KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The city of Tyler in a release said that the Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East boat ramps have reopened. Officials say because of the current high water levels, Tyler Water Utilities urges all boaters to use caution. Boat operators are reminded to stay alert for potential navigation hazards in the area and be aware of their wake to ensure the safety of other boaters and protect nearby properties.

NACOGDOCHES – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Nacogdoches man was arrested on Thursday night after a person was found dead lying in the street with stab wounds.

According to the Nacogdoches Police Department, around 10:45 p.m., police and fire responded to the 2220 block of Maybell St. between Sweetgum St. and Fourth St., and found Sirveorge Deron Jones, 40, of Nacogdoches lying dead in the street with several stab wounds.

Officials said that officers found a large amount of blood and the location of the incident at a nearby home. Officers then spoke with Emar’ian Nikhy Trezmin Jones, 23, of Nacogdoches, who told them that he had stabbed Sirveorge during a family argument.

Emar’ian was arrested for murder, and booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail on Friday. The department said that this incident is not related to the murder that occured at Eastwood Terrance Monday evening, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Henderson County man was sentenced to 13 years in prison after his 18-month-old child was found dead in December 2021.

According to court records, Daniel David Dennis, 28, plead guilty to injury to a child with intent to cause serious bodily injury, and was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Thursday. While, two original charges of abandoning or endangering a child were dismissed.

Daniel was arrested with his wife, Erin Michelle Dennis, 27, on Dec. 15, 2021 after their toddler was found dead, the Henderson County Sherriff’s Office said. Inside their home authorities found two other children, human feces on the wall, and dirty diapers on the floor. Continue reading East Texan sentenced to 13 years in toddler death

LONGVIEW – Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas man has been sentenced to 48 years after pleading guilty to shooting a transgender victim in 2023.

Investigators said the victim met with John Lee Smith on the day prior in 2023 at 7 a.m. Initially, Smith denied meeting the victim and did not disclose a reason for shooting him. Smith shot the victim while they were both sitting in a car, officers said. Smith admitted afterwards to shooting the victim because the victim did not disclose that he was transgender. Officers found evidence that Smith was aware of the victim being biologically male, and had previously been involved in a relationship with the victim. Continue reading East Texas man sentenced after shooting transgender person

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas man received a 25 year prison sentence in Henderson County for possession of controlled substance.

James Russell Shephard II was arrested on April 25, 2023 after a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office investigator found digital scales, syringes, a backpack with narcotics and three pistols in Shephard’s vehicle, according to a Facebook post from the Henderson County District Attorney. A person called authorities claiming Shephard was high on fentanyl and making threats inside a vehicle.

According to the post, the Department of Public Safety tested the narcotics Shephard possessed and confirmed them as fentanyl, methamphetamine and phenazepam. Shepard also served a previous prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

“Fentanyl is not only incredibly dangerous to those who use it, but also to everyone around them,” Henderson County District Attorney Jenny Palmer said. “We’ve seen how quickly it can turn a situation violent or deadly. Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who traffic in these poisons and endanger our community.”

LONGVIEW – The Longview Fire Department congratulated one of their own on Thursday has he decided to make the selfless decision to reenlist in the U.S. Navy, according to our news partner KETK.

Firefighter and paramedic Blaine Cardinale, who originally joined the Longview Fire Department after his first stint in the Navy, has decided to continue his commitment to serving his country by deciding to reenlist. Cardinale’s oath of office was held at the firehouse and administered by fellow Longview firefighter and paramedic Joe Dembowski, who currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserves.

“Commander Cardinale is a dedicated member of our department. “Whether responding to emergencies in an ambulance or fire engine, he upholds the highest standards and demonstrates a strong commitment to helping others,” Longview Fire Department said.

TYLER — Two bills are being considered in the 89th legislative session dealing with medical marijuana, which could lower cost and wait times. According to our news partner KETK, House Bill 46 and Senate Bill 1505 will allow licensed companies like Texas Original, a medical cannabis provider in Austin, to store prescriptions at satellite locations.

The bills could lower cost and wait times for patients and allow people under the Compassionate Use Act to use vapor products instead of just consuming their prescriptions. The Compassionate Use Act regulates the use of medical marijuana. Senate Bill 3 is also a top priority that calls for a complete ban of all forms of THC in the state. This creates a sense of confusion for lawmakers.

In a statement, the office of the Lieutenant Governor says the outcome of the bill will not change the Compassionate Use Program. State Representative Gary Vandeaver of New Boston says he hopes it’s true, but he still wouldn’t support SB3. Continue reading Legislation considers medical marijuana

HENDERSON COUNTY — An East Texas man received a 25 year prison sentence in Henderson County for possession of controlled substance, according to our news partner KETK.

James Russell Shephard II was arrested on April 25, 2023 after a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office investigator found digital scales, syringes, a backpack with narcotics and three pistols in Shephard’s vehicle, according to a Facebook post from the Henderson County District Attorney. A person called authorities claiming Shephard was high on fentanyl and making threats inside a vehicle. According to the post, the Department of Public Safety tested the narcotics Shephard possessed and confirmed them as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and phenazepam. Shepard also served a previous prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

TYLER — An elementary-aged child was hit by a vehicle on Thursday near Douglas Elementary School. According to our news partner KETK and Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, the child received minor injuries after being hit by a red SUV around 3 p.m. near Douglas Elementary School. Erbaugh said the driver left the scene initially, but came back and talked to Tyler police officers.

Despite minor injuries, the child was transported to a local hospital for a checkup, according to Erbaugh.

The incident is still being investigated, and the child’s identity and age have not been released at this time.

CROCKETT – According to our news partner KETK, a Crockett man was arrested after a large quantity of crack cocaine was found inside his car following a police chase, according to officials.

The incident began at around 8:30 p.m. after a patrol officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Rickie Lane Gilmore, who was driving his car on East Goliad Avenue near the downtown square. Gilmore ignored the officers’ request for him to pull over and continued to drive through residential streets, driving at high speeds and nearly losing control of his vehicle several times. As officers continued to pursue Gilmore, he was seen throwing items out of his car, including bags of what were suspected to be crack cocaine.

Eventually, officers were able to take Gilmore into custody after his car became disabled due to overheating. Gilmore was arrested without further incident. Continue reading Crockett man arrested in drug bust

WASHINGTON — East Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran honored the life of a 25-year-old Tyler police officer on Wednesday after the officer died from an off-duty motorcycle accident.

Moran delivered remarks on the House floor on Wednesday honoring the life of Officer Sam Lively, 25, who had recently graduated from the police academy and completed his field training.

According to the Tyler Police Department, on the evening of April 25, officers responded to a crash on Troup Highway in Tyler. Officer Lively, who was riding a motorcycle, was traveling south on Troup Highway in the outside lane while another vehicle, also heading south in the inside lane, attempted to change lanes and struck Lively, officials said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Moran spoke about Lively’s unwavering leadership and how much he was loved by his family, friends and local community. Continue reading Rep. Moran honors fallen police officer

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that on Tuesday, Henderson County Commissioners Court approved the proposal of Henderson County Sheriff’s Office adding an explosives detection dog to the team.

HCSO’s newest furry officer, Attkus, was donated through AKC Reunite along with $7,500 to fund Attkus and Deputy Jarod Mills’ certification training and travel this summer. Attkus is currently in North Carolina training for explosive detection, patrol duties and crime scene evidence recovery. Mills will join Attkus from May 17 to June 13 to learn his specific detection responses.

Officials said the department has faced multiple bomb threats in recent years and they currently rely on federal ATF dogs that can take hours to reach the scene. Adding Attkus to the force can help expand the department’s K-9 presence, which was formed when Sheriff Botie Hillhouse’s first term began.

“I’m looking forward to adding this capability to our existing K-9 program,” Hillhouse said. “An explosives detection dog will be a real asset to Henderson County, both in terms of public safety and our ability to respond quickly when threats arise.”

SMITH COUNTY — Several Smith County roads are closed after Wednesday night’s heavy rains. According to a Smith County news release, County Road 112, in the southeast part of Smith County near Antioch, has a culvert washed out and will remain closed until it can be repaired. County Roads 129, 2138 and 2147 are closed due to high water over the roads. Once the water recedes, Smith County Road and Bridge crews will check to make sure the roads are not damaged and if they are safe to be reopened. Drivers are urged use alternate routes and advised not to drive around barriers.

The City of Tyler Water Utilities is temporarily closing all public boat ramps on Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East.

“Ramps are being closed due to boating hazards resulting from debris washed into the lakes by the recent rains and to reduce damage from shoreline erosion caused by boat wakes,” City of Tyler said. “In addition, the lakes are closed to boat traffic from lake residents.”

TYLER — The Tyler City Council and Texas Department of Transportation agreed on Wednesday to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Old Jacksonville Highway and Capital Drive.

According to our news partner KETK, a signal warrant in 2023 determined the intersection experiences enough traffic volume, especially with the Brookshire Grocery Company’s distribution center expanding near Capital Drive, to warrant a signal. The estimated total construction cost to the city is $314,453, which will be funded through the City’s Half Cent Sales Tax Fund.

The City of Tyler, TxDot and Brookshire Grocery will work with each other to install this signal and TxDot has plans to widen Old Jacksonville Highway to six lanes, with construction starting 2028.

TROUP – After severe weather hit East Texas on Wednesday, two school districts have announced that they will be closing or delaying classes on Thursday to ensure students and staff remain safe. Our news partner, KETK, has compiled a list and will update it as changes occur. To view the full and updated list, click here.

TYLER — As the Tyler Police Department continues to mourn the loss of one of their own, several officers gathered at the place of his death to remember their fallen comrade. According to our news partner KETK, while off-duty on Friday afternoon, officer Sam Lively was killed after crashing his motorcycle on Troup Highway, just north of Loop 323. Lively had recently graduated from the police academy and completed his field training.

On Tuesday, officers who attended the police academy with Lively along with several members of the Tyler PD gathered at the location where the crash took place in order to pay respect to their fallen brother. The remembrance was also attended by Lively’s family and friends where they placed flowers and a cross at the location.

A funeral service has been scheduled for Lively at 10 a.m. this Saturday at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. In lieu of flowers, Lively’s family has asked for contributions to be made to the Sam Lively Memorial Fund at Southside Bank, Lindale.

TYLER — Texas Game Wardens continue to investigate an accident on Lake Tyler East after a 19-year-old man fell off the boat and was found by divers Monday morning. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and our news partner KETK, game wardens are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident on the six-passenger boat that lead to the death of Eli Swinney on Sunday.

“The investigation could lead to possible criminal charges, but none have been filed at this time,” the department said. “One passenger was taken into custody that evening on unrelated charges.”

“As Texas Game Wardens, our mission is to help ensure Texans can enjoy the water safely and return home at the end of the day,” the department said. “While we actively patrol and enforce boating safety laws, we rely on boaters to practice safe boating when enjoying Texas’ waterways.” Continue reading Lake Tyler death may lead to criminal charges

CROCKETT – According to a report from our news partner, KETK, the Crockett Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for a man who is a suspect in an armed robbery that took place last week.

On April 22, the Crockett Police Department posted on their Facebook page that a 2020 Ram 3500 was stolen overnight from the 300 block of Cordell Street. During the investigation, detectives discovered that the stolen truck had been used in an armed robbery that occurred in the 1100 block of U.S. 287 in Grapeland, at the Ranch Express Convenience store.

Police then issued an arrest warrant for 18-year-old Jose Wilfredo Berrios. According to officials, the warrant is for criminal trespass and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Additionally, the Grapeland Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Berrios, charging him with aggravated robbery, according to officials.

ATHENS – Our news partner, KETK, reports that an Athens man was sentenced to prison after threatening to shoot three people, including a child with an AR-15 in September of 2024.

According to the Henderson County District Attorney, Freddie Castillo, 36 of Athens, was found guilty of two counts of aggravated assault on April 24 and sentenced to five years on one count and four years on the second count with both starting April 25.

The DA said they heard testimony that on Sept. 28, 2024 deputies responded to CR 4613 in Athens after the caller reported that she, her husband and her 13-year-old son picked up her sister-in-law from Cleburne and were bringing her home she shared with her husband, Castillo when he began yelling at everyone. Continue reading Man sentenced for threatening to shoot three people

TYLER – With the possibility of severe storms, and tornado warnings in effect, many East Texas schools are releasing students early. Our news partner, KETK, has compiled an updated list of schools that will have early release. To view that list, click here.

PANOLA COUNTY – The Panola County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a wanted man out of Michigan in East Texas following an early Tuesday morning chase, according to our news partner KETK.

A Texas Highway Patrol Trooper conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 315 at FM 1971 in Clayton at around 7:42 a.m. Officials learned that the driver, identified as Sidney Hunter, Jr., 23 of South Holland, Ill., and was wanted out of Michigan. Upon discovery, he reportedly fled. Officials said that Hunter turned onto FM 1970 before heading onto U.S. Highway 79 S towards Carthage.

Other law enforcement agencies in the area responded to the chase, and the Panola County Sheriff’s Office units set up road spikes before the Loop. Hunter made a U-turn before reaching the road spikes and continued driving through a ditch. Continue reading Michigan fugitive arrested in Panola County following chase

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas Senate approved changes Tuesday to the state’s strict abortion ban that both Republicans and Democrats say would clarify medical exceptions and has drawn support from women who were told they could not end their pregnancies despite life-threatening complications.

The unanimous passage of the bill in the GOP-controlled Senate — by a 31-0 vote — marked a rare moment of bipartisanship on an issue that for years has roiled the state Capitol as Texas Republicans have defended one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion bans and launched criminal investigations into alleged violations.

Under Senate-passed changes, Texas’ ban would specify that doctors are allowed to perform an abortion if a patient is experiencing a “life-threatening” condition capable of causing death, and “not necessarily one actively injuring the patient.” The bill would also require doctors to receive training on the revised law. Continue reading Texas Senate OKs effort to clarify medical exceptions under state’s abortion ban

PALESTINE – Our news partner KETK reports that the State Fire Marshal’s Office in Austin has confirmed they’re doing an origin and cause investigation into a trailer fire where human remains were found in Palestine.

According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy responded to a a trailer fire on Fields Street in Palestine on Sunday. The Palestine Fire Department was at the trailer and told the deputy that human remains were found inside the home. Anderson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Judge James W. Westley performed and inquest and has ordered an autopsy to be done on the remains.

The sheriff’s office requested that the State Fire Marshall’s Office come into remove the remains and to investigate the origin and the cause of the fire.

LONGVIEW – A man pleaded guilty on Monday to murder and aggravated assault from a 2022 Longview Waffle House shooting.

Our news partner KETK reports that Rayshon Weston LaGarde, 25, of Longview pleaded guilty to the murder of Kendall Marshall, 27, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that injured a woman in the December 23, 2022, Waffle House shooting, according to Gregg County Court Records.

LaGrande will be sentenced in the 188th District Court on May 9, 2025.

TYLER – Our news partner KETK reports that the Tyler Police Department is currently investigating the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old on Pegues Avenue on Monday.

According to Tyler Police, officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 1600 block of Pegues Avenue on Monday at around 9 p.m. When the officers arrived at the scene, they found a 16-year-old who had been shot. Tyler PD said the victim was then transported to a local hospital where he died. A witness at the scene told Tyler PD that they heard gunshots, and saw an older, white, 2-door truck leaving the scene on Pegues Avenue.

Anyone with information in connection to the incident is asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.

TYLER – According to a report from our news partner KETK, a Trinity Valley Community College alumnus is making his Alma Mater proud as he has become a vital member of the world-famous Savannah Bananas production team.

The Savannah Bananas, which pride themselves on putting on the greatest show in sports, perform across the country where they combine baseball and entertainment to create a unique experience for the entire family. The group even appeared on 60 Minutes last month to promote their unique brand of baseball.

Jesse Collins has become an instrumental part of the Savannah Bananas’ success and growing popularity, as he is now considered the production mastermind behind the team. Following his graduation from TVCC, Collins began working on the production side of things for well-known artists, including Thomas Rhett and Mariah Carey. Continue reading TVCC alum joins Savannah Bananas

LUFKIN — Texas farmers and ranchers may get a new lifeline from state lawmakers. The Texas House has approved a bill that expands one of the state’s most successful loan programs for the agriculture industry. That legislation, House Bill 43, is now up for debate in the Senate.

The relief can’t come quickly enough, said state Rep. Stan Kitzman, a Pattison Republican and the bill’s author.

“What House Bill 43 does is it makes funds available to help these producers hang on,” Kitzman said. “It’s not subsidies like the federal program. It takes an existing program that’s already at the Texas Department of Agriculture — the Young Farmer program — and expands that.” Continue reading Texas farmers could have greater access to low-interest loans under a bill the Senate is considering