KTBB News, Weather, Talk

JACKSONVILLE — Residents of one Jacksonville-area neighborhood want answers. KETK reports they live just off Highway 135, northeast of town. They say recent storms have knocked out much more than just power: electronics completely fried when the power is restored after a storm. We’re talking TVs, microwaves, indoor heaters, surge-protectors, refrigerators — totaling thousands of dollars in losses and repairs. It’s happened to about half of the residents in that neighborhood.

The area’s electric provider, Oncor, says the cause of the power surge is extremely rare. Oncor says a tree falling on a power line, falling on another power line of a different voltage, is what caused the surge. They say it’s an act of God they cannot be held responsible for. Oncor’s George Hill says, “What we are doing proactively on that entire circuit is going out and patrolling to make sure. If we can see any dead tree limbs that need to be removed, we will take the action now to go ahead and remove those tree limbs. Hill added Oncor patrolling should start within the next week.

MARSHALL (AP) – A federal judge has approved a $1.9 million settlement between an East Texas county and relatives of a drug-recovering inmate who died in custody. The agreement approved Monday in Marshall was reached by Gregg County and survivors of 33-year-old Amy Lynn Cowling of Gilmer. Cowling was under the care of a methadone clinic when she was arrested on Christmas Eve 2010 on misdemeanor theft warrants. Relatives say Cowling was denied her prescription drugs while in custody and died several days later.

The Marshall News-Messenger reported Tuesday that most of the money goes to Cowling’s children – ages 14, 17 and 19. Her mother Vicki Bankhead was awarded $750,000. Five jailers were fired or reassigned after the death. Two have been indicted. Gregg County admits no wrongdoing in the settlement.

PALESTINE — A third East Texas school district has approved allowing teachers to carry handguns on campus. The Westwood School District approved the measure Monday night. Under the “Guardian Plan,” teachers who have their own concealed handgun license will be trained and licensed to carry guns on campus. The district’s school board approved the measure by a 5 to 1 vote. Westwood now joins Van and Union Grove in implementing such a plan.

NACOGDOCHES — The Texas Rangers are investigating the death of a inmate found hanging in his jail cell. Rickey Lynn Flanagan, 27, was booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail early Friday evening. He was charged with driving while intoxicated. Authorities say when he arrived at the jail he was very intoxicated, and was placed into a detoxification cell. When they checked on him around 15 minutes later was found hanging from a partial wall. He was pronounced dead at a Nacogdoches hospital. The body was sent to Tyler for autopsy.

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office jailer resigned after he was placed on administrative leave after being charged with assaulting his girlfriend. Charged in the case is Anthony Gatwood, 32, of Nacogdoches. The incident is said to have occurred at their home in the 300 block of West Seale Street early Sunday morning. Gatwood was booked into the county jail on a charge of assault of a family or household member. He was later released on bond.

TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities will be cleaning and inspecting sewer mains, east of the downtown area this week. The following streets will be closed today between 8:00am and 5:00pm; South Fleishel Avenue and Saunders Avenue between East Erwin Avenue and East Elm Street. Citizens living or working in this area will need to use alternate routes. Limited access to local residents will be allowed. Additional street closure information will be given each afternoon this week.

MARSHALL — A group from East Texas is among the stranded passengers on a Galveston cruise ship. Six retired Marshall teachers are on board the Carnival Triumph crippled Sunday about 150 miles off of Mexico’s coast. Bill Barton says his wife Francine, and five of her friends are on the damaged ship. Barton said he has not been in contact with his wife since the engine fire, but received a voice mail from Carnival Cruises regarding the incident. Barton says the trip was supposed to be a great chance for the friends to relax and catch up. Coast Guard officials say a tugboat was on it’s way to the cruise ship early Monday morning. No one on the ship was hurt during the fire.

TYLER — TYLER — Tyler Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a burglary suspect. It happened Wednesday morning, February 6, around 3:15. Tyler Police responded to the Speedy Stop Shop, 900 W. Front Street in reference to a Commercial Burglar Alarm. When officers arrived they observed that an unknown suspect had broken out the glass door to gain entry into the business. The suspect stole numerous packs of cigarettes from the display rack from behind the counter.

Smith County Sheriff’s Department reported a similar burglary 30 minutes later at a gas station located at 31 West and Greenbriar Road. The attached photos of the suspect are from the Burglary investigated by Tyler Police Department.

If you can identify this suspect please contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A Diana man was killed Saturday night when fire swept through the camper trailer where he was staying, near his mother’s home. The body of 56-year-old Randy Hankins was found inside the camper on Hankins Road after firefighters extinguished the blaze around 10:30. According to KETK, Diana Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kenny Hankins, the victim’s brother, was among firefighters from Diana and Ore City who responded to the call. Because he suffered from several health issues, it is believed Hankins was unable to get out of the burning camper after he called his mother who lived nearby. She then called the firefighters. Hankins was alone in the camper on Hankins Road off FM 3245 in southeastern Upshur County.

TYLER — A second charge has been brought against the man accused in a fatal shooting at Tyler’s Broadway Square Mall. Ricky Neal Jr, of Henderson, is has now been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly. According to investigators, the 25-year-old shot at and missed Jonathan Lamone Dews, 29, Tyler. Neal is currently in the Smith County Jail on a charge of 1st degree murder as well as the additional charge. His bonds total $1,250,000. Neal allegedly shot and killed Chris Mass, 23, at the mall Saturday morning after an argument. Mass was pronounced dead at the scene. In an appearance in court yesterday, Neal signed a paper saying he could not afford an attorney. State District Judge Kerry Russell appointed as Neal’s attorney, O.M. “Buddy” Lloyd.

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

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews on Monday will have various lanes closed on Broadway Avenue (US 69) between South Loop 323 and 5th Street (SH 64) for pavement testing. The work in that location is expected to last one day. Then beginning Tuesday, crews are planning two days of pavement-repair work on Westbound Interstate Highway 20 between Barber Road and Joy-Wright Mountain Road in eastern Smith County. Once that work is complete, crews are scheduled to make pavement repairs at the four-way stop intersection of Farm Road 850 and State Highway 135 in Overton. 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 zones.

GREGG COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on State Highway 42 between Farm Road 2206 south of White Oak and Farm Road 1252 in Hughey. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repair operations on Farm Road 2636 south of Malakoff and on Farm Road 1667 south of Trinidad. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 782 northeast of Henderson between Farm Road 1716 in Oak Hill and State Highway 149 near the Gregg County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform ditch cleaning operations on Farm Road 514 near Yantis, Farm Road 17 near Lake Fork, and in various locations on U.S. Highway 80. A second crew is scheduled to perform spot resurfacing operations in various locations on Loop 564. Elsewhere in Wood County, TxDOT contractors are at work making base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 1804 (Hoard Road) between US 80 and the Smith County Line. The work is being done in preparation for a seal coat application next summer. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews on Monday are scheduled to conclude fog seal operations on U.S. Highway 80 between Wills Point and Edgewood, then spend the balance of the week performing the same work on Interstate Highway 20 frontage roads between the Oakland-Colfax and Farm Road 773 ramps. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 343 east of U.S. Highway 69 in Rusk, and continue edge work on Farm Road 855 near Mount Selman. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge and shoulder repairs on Farm Road 323 southeast of Palestine between U.S. Highway 84 and State Highway 294, and perform spot resurfacing work on Farm Road 321 near Yard. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — Late Friday night the Nacogdoches County Sheriff Office executed a search warrant on Fore Street in the city of Nacogdoches that resulted in the seizure of crack cocaine and marijuana. According to KETK, Sheriff Bridges stated that his office has had an ongoing investigation in the distribution of narcotics from this residence for the last month. The Sheriff Office was able to collect and gather enough information and evidence to establish probable cause for a search warrant on the residence Friday evening.

The Sheriff Office arrived Friday morning at the residence and arrested Byron Mcclelland for an outstanding warrant. Deputies then executed the search warrant to the residence in the 2400 block of Fore Street. During the search of the property Deputies confiscated 1 pound of marijuana, 18 grams of crack cocaine, a pistol and other drug paraphernalia.

Byron Mcclelland 31 years of age was arrested at the scene and charged with Possession of Marijuana State Jail Felony, Possession of Controlled Substance 2nd Felony and a Capias Warrant for nonpayment on Child Support. McClelland was booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail.

AUSTIN — The Texas Legislature looks to keep closer tabs on state funds, with the high-profile help of an East Texas representative. The Transparency in State Agency Operations Committee has been created to oversee the reporting aspect of the financial transactions of government agencies. “Basically, it lays out that it’s in the best interest of Texas to remain engaged and informed about operations of all branches of government and to encourage greater transparency in the expenditure of our state dollars,” says State Representative Four Price (pictured). He’s a member of the new committee and says taking a look at the books may be uncomfortable for some, but it will be beneficial. Price adds it will be up to the committee co-chairs, State Reps Dan Flynn of Van and Carol Alvarado, as to how involved they actually get.

CHAPEL HILL — The Chapel Hill community is devastated by Saturday’s shooting death of 2008 alumnus and star athlete Chris Mass (pictured) at Broadway Square Mall. Several people spoke to KETK about the incident. “Chris was just at the wrong place at the wrong time; this right here wasn’t supposed to happen,” says Charlean Mosely, a family friend. “I knew Chris Mass growing up. I went to school with him, and to hear such news, it’s pretty devastating to hear that,” added 2009 alumna Jon’Kayla Smith.

Two people were arrested Saturday morning following the shooting at the Broadway Square Mall in Tyler. Around 9:15, Tyler Police were dispatched to a shooting in the parking lot of Broadway Square Mall near J.C. Penny.

Ricky Neal Jr. 25, of Henderson and his girlfriend went to the mall to buy shoes. As they entered the mall, Neal noticed a group of men, one of which he had an issue with prior about “Tweeting” his girlfriend on the popular social media site, Twitter. A confrontation ensued between Neal and another man from the group inside the mall. The confrontation continued to the parking lot. Police said, Neal then pulled out a gun and shot the victim, later identified as Chris Mass, 23, Tyler, multiple times, killing him.

The Tyler Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Don Martin said Neal remained at the scene and was cooperative with authorities. He was taken into custody and charged with 1st degree murder.

During the processing of the crime scene, a subject identified as Desmond Javon Black, 30, Tyler, went underneath the crime scene barrier tape and ran towards the victim who was protected by officers. Officer gave verbal commands for Black to stop as he charged the scene and continued to ignore officer’s commands. Officers took Black into custody and charged him with interference with public duties. During the search of Black they discovered that he was in possession of marijuana which he was also charged with.

LUFKIN — A new provision of the law banning illegal music downloads and pirated DVD’s now makes it a crime to unlock a cell phone. Unlocking is a process that gives consumers the freedom to use a device sold by one carrier on another provider’s network. So does the customer need to worry? Lufkin cell phone store owner Matt Davis says, “I think that you won’t see so much persecution of…individuals, but more of the people who are actually providing the services.” The copyright office of the Library of Congress has a website where people can report violators. Convictions can lead to five-year prison sentences and half a million dollars in fines.

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview man pleaded guilty Friday to possession of a stolen firearm, a federal offense. Kym David Pearce, 51, faces up to 10 years in federal prison after entering the plea. According to the Longview News-Journal, Pearce was arrested May 20 at his home on Virgie Street. Investigators said they recovered eight firearms and several rounds of ammunition during a search of the property. Pearce admitted that he knew at least one of the firearms in his residence was stolen.

JACKSONVILLE (AP) — An East Texas school district has agreed to pay $1.53 million for the gymnasium, administration building and other assets of bankrupt Lon Morris College. Superintendent Joe Wardell of the Jacksonville school district tells the Tyler Morning Telegraph that the assets, which include more than 50 acres of land, have a value of about $6.8 million. Lon Morris, located in Jacksonville, is the oldest junior college in Texas. It filed for bankruptcy and suspended classes last year. The school’s assets were sold at auction last month. The bankruptcy court must still give its approval. The restructuring officer for the college says the proceeds from the sale will be used to pay creditors and the school’s former employees.

TYLER — One person was killed and two people were arrested Saturday morning following a shooting at the Broadway Square Mall in Tyler. Around 9:15, Tyler Police were dispatched to a shooting in the parking lot of Broadway Square Mall near J.C. Penny.

According to KETK, Ricky Neal JR.(pictured) 25, of Henderson and his girlfriend went to the mall to buy shoes at Champs. As they entered the mall, Neal noticed a group of men, one of which he had an issue with prior about “Tweeting” his girlfriend on the popular social media site, Twitter. A confrontation ensued between Neal and another man from the group inside the mall. The confrontation continued to the parking lot. Police said, Neal then pulled out a gun and shot the victim, later identified as Chris Mass, 23, Tyler, multiple times, killing him. Mass was a former Chapel Hill High School football and basketball player. He attended Steven F. Austin in Nacogdoches, where he also played football.

The Tyler Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Don Martin said Neal remained at the scene and was cooperative with authorities. He was taken into custody and charged with 1st degree murder.

During the processing of the crime scene, a subject identified as Desmond Javon Black, 30, Tyler, went underneath the crime scene barrier tape and ran towards the victim who was protected by officers. Officer gave verbal commands
for Black to stop as he charged the scene and continued to ignore officer’s commands. Officers took Black into custody and charged him with interference with public duties. During the search of Black they discovered that he was in possession of marijuana which he was also charged with.

GILMER — A former substitute teacher at Harmony High School has pleaded guilty to having an improper relationship between educator and student. Judy Lynn Langford, 35, admitted to having sexual relations with a 15-year-old boy in November 2011. Langford is free from jail on $60,000 bond and is banned from Harmony ISD property except to pick up her children from school. She will be sentenced February 28.

LONGVIEW — A Longview woman, accused of stabbing her stepgrandson with a knife and steak pitchfork, has been arrested by Longview police in her home in the 1100 block of Hutchings Boulevard. According to the Longview News-Journal, Tracy Johnson, 36, was charged with aggravated assault family violence with a deadly weapon. Johnson was in a fight with her stepgrandson and stepgranddaughter when she left the fight, went to the kitchen and reportedly retrieved the weapons, according to the probable cause affidavit for her arrest. A witness told police Johnson cut the victim on his left hand with the knife and steak pitchfork. Johnson was held Friday in the Gregg County Jail on a $7,500 bond.

TYLER — Weather permitting, a portion of the Tyler Public Library parking lot will be closed on Saturday for maintenance and repairs. The repair work will take place at the northwest Bois D’Arc Avenue entrance. Library visitors should enter at the southwest Bois D’Arc Avenue entrance or the east entrance on College Avenue. Parking meters around the Library building are available for handicapped visitor parking and are free on weekends.

The library will close on Sunday for scheduled software maintenance. The library’s online catalog of holdings will be unavailable, as well as online patron account functions. In addition, e-books and audiobooks will not be available for downloading on that day. The library will re-open as regularly scheduled, Monday, February 11, at 9:00am. For further information, call the Library at 903-593-7323.

GILMER — The man who allegedly stole a van with a baby inside in November 2012 has been indicted in Upshur County. According to KETK and Upshur County records, Andrew Lowell Crane, 31, was indicted on four charges, including aggravated kidnapping, child endangerment, tampering with evidence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Crane was arrested in November after allegedly stealing a van from the parking lot of a Gilmer gas station. A woman who owned the van was also the owner of the gas station. She had been taking groceries into the station when the van was stolen. Authorities searched the area and found the baby in the car seat on the side of the road. Fortunately, the child was not harmed. The van was found abandoned shortly afterwards, and Crane himself was found later in the day.

TYLER – A 51-year-old Longview man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Kym David Pearce pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm Friday in Tyler before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, on May 20, 2012, a federal warrant was executed for Pearce’s arrest at his residence on Virgie Street in Longview. As Pearce was being arrested, Gregg County CODE agents observed several firearms in the residence. A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of eight firearms and several rounds of ammunition. Pearce admitted that he knew at least one of the firearms in his residence was stolen. Pearce was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 3, 2012. Pearce faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler graduate nursing program has been ranked as one of the best by the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Nursing Programs, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. The UT Tyler master’s and doctorate programs are ranked 11th out of the 101 online nursing programs surveyed. This is the second consecutive year that the programs have been recognized. U.S. News and World Report evaluated only regionally accredited schools that met the federal standard of 100 percent online course delivery.

According to a university news release, the UT Tyler College of Nursing graduate programs prepare graduates to meet health care needs in the fields of education, research, and administration, as well as advanced practitioners. The college measures its success by the accomplishments of its graduates who serve as executive officers of large health care institutions; educators in universities and colleges; and advanced practitioners and consultants in rural clinics, government agencies, and urban medical centers.

TYLER — Judge Christi Kennedy of the 114th District Court approved an extension to recommit Byron Truvia to a state hospital this week. Authorities say in 2009, the John Tyler High School student, now 19, fatally stabbed his teacher, Todd Henry, 51, in a classroom. Since then, according to KETK, Truvia has been in and out of various hearings and mental evaluations.

TYLER — Tyler Police say a third suspect wanted in the January 16th robbery of the Food Fast – Exxon, 4201 University Boulevard has been apprehended. On February 7, the Tyler Police Department received a Smith County Crime Stopper tip on the whereabouts of Ashad Rael Coats, 25. Tyler Investigators along with U.S. Marshals located and arrested Coats at Town Park Apartments located at 2202 WNW Loop 323, according to police. Coats was charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. His bond was set at $100,000.

Earlier, Darryl Earl Daniels Jr. turned himself in to authorities on a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. The 23-year-old was booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $100,000. Jaqun Dawson is still in a local hospital and will also be charged with engaging in organized criminal activity.

According to authorities, the clerk said he was outside of the store smoking around 4:30 in the morning when he was approached by several black males wearing ski masks. The suspects took the clerk inside the store and demanded cash from the register. A customer walked into the store during the robbery and was not harmed. The suspects fled on foot to the rear of the store when police were called. Upon searching the area behind the store with a police K-9 they located Dawson lying in the wooded area. He had been shot in the lower right leg. Officers located a gun and other evidence linking him to the robbery.

TYLER — Red Springs, Lindale, and Dixie firefighters respond to the scene of a mobile home fire in Tyler. According to KETK, it happened around 1:00 Friday morning in the 5400 block of FM 14, State Park Road. The home was a complete loss. No injuries were reported.

KILGORE — The arrest of a Longview man appears to have solved numerous theft cases in Kilgore and Gregg County. Kilgore police received a report of a man who had stolen 10 bags of peat moss from the garden center at Wal-Mart. Police later stopped the suspect’s vehicle and arrested Russell Ray Clark, 43, of Longview. Further investigation turned of several more thefts in Kilgore and some Gregg County burglaries he appears to have committed. Along with numerous charges, Clark also faces two traffic charges.

TYLER — Officials at a Tyler school are following up on a lice outbreak. Our news partner KETK received an anonymous statement about the problem from a parent whose child goes to Trinity Lutheran Accredited School. The parent said, “When dropping my child off at school, I saw a sign at the check-in computer regarding head lice.”

KETK checked into the problem and was informed Trinity Lutheran followed up with parents by email. The email said, “We were informed Tuesday, February 5th, early in the morning, that one of our teachers had lice. Upon hearing this we put the school in what we call a Lice Lockdown. During our Lice Lockdown we check every head of staff and children. During our head check we discovered that two students and four teachers also had lice.” The problem is that it spreads fast. But Trinity Lutheran assured parents in the email they sent out that they were taking care of the problem.

Local doctor David Davis says, “Lice outbreaks are very, very common.” But getting rid of head lice can be challenging. Dr. Davis says there are plenty of products on the market that help get rid of lice, but you have to be diligent. And your hair isn’t the only thing that’s affected. Dr. Davis cites “clothing, the bedding, the pillows, even couches — things that they might have been laying on.” Dr. Davis says no one should go to school if he or she has lice, and he recommends people with lice stay at home until they are properly treated and checked repeatedly. Davis reminds us getting lice is not a question of poor hygiene; he says they can only be spread by physical contact.

CHAPEL HILL — A Tyler man is in custody following a reported assault in the Chapel Hill area. It was reported around 1:30 Thursday afternoon in the 13000 block of County Road 285. A woman told sheriff’s deputies that her boyfriend had assaulted her. He was identified as Jason Brian Woods, 30. She said he had fled into a wooded area behind her home. As law officers converged on the area, Woods was seen reentering the house. After a brief struggle, Woods was taken into custody. Besides charges from yesterday’s incident, Woods also had an outstanding warrant for evading arrest from a previous incident.