KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — An East Texan has joined two other men, one from California and one from Minnesota, in a three-way-tie for the Salvation Army world record for bell ringing. Andre Thompson(pictured with KTBB’s Melissa Kiser) rang the Salvation Army Kettle Bell from Tuesday, December 3, at 11:00 a.m., until Saturday, December 7, at 8:00 p.m., with only short, rare breaks. The Salvation Army declared a three-way tie at 105 hours, 25 more hours than the previous world record of 80. Continue reading East Texan Part of 3-Way Tie in Salvation Army World Record Bell Ringing Contest

WHITEHOUSE — A Whitehouse family has lost all their Christmas presents in a weekend fire. The fire was reported around 2:00 Sunday afternoon at a home in the 10700 block of County Road 2173. A total of 16 people. including 10 children, were at home when the fire started. All managed to escape safely. The family tells KETK they have had several problems in the past with the house electrical system. However firefighters have not yet release the official cause of the fire. Both the Whitehouse and Flint-Gresham fire departments have started collecting presents for the children.

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

SMITH COUNTY — TxDOT crews on Monday are scheduled to take pavement-core samples on State Highway 110 between Aberdeen Street south of Tyler, and the south entrance to Trane. Various daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Also this week, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 2710 between Farm Road 16 in Lindale and Farm Road 14 near Red Springs. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

LUFKIN — The so-called panty burglar has struck again. Angelina County Sheriff Greg Sanches says this person has been breaking into homes in his county since 2009, always only stealing women’s underwear. But in the latest burglary, roughly the 16th, he also took $100. Sanches says he also broke into a house right on U.S. Highway 59. Thus far, according to Sanches, “thank goodness, nobody’s been home, but there’s always that time when somebody…could be home.” The sheriff says that might be either an adult or a child who’s been left at home while an adult makes a quick run to the store. He adds that in a recent burglary, the thief stole underwear belonging to a little girl.

EAST TEXAS — Famed country music singer and East Texas resident Ray Price has been hospitalized due to his continuous battle with pancreatic cancer, and he is said to be in the final stages of the disease. That’s according to KETK. This was posted by Clifton Ray Price, the son of the country star, Saturday on Price’s Facebook Fan page:

“Dear Friends,

“My Dad is very sick. He is (at an East Texas area hospital). He has been in intensive care. He was admitted on Monday. I got to visit for a brief moment on the 22 of November at the ranch. I was invited back by my father the next day but the gate was locked. Continue reading Ray Price Reported in Final Stages of Pancreatic Cancer

TYLER — Longview Maintenance Supervisor Don McQuitty gave final instructions on Saturday to 21 Tyler district TxDOT employees who volunteered to help TxDOT’s Dallas District address ice and snow conditions in the Denton area. KETK reports the district also sent five pieces of its heavy equipment and eight ten-yard dump trucks to help in clearing and sanding roads and bridges. Crews in Dallas began working around the clock Thursday afternoon to get the roads in driving condition.

TYLER — A weekend fire has destroyed Central Redco Pallet Company in Tyler. Smith County Fire tells KETK fire crews were dispatched shortly after 6:00 Saturday morning, Tyler, Chapel Hill, and Winona crews responded to the blaze at East Northeast Loop 323 and U.S. 271. Officials say the pallet factory was fully engulfed in flames. There have been no reports of injuries.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man was arrested Thursday after police said he poured coffee on an officer, then hit him on the head with his coffee cup. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, arrest reports show Raymond Gately, 58, was charged with assault of a public servant. Police say Officer Bill England responded to a home in the 100 block of North Lane Wells Drive in reference to a dispute over a dog. England began speaking with Gately, who was being accused of taking his neighbor’s dog. According to the arrest reports, Gately grabbed England by his shirt, poured a cup of coffee on him, and hit him on the head with the coffee cup. Gately then reportedly reached for something around his belt line, which England said he believed was a weapon. England said he used a Taser on Gately, but Gately returned inside. Gately came out of the home later and was arrested.

LONGVIEW — A year after his parole following 32 years in prison for capital murder, Randall L. Wikert spent 34 hours on the run from local law enforcement in late October after he robbed Bank Texas. The Kilgore News Herald reports that on Friday, 44 days after his arrest, Wikert – his parole revoked – pleaded guilty in the case and accepted a 20-year prison sentence. Continue reading Bank Texas Robber Pleads Guilty

TYLER — Tyler police are continuing to seek the public’s help as they investigate a commercial robbery. On Friday at about 6:00 p.m., police received a 911 call from 914 W. Front, Atlas Credit Union, stating that a robbery had occurred. Employees said that an unknown black male about 5’08” to 5’11” and 160 to 180 pounds approached them demanding money. The suspect was wearing a black ski mask covering his face, a black sweater, and blue jeans, and led them to believe that he had a weapon. The employees gave the suspect what officials call an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect fled from the back of the building running south. No one was harmed during the robbery. Continue reading Tyler Police Still Seek Clues in Commercial Robbery

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches County man was arrested after investigators discovered hidden cameras throughout his house and “massive amounts of pornography,” according to authorities. KETK reports authorities had received information that Justin Lejeune, 31, was secretly recording visitors in his house on FM 3314. They obtained a search warrant, which was executed around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. While investigating, Nacogdoches County Sheriff officials and the Texas Rangers allegedly found several cameras aimed at secluded locations, such as bathrooms and guest bedrooms. There were numerous homemade video recordings of people who were unknowingly being taped, officials say. Lejeune’s computer was also allegedly found to have many images of child pornography. Continue reading Authorities: “Numerous Unknown Victims” Possible in Massive Porn Bust

TYLER — The city of Tyler is offering weather-related updates on a couple of items. Due to freezing temperatures and precipitation, Tyler Transit scheduled a delayed start time of 10 a.m. for today’s fixed route. Tyler Transit is coordinating with the Street Department on roadway conditions. Continue reading City of Tyler Announces Weather-Related Schedule Changes

EAST TEXAS — More communities have announced cancellations and postponements of Christmas-related activities. KETK reports those include several parades. The City of Lindale parade has been canceled and will be re-scheduled at a later date. The City of Jacksonville has postponed its parade until Thursday, December 12. Continue reading Christmas Activities Postponed, Canceled around the Area

TYLER – Numerous Smith County Sheriff’s Office employees were recognized for their service during Thursday night’s annual Smith County Sheriff’s Office Awards Banquet, which was held in the Galilee Room of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. Sheriff Larry Smith recognized employees who have served five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years, and 25 employees received awards for outstanding service during the past 12 months. “I want the public to know that the Smith County Sheriff’s Office has a great group of people who are dedicated to their jobs, their community and to service,” said Sheriff Smith. “These individuals deserve to be recognized for the long hours they work and the risks they take to protect the citizens of Smith County. I am proud of every single one of them.” Continue reading Smth County Sheriff’s Office Holds Annual Awards Banquet

NECHES (AP) — A flood warning for the Neches River near Neches has made its way onto the list of weather challenges for East Texas. It’s due to continue until Monday evening unless it’s cancelled before then. At 9:30 a.m. Friday the stage was 12.5 feet. Minor flooding is occurring, and more minor flooding is forecast. Flood stage is 12.0 feet. According to the forecast, the river will continue to fall to below flood stage by early Monday morning. At 12.0 feet, expect minor lowland flooding of the heavily wooded floodplain. Ranchers who may have cattle and equipment in the river bottoms should move them to higher ground.

LONGVIEW — One person is dead after an early morning collision between a train and truck in Longview. According to Longview Police, a train and truck collided around 2:20 Friday morning on Estes Parkway near Walmart. All lanes of travel were closed for a time. A wrecker was called to the scene to remove the truck from underneath the train. Longview Police have confirmed the driver of the truck is dead. He’s identified as Andrew J. Gooden, 29, Hempstead. Continue reading Victim in Fatal Wreck with Train Identified

KILGORE — Twenty-four students, including eight Canadians, graduated from the Kilgore College Fire Academy at its 89th graduation. It was held Thursday night in the Bert E. Woodruff Adult Education Center. The KC Fire Academy is accredited by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the State Firemen and Fire Marshal’s Association and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The academy offers certification schools for NFPA 1001 Basic Structural Firefighter I and II certification, the Texas Volunteer certification, Fire Inspector and Fire and Arson Investigation courses. It is also a designated institution by the Canadian Province of British Columbia. Continue reading Graduation at the Kilgore College Fire Academy

TYLER — A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal violations. Bobby Gene Loggins, 58, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love to an information charging him with making false statements to a bank. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million. A sentencing date has not been set. Continue reading Former Tyler Meat Company Executive Guilty of Loan Fraud

EAST TEXAS — Area school districts have reported a number of weather-related closings, delays, and early releases. Winona ISD released their students at 11:00. KETK reports that in the Palestine ISD, Washington Early Childhood Center, Northside Primary, and Southside Elementary will dismiss at 1:30 p.m., while Palestine Intermediate School, Palestine Junior High School, and Palestine High School will release students at 2:15 p.m. Closed today: Quitman ISD, Sulphur Springs ISD, Winnsboro ISD, and Texas A&M Commerce. A number of school districts got started late this morning. Check our News page for the latest information. Please send all school closings to: closings@ktbb.com

LONGVIEW — The 82-year-old man who had been in critical condition following the Good Shepherd Medical Center stabbings last week died early Thursday morning. Good Shepherd released the following statement to our news partner KETK on behalf of the family: “On behalf of the family, we are sad to inform you that Harris K. Teel passed away at 3:25 a.m. Thursday. His family was at his side in prayer. While the family never gave up, they accept this outcome and appreciate the thoughts and prayers of so many during this time of tragedy and loss. At this time, they request and appreciate their privacy as they grieve.” Continue reading Another Victim of Good Shepherd Stabbings Dies

DALLAS (AP/Staff) — Get out some extra blankets: Winter is invading Texas with a vengeance as snow, sleet and ice are unleashed on much of northern and western sections of the state. The National Weather Service forecasts up to 5 inches of snow accumulation Thursday and Friday in the Texas Panhandle and up to 4 inches of snow in the South Plains. To the east, ice from freezing rain will be the threat north of a Brownwood-to-Corsicana-to-Tyler line. As much as a half-inch of ice could accumulate north of a Comanche-to-Grapevine-to-Paris line, bringing down tree limbs and power lines. Texas Governor Rick Perry has issued an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the winter storm. The Texas Department of Public Safety discourages non-essential travel in affected areas, and authorities say slow down and be very careful if you are driving on slippery roadways.

TYLER — A suspect wanted for felony assault and parole violation has been arrested in Smith County. Wesley Brian McDade, 36, was found Wednesday afternoon hiding under a trailer on relative’s property in the Lindale area and was taken into custody without incident. He was booked in to the Smith County Jail on charges of strangulation or suffocation of a family member, which is a Third Degree Felony, and a parole violation relating to a previous assault charge. On Monday, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s assistance with locating McDade. He was wanted for allegedly assaulting his wife at a residence on Highway 155 South in October. She suffered several injuries that required medical treatment. The alert, which was posted on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Twitter account and distributed widely through the news media, led to a tip received by the U.S. Marshal’s Service as to McDade’s possible location.

LONGVIEW — A Longview woman accused of plotting to kill a pregnant mother in order to steal her unborn baby in June 2012, has pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping. Tanya Lynette Bradley, 31, entered the plea yesterday in state district court in Longview. Her sentencing will come some time next year. Bradley reportedly suffered a miscarriage and schemed to wait outside of a hospital in order to ask for a ride from a woman in the late term of her pregnancy. She would then attempt to kill the woman and take the baby from her womb, according to allegations. Bradley was arrested by Longview police after her friends tipped off authorities to her alleged plan.

LUFKIN — Angelina County law officers have captured a local man wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office. KETK reports Richard David Simmons, 41, is named in the felony warrant. Simmons had earlier been the subject of a Crimestoppers call for assistance in locating him. Details regarding his arrest were not immediately available.

TYLER — The trial for a man suspected of murdering Keeston Dwone Fields and seriously injuring John T. Woods will be rescheduled, according to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. KETK reports the trial for Marquel Jermon Scott, who is charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, has been declared a mistrial. Officials say that was at no fault to the defense or the prosecution, but because of a problem with a witness statement. Scott is accused of shooting two people in the early morning hours of November 29, 2012, at the Hyena’s Clubhouse, located in the 2100 block of North Grand. There was no immediate word on a new date for the trial . Scott’s bond totals were set at $1.25 million.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is seeking information regarding a fatal two-car accident. According to KETK, just before 3:15 Tuesday afternoon, officers responded to the intersection of State Highway 135 and Goforth Road to a report of a major two-vehicle traffic crash. Initial investigation revealed an SUV traveling southbound on SH 135 struck a car which entered the intersection from the westbound lane of Goforth Road. The driver and only occupant of the car was identified as Oren Owens, 78, of Kilgore. The driver of the SUV was identified as Bobby Green, 81, of Gladewater. The sole passenger in the SUV was identified as Lilly Green, 79, of Gladewater. Continue reading One Dead, Two Seriously Injured in 2-Vehicle Kilgore Wreck

MARSHALL — A Marshall man charged with killing his wife left her blood-covered body in the bathroom of a hotel room after stabbing and cutting her multiple times, according to an arrest affidavit filed in the City of Marshall Municipal Court. That’s the report from KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The incident happened at the Baymont Inn and Suites in the 5300 block of East End Boulevard in Marshall. Officers responding to a disturbance call Sunday morning arrived to find two children in the lobby who said “they think their dad killed their mom,” the document indicated. Continue reading Arrest Affidavit Reveals More on Marshall Murder Case

LUFKIN — The Lufkin Police Deparment has captured a man who was wanted on felony warrants. KETK reports area law enforcement officers, working off information provided by an anonymous Crime Stoppers tipster, located and arrested Michael Delane Boddie. One of the warrants was obtained by Angelina County Precinct Two Constable Trae Trevathan, following an investigation into the burglary of the Angelina County maintenance barn located on Farm to Market Road 706. Details as to what charges Boddie faces were not immediately available.

LONGVIEW — A Longview veterinarian has been reprimanded and fined $500 by state regulators for sharing his identity. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Barton Owens let the Humane Society of Northeast Texas use his license and his name to get medications and vaccines. Officials say the society purchased them between April and December of 2012. Owens works at the West Loop Animal Hospital in Longview. He says he thought the shelter was only using his name to purchase non-prescription drugs for a discount. Humane Society Shelter Director Scott Holloway, who took the job six months ago, said the practice cited by the veterinary board no longer occurs at the shelter. Holloway added Owens probably was only trying to do a good deed for local animals in allowing his name be used by the shelter.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches County sheriff’s deputies say they’ve captured the culprits in two robberies that occurred over the weekend, and KETK reports one of them already is talking. 22-year-olds Jaquae Fobbs and Gakavion Bagley are charged with holding up two convenience stores, the first one Saturday morning in Garrison, the other one two hours later in Henderson. Authorities say the pair made off with some cash and assaulted a clerk during one robbery. Deputies believe the driver of the getaway car is still at large.