KTBB News, Weather, Talk

HAWKINS – The City of Hawkins is down to one police officer after the mayor fired three officers at the city council meeting on Tuesday, according to our news partners at KETK. Hawkins Mayor Debbie Rushing fired two patrol officers and one investigator because she said they were not properly hired and didn’t receive approval from the council. According to the city’s ordinance, “the police chief and mayor shall interview all applicants for the job of police officers and shall make their selection and present this selection to the city council for their approval.” These three officers were hired under former Police Chief, Paul Holland who resigned on Jan. 25, marking the third chief to step down in three years. Continue reading Hawkins relies on one police officer

TYLER – The highly contagious measles virus kills more than 200,000 each year, according to the Mayo Clinic.

UT Tyler Health Science Center Chief of Infectious Disease Dr. Richard Wallace explained what East Texans should know about measles and how to identify the “severe rash disease.”

Measles is a virus that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. After a vaccine was introduced in 1963 the virus was considered eliminated in the United States by 2000, but now there has been an uptick in cases mostly affecting babies, children under five and adults older than 20. Wallace said that measles can appear seven to 14 days after contact and an infected person should start feeling better four days after breaking out with the diagnostic rash.

The biggest sign of measles is a rash, but Wallace said people can also experience other symptoms including a runny nose, drainage, sore throat and a cough. For most people, the virus will feel like an intense case of the flu, but it can be especially dangerous for babies and toddlers. “40% of people with measles are hospitalized either for complications of measles or for isolation,” Wallace said. Doctors claim there have been no confirmed cases of measles in East Texas, but health officials are staying alert.

TYLER – Habitat for Humanity of Smith County (HFHSC) has grant funds available to complete critical repairs within the homes of Smith County and Cherokee County neighbors who may not be able to afford home repairs otherwise. The affiliate is seeking veterans or surviving spouses who own their home and may be in need of repairs within and around their homes. Continue reading Smith County Habitat to provide critical repairs for veterans and spouses

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that more than 100 jobs are coming to the Rose City as the first Bass Pro Shop prepares to open its doors. The company will be recruiting future employees over the next two days at the Tyler Holiday Inn. Kendra Hobbs moved to Tyler a year ago and has been on the job hunt since. She is looking for new opportunities with Bass Pro Shops at the event. “I’d like to make enough money to be able to spend on myself a little bit,” Hobbs said. Hobbs wasn’t the only one job searching in the Rose City Bass Pro Shops. Tyler General Manager Shawn Geer said they’ve had people waiting since before the doors opened Wednesday. Continue reading Bass Pro Shops holds job fair

ATHENS — Athens ISD board of trustees voted on Feb. 13 to call a $121.5 million bond election to address aging facilities by making improvements and new additions to educational spaces, according to our news partners at KETK. According to Athens ISD Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims, in Spring of 2024 the board of trustees came up with four goals for the district: academic excellence, exemplary employees, safe schools and the resources for students to succeed. From there, the board invited community members including teachers, parents and high school students to participate in a committee to talk about the four goals for the district and the needs for each campus. Continue reading Athens ISD calls for $121.5M bond

CAMP COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, an East Texas County judge is urging residence to sign a petition aiming to increase safety on U.S. Highway 271.

Camp County Judge A.J. Mason said this has been an ongoing effort to increase safety on the highway between Pittsburg and Gilmer. The petition aims to construct a designated center turning lane. Mason said he has been in contact with TxDOT for the past eight years. He urges residents to make their voices heard. ”Your voice matters and you deserve a safe driving environment,” Mason said.

The petition will be available in his office for residents to sign starting on Tuesday. Mason’s office is located at the Camp County Courthouse in room 303.

The City of Pittsburg said they will also have a petition for people to sign at the city hall on Rusk Street.

ATHENS — Athens ISD board of trustees voted on Feb. 13 to call a $121.5 million bond election to address aging facilities by making improvements and new additions to educational spaces. According to our news partner KETK, Athens ISD Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims, in Spring of 2024 the board of trustees came up with four goals for the district: academic excellence, exemplary employees, safe schools and the resources for students to succeed.

From there, the board invited community members including teachers, parents and high school students to participate in a committee to talk about the four goals for the district and the needs for each campus. The board used the committee’s list of proposed ideas to create the bill that would address the district goals and impact each student from early childhood to early college.
Continue reading Athens ISD calls for $121.5M bond for improvements

TYLER – Tyler Water Utilities is working to restore its ozone generator at the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant after a portion of the system froze during Tuesday night’s hard freeze. Staff are actively working to thaw and restart the ozone generator as soon as possible, with restoration efforts expected to continue through until finished. The Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) feed system is running at maximum capacity to mitigate any potential impacts.

With elevated seasonal geosmin levels detected in the water coming into the plant in recent weeks, the temporary outage of the ozone generator may lead to an increase in taste and odor concerns. Geosmin is a naturally occurring compound that can cause an earthy taste and odor in drinking water but does not pose a health risk.

Staff have deployed heaters and are taking all necessary precautions to maintain temperatures above freezing inside the facility to combat the freezing conditions that are forecast over the coming days. There are no other weather-related issues at Tyler Water Utilities facilities. Tyler Water Utilities will continue monitoring conditions and providing updates as needed.

JACKSONVILLE – Our news partners at KETK report that one person has died after a major crash involving at least two vehicles in Cherokee County Wednesday morning. According to Texas DPS Sergeant Chris Williamson, one person is confirmed dead after the accident occurring on Highway 69 in Jacksonville near Love’s Lookout.

JACKSONVILLE – Jeff Austin III, Chairman of the Board of Austin Bank, Texas National Association, announced Austin Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of Austin Bank, has completed the acquisition of The Chasewood Bank, Houston, Texas.

Lowell Little, Executive Vice President and Regional President of Austin Bank stated, “We are very pleased with how smoothly the transition has occurred and are delighted to be entering the North Houston market while strengthening our presence in the Southeast Texas region. Both consumer and commercial customers will now have advanced technology and an increased line of valuable products and services — plus even more convenient access to 40 Austin Bank locations.”
Continue reading Austin Bank completes acquisition of Chasewood Bank

SMITH COUNTY – A man has been sentenced to ten years of probation in connection to a 2022 fatal crash.

Guillermo Zuniga Jr., 25 of Longview, was facing a charge of criminally negligent homicide after he and Carlos Tello Parrà, 33 of Longview, got in a crash on County Road 384 north of Tyler, on Dec. 14, 2022.The 2015 GMC Sierra they were riding in was heading north when the vehicle left the road and hit a tree, authorities told KETK in 2022. Parrà was pronounced dead at the scene.

Zuninga had incapacitating injuries in the crash and had to be treated at a local hospital. He was given deferred adjudication by 241st Judicial District Court Judge Debby Gunter on Thursday meaning he’ll avoid a guilty verdict if he completes ten years of probation.

NACOGDOCHES — With 24 Dairy Queen locations set to close across Texas, people can now purchase a variety of restaurant items and equipment as part of an ongoing auction.

The “complete contents” of various Dairy Queen restaurants will be auctioned on Local Auctions until Thursday afternoon. Buyers will be responsible for disassembling all purchased items.
“Multiple Dairy Queen locations are closing their doors and must liquidate the assets. Bid on a large variety of restaurant assets and related items that need to be removed from the location,” the auction website said.

To see the full list of closing locations posted by our news partner, KETK, click here.

TYLER — Wednesday, some school districts in East Texas closed early due to the cold weather. With hard freeze conditions in play all across the region, some ISD’s may delay their Thursday opening.

Tonight’s forecast is Partly Cloudy, with a low around 17. Wind chill values are low at 6. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Our news partner KETK, has an updated list of delays. You can see it here.
Your complete East Texas weather is here.

GLADEWATER — A 24-year-old pilot is being treated at a local hospital after his plane missed the runway Monday night in the midst of an apparent mechanical failure. According to the Gladewater Mirror, first responders from multiple agencies were called to the scene about 10:15 p.m. Feb. 17. Personnel from Texas Department of Public Safety are spearheading the investigation alongside Gladewater firefighters and police officers.

“The airport is going to be shut down pending the investigation,” Gladewater Fire Chief Mike Simmons said. “Based on what the pilot stated, he took off and lost power on takeoff, circled back to land at the airport and landed in the grass just on the side of the runway.”

It’s unclear what time the crash occurred. Continue reading Pilot injured in plane crash near airport

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, a Longview home caught fire on Sunday leading to $100,000 in estimated damages. Longview Fire Department said firefighters arrived at an Aspen Street home at around 10:40 a.m. on Sunday after receiving calls regarding a house fire. Heavy smoke and fire was found inside the home once firefighters went inside. The fire was put out in around 20 minutes but not before an estimated $100,000.00 in damage was done to the house.

The fire was put out by a total of three engine trucks, two ladder trucks, one ambulance and a total of 21 first responders. Longview Fire Department believes the fire was started due to a pan of grease that was left unattended on the stove.

No residents of the home or firefighters were reported as injured, but one dog was taken to an animal hospital for treatment. The family is currently being helped by the Texas Red Cross.

KILGORE – After a massive fire destroyed a major recycling center serving many East Texas cities last summer, a new 50,000-square-foot facility is opening their doors in an effort to help fill in some of the gap. According to our news partner KETK, they’re currently putting the final touches on a new 50,000-square-foot recycling facility built to serve both homes and businesses.

They are also currently in the process of creating contracts to work with the city of Tyler and Longview. Both cities, along with many others in East Texas, had to find other ways to dispose of recyclables after the Rivers recycling plant burned down last June. When the new facility starts running at full capacity they’ll process paper, plastic and cardboard. That will hopefully help reduce the amount of waste currently heading to landfills and give these recycled products new life after they leave your curb.

The facility is expected to be up and running in March. Currently they are hiring employees to work at the warehouse.

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a good Samaritan assisting with a minor crash was injured after a drunk driver struck them.

According to the Tyler Police Department, two cars were involved in a minor crash near the intersection of Paluxy Drive and East Southeast Loop 323 at around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. One good Samaritan was near the crash and moved towards the vehicles to help out. That’s when a third vehicle hit the first two vehicles and pushed the bystander away, a Tyler PD official said. The bystander received minor injuries, was treated and has since been released.

The driver of the third vehicle has been arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail for driving while intoxicated. The police department has not released the driver’s identity.

WHITEHOUSE – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the grandfather of Whitehouse native and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed away on Wednesday.

Mahomes’ mother, Randi, shared on Instagram that her father, Randy Martin, has died. The announcement comes after Martin entered hospice care just days before the Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship.

“Hard to find the words of holding my fathers hand as he goes to Heaven. I know he’s in a better place. I love you daddy. Well done, good and faithful servant! Matthew 25:23,” Randi Mahomes wrote in her Instagram post on Friday.

Randi Mahomes said her father was “hanging on” to watch his grandson in the Super Bowl while in hospice in an interview with People Magazine. Martin’s death comes just three days after Super Bowl LIX. Martin’s obituary said he was born on Jan. 6, 1947, and died on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 78-years-old. A funeral service will be held for Martin at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home at 800 Kilgore Drive in Henderson on Monday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. before his burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Overton.

TYLER – On Thursday, Feb. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) will conduct a come-and-go community meeting in District 4 at the Tyler Chamber of Commerce, Genecov Room, 315 N. Broadway Ave. This come-and-go event will feature information stations staffed by Department Directors and the opportunity for individuals to speak directly with Councilmember James Wynne. Water Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) will also be available to assist with individual account questions. Customers are encouraged to attend the event in their district and speak one-on-one with subject matter experts to learn more about TWU, utility billing, improvement projects, to voice questions or concerns, and to provide feedback on these topics. Residents should bring a copy of their water bill for specific billing questions. Continue reading TWU hosts public meeting for District 4 on Thursday

LONGVIEW — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a woman was hospitalized with minor injuries following an overnight shooting, according to the Longview Police Department.

Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Sidney Street on early Monday at around midnight in regards to a shooting. When they arrived, officers found a woman who had been shot. She was taken to a local hospital by fire personnel for non-life-threatening injuries. Officials said the suspect had fled before police arrived. During an investigation, officials identified the suspect as 59-year-old Richard Lynn Williams. He was later arrested and faces charges of unlawful carrying a weapon with felony convictions, possession of a controlled substance, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

He is being held at the Gregg County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

HEMPHILL – Sabine County Sheriff Tom Maddox died on Thursday morning after medical complications from a long-term illness according to our news partner KETK.

The sheriff’s office said Maddox died at his home in Sabine County surrounded by family. Multiple sheriff’s offices, police departments and DPS all assisted in escorting Maddox home from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Maddox has been the sheriff of Sabine County since 2001 and was former president of the Texas Sheriff’s Association and a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper.
“Mike Mills, Sabine County Liaison Officer, State Division of Emergency Management presented Tom Maddox with

“The State of Texas is a better place due to the efforts of Sheriff Tom Maddox,” the sheriff’s office said. “His leadership and determination will be missed by all.” Continue reading Sheriff Tom Maddox dies after battling long-term illness

GUN BARREL CITY – The Gun Barrel City Police Department said they’ve arrested a man after he allegedly threatened to shoot up a local Walmart on Saturday.

According to our news partner KETK, officers with Gun Barrel City PD responded to reported threats made against the Walmart at 1200 W Main Street at around 6:33 p.m. on Saturday. Once inside, Gun Barrel City PD said officers found an armed man who had threatened to “shoot up” the store. John Thomas Martin, 22 of Kerrville, was identified by officials as the man allegedly making the threats against the Walmart. The responding officers reportedly found a Glock 10mm handgun, three magazines, an extended magazine, 63 rounds of 10mm ammunition, shooting ear plugs and a ballistic vest in Martin’s possesion.

Martin was arrested and charged with terroristic threat, a 3rd degree felony, and unlawful carrying of a weapon, which is a class A misdemeanor. He’s currently being held in the Henderson County Jail on a total bond of $1,025,000. Continue reading Man arrested for threatening to shoot up Walmart

AUSTIN — East Texas State Representative Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, has been appointed to serve as the Chair of the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs. According to our news partner KETK, Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows appointed Hefner to lead Homeland Security committee and he also appointed him to serve as a member of the Committee on Transportation and the Committee on Redistricting.

“The Texas House stands ready to address the most pressing issues facing our state, and I have full confidence Chairman Hefner’s leadership of the Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs Committee will greatly contribute to the success of the 89th legislative session,” Burrows said. “Every Texas House committee serves an important role guiding the policies that shape our state and ensuring proper oversight of the legislative process. Chair Hefner is a proven champion of conservative policies that leave a positive impact on the lives of all Texans, and I look forward to our collaboration to deliver another monumental conservative session for Texans.” Continue reading East Texas Representative appointed to lead State HHS Committee

TYLER — A home in Tyler has unexpectedly became the backdrop for proposals being deemed the “engagement house” on social media. According to our news partner KETK, while he was in Tyler for work, James Meador was driving around town and found a home that he knew would be the perfect spot to ask his girlfriend Laura Hammers to spend the rest of her life with him. The home is located in the Azalea District and it is a popular destination during Christmas season because of its beautiful decorations.

The lights hold a special meaning for the homeowners who had a tree in their wedding that was decorated with crystals.

“In our own wedding, we had a tree. It was not a tree with lights, it was a tree with crystals, it was an indoor tree that my parents actually made for our wedding,” homeowner Ashley Lesniewski said. Continue reading Azalea home nicknamed the “engagement house”

JACKSONVILLE – An East Texas man is dead after a traffic accident that led to a shooting on Thursday. According to the Jacksonville Police Department and our news partner KETK, around 9:50 p.m. Jacksonville police and firefighters responded to a traffic accident at the intersection of Myrtle Drive and Sam Boles Road. Officials said they saw that one of the occupants, identified as Angel Balderas Jr., 33 of Jacksonville, had a single gunshot wound. Balderas was transported to a local emergency room where he later died.

The shooter was detained and questioned but officials said no charges will be filed at this time. The police department said no other details will be released due to it being an ongoing investigation.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department said they arrested a man on Friday after he allegedly pointed a rifle at officers from a home on Tupelo Drive. According to our news partner KETK, Longview PD officers were responding to a domestic incident in the 200 block of Tupelo Drive at around 8:50 p.m. on Friday when they first made contact with Benjamin Howell, 41 of Longview.

After the officers arrived at the Tupelo Drive home, Howell reportedly fled inside and then pointed his rifle out at the officers. According to a Longview PD press release, the officers then took cover and called for the Longview SWAT unit and the Negotiations unit.

Officers reportedly heard one gunshot from inside the home and after negotiators made repeated attempts to contact Howell, the SWAT team had to resolve the standoff through non-lethal force measures, Longview PD said. Continue reading Standoff suspect arrested in Longview