying “Jane Doe”

MARSHALL — The president of East Texas Baptist University in Marshall is resigning. Dr. Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver has announced he is stepping down to become president of Union University located in Jackson, Tennessee effective June 1. The Board of Trustees has called a special meeting for today to select a Presidential Search Committee that will immediately begin a search for Oliver’s Successor. Continue reading East Texas Baptist University President is Resigning

TYLER — A Tyler man has been charged with the burglary of the Tennison Cattle Company. It was reported on February 7th. Someone had broken into the business and one of its vehicles. There were several items taken and two possible suspects were named. When the deputy arrived at the suspects’ residence he saw the reported stolen items in the bed of a truck belonging to Jacob McDougal, 22, of Tyler. Contact was made with both suspects and McDougal was arrested for burglary of a building. His bond was set at $2,000. McDougal is suspected in other area thefts and burglaries. which remain under investigation.

WHITEHOUSE — Early Sunday morning the Smith County Sheriff’s Department received reports of possible criminal activity on Southpoint Road in Whitehouse. A juvenile who had a stolen firearm and stolen property in his possession was arrested. The property consisted of a riding lawn mower, utility trailer, numerous bottles of alcohol, a handgun, two digital monitors, and other items. Witnesses told officers there was another suspect involved, so deputies began searching the area. During the search, it was discovered that other locations were burglarized. These included a large residential garage, motor home, travel trailer, and a pickup. During the investigation, another juvenile was arrested. Both suspects had lengthy criminal histories and both were currently on probation through Smith County Juvenile. Because of their ages, their identities are not being released, but both could face additional charges.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says he believes the Keystone XL oil Pipeline from Canada should be built. Salazar said at an energy conference in Houston Wednesday that the Pipeline could be built safely, as long as conditions are imposed. Those conditions would require the pipeline operator to meet tough environmental standards and even pay for conservation programs along the pipeline route. The pipeline’s proposed route takes it through eastern Smith County. Continue reading Salazar: Build Keystone XL Oil Pipeline

TYLER — A Smith County man has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. Victor Michael Austin, 39, of Tyler. He has been booked into the Smith County Jail under a $1 million bond. His arrest followed an interview with a child who told authorities they had been repeatedly sexually abused by Austin.

KILGORE — A routine traffic stop has led to the arrest of a Kilgore woman on drug charges. Arrested was Kimberly Kay Hasson, 47. Officers found a syringe and about 56 grams of methamphetamine in a zip-lock baggie. Besides two traffic charges, Hasson has also been charged with possession of a controlled substance.

EAST TEXAS — Because of the potential for winter weather, some area schools are delaying classes for Tuesday. The following schools are delaying the start of classes Tuesday until 10:00am:
Arp ISD
Carlisle ISD
Elkhart ISD
Leveretts Chapel ISD
Mount Enterprise ISD
Nacogdoches ISD
Troup ISD
Van ISD
Wells ISD
This list will be expanded after additional schools assess the situation.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a commercial burglar alarm at the CVS Pharmacy this morning. It started around 3:10 at the 1710 W. Gentry location. While officers were in route, the alarm company advised at least two suspects could be seen on the security cameras. The video showed one suspect entered the business through the drive-thru window while another remained just outside the window. The man then passed items from the store thru the window to the 2nd suspect. The men then fled the scene. Officers arrived minutes later and began searching the area but the two were not located. Both suspects are described as black men wearing gray hoodies and gray sweat pants. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tyler Police.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is facing a variety of charges after crashing a stolen vehicle following a pursuit. The chase began Sunday in Longview when officers say Alton Dean Jester, 27, sped away from a traffic stop in a stolen pickup. He later crashed the vehicle into a utility pole in Hallsville, where he is said to have fled on foot. He was arrested a short time later and taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview for treatment. Jester is facing charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in Smith County by the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge work on Farm Road 15 between Troup and the Rusk County Line. Elsewhere, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to begin edge work on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 near the Wood County Line and Farm Road 16 east of Winona. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

NACOGDOCHES — An East Texas man is behind bars after authorities say he assaulted a man and threatened to kill him and his wife with a knife. KETK reports it happened shortly before 5:30 Sunday morning at an apartment complex located in the 2100 block of Pearl Street in Nacogdoches. Officers were told that a man, O’Brian Washburn Duke, 31, of Nacogdoches, was visiting another man and his wife at their home. After several hours, Duke reportedly began to assault the husband by punching him. According to police, the suspect then tied the husband and his wife up for several hours and threatened to kill them while brandishing a knife. Duke was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful restraint.

LONGVIEW — A couple of construction projects will cause lane closures in Longview beginning today. The southbound right lane of Fourth Street will be closed between Loop 281 and Hollybrook Drive starting at 8 a.m. on Monday and continuing through 5 p.m. Monday, April 14. The closure is being extended because of weather and soil conditions for Longview Regional Hospital Street widening. The westbound right lane of Marshall Avenue will be closed between Edith Street and W. Tyler starting at 8 a.m. on Monday and continuing through 5 p.m. Thursday, February 20. That closure is for water main work for the new O’Reilly Auto Parts Store. Continue reading Lane Closures Beginning Today in Longview

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches Police are currently investigating two thefts that happened on two separate car lots Friday morning. KETK reports the first happened at 9:14 a.m. at Rex Perry GM in the 3900 block of Northwest Stallings Drive. The second theft occurred just over 30 minutes later at Pineywoods Motor Company in the 1200 block of Northwest Stallings Drive. In each case, several items were removed from a vehicle on the car lot. Authorities are not sure if the thefts are connected. Anyone with information is asked to call Nacogdoches police.

LINDALE — Lindale firefighter Joe Yeakley continues to recover from burns sustained in a house fire last month — and supporters from all over the state joined hands Saturday to do their part. According to a news release from the Lindale Fire Department, over 600 runners and around 100 volunteers came together to prove that Yeakley is “Not Your Average Joe” — the name given to the run/walk. Fire department Lt. Aaron Munn tells KETK that participants raised $10,000 — and that so far more than $40,000 has been brought in through various Yeakley benefits. On Saturday, around 75 firefighters, most of whom ran in full firefighting gear, came from around East Texas and even as far as the Texas Panhandle to participate. Continue reading “Not Your Average Joe” Run/Walk Brings a Community Together

TYLER — Brookshire’s Grocery Company is responding to a nationwide meat recall prompted by E. coli concerns. In a statement issued over the weekend to our news partner KETK, Brookshire’s says, “PFP Enterprises, LLC issued a voluntary recall this week for a specific lot of ‘Texas Meat Packers Seasoned Beef for Fajitas’ due to possible contamination with E. coli bacteria. Several Brookshire Grocery Company stores in Texas including Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods and FRESH by Brookshire’s were identified as those that had received some of the product which was packed in December 2013. Continue reading Brookshire’s Responds to E. Coli Concerns