KTBB News, Weather, Talk

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — One person has died after a tree fell on an RV in Van Zandt County on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger said a woman died after the tree fell on her RV at the Reserve RV Park on County Road 4914. Bridger said her body was recovered from the RV and officials are working to notify her family. Additional information was not available.

TYLER — As much of East Texas was under a thunderstorm or tornado warning on Tuesday morning. Our news partner, KETK, has compiled pictures sent in from the community.

To view those pictures, click here.

TYLER – After severe weather hit East Texas on Tuesday morning, about 80,000 customers are reportedly without power as of 12 p.m.

Our news partner, KETK, has compiled a list of East Texas counties from the Texas power outage map and electric co-ops with power outages. To view that list, click here.

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County residents who suffered property damage due to Tuesday morning’s storms are being asked to report them the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore reported that a couple of mobile homes in The Grove at Brook Hollow, located off Rhones Quarter Road, had trees that fell through them. The Smith County Road and Bridge Department reported a partial wash out of County Road 165, also known as Henry Moore Road, southwest of Tyler.

Road crews also responded to trees down on County Roads 134, 135, 168, 2115 and 2116. To report downed trees or wash outs of county roads, please call Smith County dispatch at 903-566-6600. To report property damages caused by the storm on March 4, 2025, click here. The Tyler-Smith County Tornado and Severe Weather Response Plan for 2025 as been released and can be found here.

BULLARD – Due to a power outage impacting about half of the campuses at Bullard ISD, all of the campuses will be released at 12pm. A district spokesperson added that school buses will also run beginning at 12 pm.

TYLER— As East Texas battles the storms, some roads have been shut down due to flooding, damages or car crashes.

Our news partner, KETK, has a full and updated list of road closures. To view that list, click here.

MINEOLA — Texas Republicans are making moves that they say will protect teachers. A bill filed by State Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, would give protection to school workers who are facing complaints from transgender students, upset over being misidentified in the classroom. He says teachers should not be pressured to support something that conflicts with their deeply held religious beliefs.

The bill faces opposition from several civil rights groups, which testified at a hearing this week. They fear it will lead to bullying in the classroom.

TYLER — Our news partner, KETK, reports that staff were evacuated at People’s Petroleum in Tyler Monday afternoon after smoke was coming from the building.

According to Tyler Fire Department Assistant Chief Kelly Adkinson, when firefighters arrived they found no smoke but made the decision to evacuate people to investigate the situation. Adkinson said after Encore arrived they determined it was an electrical issue with an underground transformer located under College Street. Due to a strong smell of smoke, firefighters performed ventilation to help clear the smell out.

Officials said there were no injuries reported and staff and patrons were allowed to reenter the building after around 30 minutes.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a 21-year-old from Kemp has been arrested for continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 in Henderson County.

On Feb. 10, an investigator with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office’s Crimes Against Children Task Force was shown a forensic interview of a child at the Maggie’s House children’s advocacy center in Athens.

According to arrest documents obtained by KETK, the child was interviewed after they made an outcry at school which was reported to Child Protective Services. The child said they had earned a dollar bill by “doing something nice” to a man named Ian. Continue reading Kemp man charged with sexual abuse

EAST TEXAS — As severe weather hits East Texas, several school districts have announced that they will be closing or delaying classes on Tuesday to ensure students and staff remain safe. Click here for the list.

HAWKINS – According to our news partner KETK, a special city council meeting to discuss the reinstatement of three Hawkins Police Department officers ended in disagreement on Monday and the vote to re-hire them was called off. In Monday’s meeting, there were multiple motions on the floor to vote to grant the appeal and immediately reinstate the terminated officers, but the mayor refused to call the motions to a vote. Mayor Debbie Rushing repeatedly said it was an “out of order motion.”

According to the city’s ordinance, the council is required to vote on new police officers, which did not happen in the case of these officers. The police officers who were terminated are David Morris, Dale Lundberg and Vernon Polk.

Each officer was present at Monday’s meeting with their attorneys. One attorney said during the meeting that the hiring of the officers was lawful but the mayor still denied their motion. Continue reading Hawkins mayor denies motions to reinstate 3 police officers

CANTON – According to our news partner KETK, five people were arrested over the weekend for attempted burglary in Canton. Officials believe the five people were a part of several prior robberies in East Texas. The Canton Police Department responded to a possible burglary in progress early on Sunday morning. The people involved in the robbery had fled the scene prior to officers arriving. The group went on to attempt to burglarize more vehicles a short distance away.

Officers were able to locate those involved and conducted a traffic stop. According to Canton PD, five people were found inside the car, including two women, Rashae Abercrombie, 19, and Hailey Huber, 19, along with three juvenile males.

Further investigation of the vehicle led to marijuana being discovered along with a weapon. Following the investigation, all five suspects were reportedly arrested on multiple charges, including possession of marijuana, unlawful carry of a weapon and tampering with evidence. Items found inside the car indicated that the five people were part of several previous robberies in Van Zandt County. Canton PD said they will be assisting other departments in finding any possible connections.

KILGORE – Investigators are seeking help to identify a Jane Doe who has remained unidentified since December 2000. According to reports from our news partner KETK, investigative Genetic Genealogists with the DNA Doe project are currently working to identify the woman who was found over 24 years ago in a wooded area five miles northeast of Kilgore.

Investigators believe she would have been around 30 to 50-years-old, between 4’10” and 5’3” tall and weighing 115 pounds. Investigators also believe that the woman was dead for up to two years before she was found in 2000. The DNA Doe Project began working on this case in the fall of 2021, which was previously worked on by the team at Parabon Nanolabs. The case was taken on by a group of four genetic genealogists and six support staff members. Continue reading Investigators seek help identifying a woman after 24 years

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that revisions have been made to Tyler’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System MS4 permit to meet regulations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). “Our Stormwater Management Program is dedicated to protecting public health, reducing flooding risks and improving water quality in our community,” City of Tyler Stormwater Management and Environmental Compliance Engineer Paul Neuhaus said. Smith County has partnered with the City of Tyler through an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to implement these new TCEQ requirements. Continue reading Tyler City Council updates storm sewer system

LONGVIEW- The Longview Gas Plant, with over 600 miles of pipeline just outside of city limits, is believed to be unsafe by some of its employees.

The Longview Gas plant plays an important role in processing low quality gas produced across the region by separating the mixture into higher value products, like butane, hexane, and condensate. They are the only plant in East Texas to do so, and without them, many oil horses would grind to a halt. Due to the plant’s economic importance, and possible dangers presented by the conversion process, the Department of Homeland Security and the Texas Railroad Commission – which regulate the state’s oil and gas industry- consider the plant critical to Texas energy infrastructure.

In 2020, the plant was acquired by the Houston-based company, J. Global Energy Midstream. According to a report by The Tyler Morning Telegraph, Longview Gas Plant employees say that a chaotic working environment and cavalier attitude toward safety by the facility’s Brazilian ownership are endangering East Texans. This assertions has been illustrated by a worker death, two fires, and an oil spill, among other incidents. Continue reading Employees say safety issues at gas plant endanger the community

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Sulphur Springs Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify a person who reportedly attempted to steal rent checks from a drop box.

Sulphur Springs PD has made the above photos available so that people can come forward with more information should they recognize the suspect.
If anyone has any information about the person, officials ask they contact Det. Rusty Stillwagoner or Det. Jason Reneau of the Sulphur Springs Police.

MOUNT PLEASANT – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corporation recently announced that NXG Truck Bodies is bringing 95 new jobs to the area with their new manufacturing plant. The new 120,000-square-foot manufacturing space will bring a $20 million investment to Mount Pleasant, according to the Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corporation (MPEDC).

“We’re thrilled to support this major development and look forward to seeing its impact on our community,” MPEDC said.

The NXG Truck Bodies plant is located on County Road 3210 just off of Highway 30 to the northeast of Mount Pleasant. They’re currently preparing the plant to start work on what NXG says will be the next generation of truck bodies.MPEDC said NXG Truck Bodies is currently hiring a production supervisor and a maintenance supervisor. Anyone interested in working at NXG Truck Bodies can apply in person at 2305 County Road 3210 or online. To keep track of the plant’s progress visit NXG Truck Bodies on Facebook or on their website.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department said a fatal crash on South Broadway Avenue left one person dead and two people injured on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened when an SUV turning to enter a Pizza Hut parking lot crashed with two motorcycles in the 7900 block on South Broadway Avenue at around 4:45 p.m. One motorcycle driver reportedly died in the crash, a Tyler PD spokesperson said. The other motorcycle driver and the driver of the SUV where both transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

PAYNE SPRINGS – The Payne Springs Fire Rescue said one of their firefighters was hurt while fighting a fire in the Lunday Land II subdivision on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Payne Springs Fire Rescue (PSFR) responded to a single story home fire at around 7:50 a.m. on Friday morning. The home was under high heat conditions and heavy fire when PSFR firefighters made their entry into the home. PSFR said one firefighter did get cut on his hand when glass cut through his gloves. The fighter was cut so badly that he needed stitches. The fire was extinguished with help from the Gun Barrel City Fire Department and the Eustace Fire Department.

The Henderson County Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

TYLER — Our news partner KETK is reporting that the measles outbreak continues to grow in West Texas, healthcare professionals in East Texas are working to educate the public about the disease and its potential impact.

Dr. Doug Curran, Chief Medical Officer at East Texas Community Clinic, and Dr. Sarah Jethro, Chief Resident at the UT Athens Family Medicine residency program, provided in-depth insight into the situation and the steps East Texans can take to protect themselves. “Right now, we have more cases of measles in Texas and in the U.S than before I was born,” Jethro said.

On Wednesday, Texas reported its first measles-related death in over a decade. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that the child, who was unvaccinated, passed away after receiving treatment at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock. Notably, the child did not reside in Lubbock County.

Less than two hours way from Smith County, Rockwall County officials have also reported their first measles case. The patient had traveled overseas and later tested positive. The Rockwall County Commissioners Court does not believe the case is related to the outbreak in West Texas. Continue reading East Texas doctors urge vaccinations amid measles outbreak

PALESTINE – According to our news partner KETK, East Texas State Rep. Cody Harris ended a Q&A session one hour early on Friday night after he warned the audience to be respectful. There were school choice protestors outside and educators yelling throughout the evening.

Harris, who represents Palestine in the Texas State House, was holding a town hall at Palestine High School in order to answer questions about his education policy push in Austin. Harris was joined by the author of the school choice bill, Representative Brad Buckley of Salado.

Anytime Rep. Buckley would explain a fact in House Bill 3, he was met with loud comments, yelling and questions from the audience. Harris gave one warning and became fed up.

House Bill 2 will invest over $7.6 billion into public education including a significant portion for teacher pay raises. Harris said he wanted to bring the author of the townhall to explain HB3 in more detail. He explained that the point of the town hall was to explain the pieces of legislation to help rural East Texas public schools. Continue reading State reps booed off stage during education meeting

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that five people were arrested in Henderson County after investigators conducted two major drug busts on Thursday.

According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, at around 8:45 a.m. investigators conducted a narcotics search warrant in Moore Station on County Road 4300. Authorities found Mickey Shane Hargett, 62, and Lonnie Leon Hall, 60, at the home. Officials said they discovered a hole in the backyard where Hargett buried a plastic container that included baggies and scales for the distribution of narcotics. Hargett was arrested for the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance along with active arrest warrants while Hall was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with active arrest warrants. Continue reading Five arrested in two major drug busts

TYLER – On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the City Council approved the updated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit to meet the new regulations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This revision aligns with the Phase II MS4 permit, which took effect on Aug. 15, 2024, highlighting the City’s commitment to public health and the environment. “Our Stormwater Management Program is dedicated to protecting public health, reducing flooding risks and improving water quality in our community,” said Paul Neuhaus, City of Tyler Stormwater Management and Environmental Compliance Engineer. Continue reading City of Tyler updates stormwater permit

MOUNT ENTERPRISE – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Mount Enterprise man was arrested after a family member reported she has been sexually abused every week since she was 13.

According to arrest records, the victim said that Daniel Alton Flanagan, 51 of Mount Enterprise, has been sexually assaulting her since she was 13 until recently. She explained that the abuse happened once a week until she was about 22. The document said now that the victim is older, the abuse has continued and has been happening every three or four weeks. Flanagan was interviewed at the Rusk County Sheriff’s office where he allegedly admitted to having sex with the family member since she was about 13 and that the abuse had continued until about a month ago.

Flanagan was arrested on Monday for continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14 and prohibited sexual conduct with an ancestor or descendant. He is being held on a $225,000 bond at the Rusk County Jail.

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that school choice may soon pass it’s final hurdle in the Texas House of Representatives. Governor Greg Abbott said that for the first time in our state’s history, a school choice proposal has enough backing from representatives.

“I think House Bill Three is going to be one of the finest, if not the finest, school choice bill in America,” said State Rep. Brent Money (R) Greenville.

Money, who represents Hopkins and Van Zandt counties in Austin, said the bill will allow parents another option for education and should only affect the students and families who apply for the program.

“There are strong protections, legal protections, the strongest in the state that say that this program cannot be used to change the way homeschoolers homeschool, private schoolers private school and it’s not going to change the public schools either,” Money said. Continue reading East Texas Rep says school choice will pass in State House

HENDERSON – Our news partner, KETK, reports that during a search of a Henderson home on Thursday, authorities reportedly found illegal narcotics and a firearm.

The Henderson Police Department said multiple agencies conducted a joint operation, executing a state search warrant at a home on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at around 7 a.m. The police department said they found methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a pistol. One person was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The police department has not released the identity of the person arrested.

Henderson PD was joined by the Kilgore Police Department, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and the North East Texas Regional SWAT Team.

WHITEHOUSE- A 35-year-old man was injured on Thursday while pouring gasoline on a controlled burn in Whitehouse.

The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the 17000 block of Forest Lane in Whitehouse at around 1:41 p.m. According to our news partner, KETK, officials said the man was burning plastic household items, a toaster and aerosol cans. He was transported by helicopter to a local hospital for treatment after being issued a Class C Misdemeanor citation for illegal burning.

“Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reminds residents to never use ignitable liquids when conducting controlled burn,” the Smith County Fire Department said.