KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Texas Rose Festival held an event on Thursday where they announced the 2024 theme, queen and royal court for the annual event, according to our news partner KETK. The theme for the 2024 Texas Rose Festival is Fanfare of Festivals. “We decided to celebrate a fanfare of festivals and so that’s going to be all over the world, the state of Texas and most of all the rich history of the Texas Rose Festival,” said coronation co-chair Chelsea Cooper. Inspiration will come from festivals all around the world, some coming from East Texas including the Tomato Fest and Syrup Festival. They also announced Frances Olivia Faulconer as the 91st annual queen, daughter of Galen and Renee Faulconer. “Being chosen as the Queen of the Texas Rose Festival is not just a distinction for me, it’s a testament to the pride and joy it brings to my entire family,” said Faulconer. Continue reading 91st Rose Festival Queen named

TYLER — The TxDOT Tyler district encompasses eight East Texas counties and had a total of 24 pedestrian fatalities in 2022 alone, according to our news partner KETK. “Some of the leading causes of pedestrian fatality is driver inattention, unsafe speed, and pedestrians failing to yield the right of way to vehicles,” said Jeff Williford, TxDOT Tyler District Public Information Officer. TxDOT encourages pedestrians to use sidewalks, crosswalks, and be cautious of their surroundings. “We’ve seen over the past few years throughout the state that fatalities throughout the state have risen,” said Williford. Suggesting whenever people are out and about, whether that’s in neighborhoods or along busy highways, make sure they’re visible to drivers. “Make sure again, that you’re staying on sidewalks, if there is not a sidewalk available to walk on, we encourage to walk on the left side of the road,” said Williford. Continue reading Pedestrian fatalities is rising concern

VAN – The City of Van has removed mandatory restrictions on the use of non-essential water Thursday. This according to a city official talking to KTBB. The stage five water restrictions had been in place since January 4. Stage five meant that except for health, sanitary and safety needs, water use was not allowed.

LONGVIEW — Three people have been arrested after the Longview Police Department found multiple drugs and weapons during search. According to a release, the Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit and  SWAT team executed a narcotics search warrant on Texas Street. During the search, they reportedly seized methamphetamine, ecstasy, Xanax, crack cocaine, and marijuana. They also recovered a pistol, magazine and ammunition. Three people were arrested and taken into the Gregg County Jail without incident. The identified suspects are Delaina Pruitt, 50 of Longview, Austin Young, 56 of Mount Pleasant and Kristina Kelly, 32 of Longview. Pruitt was charged with four counts of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Young was arrested for possession of a controlled substance less than one gram and possession of marijuana less than two ounces. Kelly was arrested for four outstanding city warrants.

TYLER — A pedestrian crossing Loop 323 was hit by a car on Wednesday night. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said a pedestrian was crossing Loop 323, from First Christian Church to the French Quarter Shopping Center parking lot, around 6:45 when they were struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound. The pedestrian was not using a crosswalk. The vehicle reportedly remained at the scene to wait for authorities. Tyler PD said the pedestrian was awake and alert and was transferred to a local hospital but was in serious condition.

LIVINGSTON – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced that one person is dead and two were life-flighted after a shooting on Tuesday night according to our news partners at KETK. Officials said they are investigating a shooting at a residence in the Kickapoo Marina subdivision around 11:25 p.m., and on the scene they found one man dead and two others with multiple gunshot wounds. The sheriff’s office said that the two men were life-flighted to receive care for their injuries. Authorities said there is no immediate danger to the public or residents of the area. Continue reading One dead, Two injured after shooting in Polk County

POLK COUNTY – Our colleagues at KETK report that a second person was arrested for murder after a body was found in a Polk County driveway in early December. Officials said Polk County detectives, with assistance from the Texas Rangers, obtained an arrest warrant for Shawn Anthony Thor, 24, of Livingston, on Dec. 28. The arrest was part of an extensive investigation into the murder of Jacob Timothy Neal, 29, according to authorities, who was found in a private driveway on Duff Road. 24-year-old Toby Wayne Ford was arrested soon after Neal was found, and the death was determined to be a murder. Thor was booked into the Polk County Jail with a bond of $250,000.

LONGVIEW – A shooting early Wednesday morning in Longview has hospitalized a man with life-threatening injuries. According to our news partner KETK, the unnamed man was found in the backyard of a home on East Lynnwood Lane around 5:45 a.m. Wednesday. Emergency personnel transported the individual to a local hospital for treatment. Detectives continue their investigation in the case. Longview Police ask if you have information to call them at 903-237-1110. Or contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP or online to give anonymous tips.

ANDERSON COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK woman is dead after a wreck on New Year’s Day on U.S. Highway 175 in Frankston. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 35-year-old Kristen Dehart of Pine Bluff was driving east on Highway 175 at 11:43 p.m. DPS said her 2023 Chevrolet Blazer crossed into the westbound lane and hit an oncoming 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup. hild taken to hospital after wreck in Gun Barrel City A preliminary crash report indicates that Dehart was not wearing her seatbelt and died at the scene. The other driver was treated on site and released. DPS is still investigating the crash.

LONGVIEW — A Mega Millions ticket sold in Longview has won a $2 million prize after Tuesday night’s drawing. According to the Texas Lottery and our news partner KETK, the ticket was sold at the Murphy Express on E. Loop 281. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 18, 27, 29, 64 and the Mega Ball was 1. The ticket sold in Longview matched the five winning numbers, winning a $1 million prize, that was doubled with the Megaplier.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Municipal Court’s warrant amnesty program will be available from Jan. 1 through April 30, 2024, offering those with outstanding warrants an opportunity to resolve cases and save on their court fines. During the amnesty program, all warrant fees will be removed when someone voluntarily contacts the court to pay at least half the total amount due and start a payment plan for the remaining balance. An additional 20 percent will be removed from the fine amount for those who pay their balance in full. The discount only applies to the fine amount and does not include court costs. 239 people took advantage of the warrant amnesty program in 2023, resolving 381 warrants and saving thousands of dollars. The Longview Municipal Court encourages anyone with an active, outstanding warrant to seize this chance to save some money and get a fresh start. Continue reading Municipal Court offers warrant amnesty program

PALESTINE — A man is in custody after a standoff with police officers, where he allegedly claimed to have multiple firearms and a bomb. According to our news partner KETK and the Palestine Police Department, on Jan. 1 at around 4:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of St. Andrews Drive due to a disturbance. The caller reportedly had advised authorities that the man inside the house was armed. When officers arrived, they reportedly heard gunshots being fired inside the house and a short time after a female ran out of the residence and was taken to safety by officers. The suspect, Tin Phan, 26, of Palestine, was reportedly the only person inside the house. The PPD emergency team arrived at the scene. Officials said Phan came out of the house with a firearm and was wearing a military uniform. An attempt to negotiate with Phan reportedly failed and Phan ran back into the residence. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Phan and a search warrant for the residence. Continue reading Palestine man arrested following standoff

LONGVIEW — Authorities in Longview are investigating after a woman was found dead on railroad tracks on New Year’s Day. According to our news partner KETK, officers were called to North Fredonia Street for an “unknown problem.” When they arrived, witnesses reported a woman lying on the railroad tracks in the area of North Second Street. Officers said it appeared that the unidentified woman was “struck by a moving train.” The Longview Police Department and the Union Pacific Railroad Police Department are investigating.

EAST TEXAS — A Carthage man was found guilty on Tuesday of several counts after waiving a jury trial in a Capitol riot case. According to our news partner KETK, the prosecution and defense agreed to a stipulated bench trial. A stipulated bench trial means that both parties agreed to present certain facts in court to a judge instead of a jury. Alex Kirk Harkrider, 36, was charged alongside Ryan Nichols, 32, of Longview, on several felonies in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Nichols pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers in November. Nichols will be sentenced in March. Harkrider’s sentencing is set for May 9.

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, the son of an elected Smith County official was arrested again for disrupting a Smith County Commissioners Court meeting. At a meeting on Tuesday, Lance Phillips, 40, participated in the public comment section, which is for comment about existing agenda items only. He was set to speak on the second agenda item, which pertained to overtime pay for the district attorney’s office, starting by saying “I don’t want to disrupt the court today.” Lance spoke for a short time about alleged corruption of the DA’s office, to which County Judge Neal Franklin reminded him he had to stay on the agenda topic. When Lance continued, Franklin told him, “Mr. Phillips, you’re through.” Continue reading Son of Smith County official arrested again

CANTON – Texas DPS said that a crash on Dec. 27 has left one dead near Canton, according to our news partners at KETK. Officials said that a 2002 Nissan was traveling east on SH 64 when it left the roadway and struck a concrete culvert. DPS said that the driver of the vehicle, identified as Michael Miller, 65 of Canton, was pronounced dead at Christus Mother Francis in Canton. Officials said the investigation is ongoing, however there is no additional information available at the moment.

LUFKIN – According to our news partner KETK a man was hospitalized Sunday night after officials said he was struck by a stay bullet from “what appears to be celebratory gunfire” at midnight. According to authorities, Lufkin PD is investigating the incident that happened in the 2200 block of North Raguet Street, and the man was taken to an out-of-town hospital where he remained, as of 11:45 a.m. on Monday. The investigation is ongoing, and officials said the man’s name is not being released at this time.

PALESTINE – Our news partner KETK is reporting that two people were arrested earlier this month after a minor was shot in Palestine. According to Palestine PD, officers responded a call of “shots fired” on Nov. 11 in the area of Tennessee Avenue and W. Carolina Street, and found a young male who had been shot. He was taken to a hospital for treatment, and officials said the minor is expected to recover. According to authorities, search warrants were issued and items seized by detectives at a residence on Tennessee Avenue include: Two firearms, drugs, drug paraphernalia and about $3,400 in cash. Officials said the items were indicative of narcotics trafficking, and after a continued investigation, two people were arrested. Continue reading 2 arrested in Palestine shooting investigation

PANOLA COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK a man was arrested in Panola County for alleged possession of marijuana in his vehicle. According to a release, a sergeant made a “traffic contact” on Highway 149 south of Beckville after observing a moving violation on Saturday at around 1 a.m. The sergeant reportedly noticed criminal activity and requested a K9 unit. Once the K9 unit arrived, a search of the vehicle reportedly revealed multiple large packages containing approximately 32 pounds of marijuana. Officials said the driver was arrested without incident and taken to the detention center. The driver was charged with possession of marijuana between 5-50 pounds, a third degree felony.

LUFKIN – In a report from our news partner KETK, the Lufkin Police Department has disclosed the identities of those involved in a shooting incident on Wednesday evening. A woman died after pointing a gun at an officer. The department received a call about two men causing a disturbance at the Great Oaks Apartments around 6 p.m. The caller mentioned that they were kicking at an apartment door but had disappeared by the time the officers arrived. Continue reading Names in Lufkin officer-involved shooting revealed

PALESTINE – Authorites in Palestine made an arrest Tuesday for the sexual assault of a minor. According to our news partner KETK, 50-year-old Joseph Lee Zeleny of Palestine is charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child. Palestine PD received the complaint of the sexual abuse that allegedly occurred over several years. In a search of Zeleny’s home on N. Mallard Street, investigators discovered “several evidentiary items” and they expect more charges to be filed. Zeleny was given a $600,000 bond when he was arrested.

HOPKINS COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report that two men have been arrested for delivery of fentanyl and charged with the murder of a man. According to a release from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, on Dec. 26 Braden Wooten, 21, was reportedly found dead in his residence. During the initial response, pills were allegedly found and believed to contain fentanyl. An investigation conducted by deputies began to determine who had provided Wooten the contraband. Two suspects, Xavier Hill and Bryson Lacey, have been arrested for delivery of the substance and have been charged in the death of Wooten. Their bonds have been set at $1 million.

NACOGDOCHES — Our news partners at KETK report that a man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murder in an August 1, 2021 shooting. According to the Nacogdoches County District Attorney’s Office, Elmer Williamson Jr. was found guilty of the murder of Javinsky “Mucci” Lampkin and three aggravated assaults for causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon to Ladarvis Nelson, Adam Shepherd and Dontavian Sterns. After the five-day trial, the jury assessed Williamson’s punishment and gave him a term of 20 years confinement for each of the three counts of aggravated assault, in addition to the life sentence for murder. He was also fined $10,000 for each of the four counts. These sentences are reportedly the maximum punishment that Williamson could receive.
Continue reading Lufkin man given maximum sentence for fatal shooting

TYLER – Our news colleagues at KETK report that the City of Tyler announced that the solid waste department alongside Keep Tyler Beautiful (KTyB) will provide two Christmas tree drop of locations for community members. According to a release, residents will be able to drop off their non-flocked, undecorated, natural Christmas trees to be recycled, starting the day after Christmas until Jan. 14. The City of Tyler said the drop off locations will be at Golden Road Park at the intersection of McDonald and Golden Road and Fun Forest Park in the 900 block of North Glenwood Boulevard. Continue reading Caldwell Zoo partners with Keep Tyler Beautiful

SMITH COUNTY – A woman in the Smith County Jail is dead after reportedly losing consciousness on Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. According to a release, a medical emergency was called to the Smith County Jail. Susan Taylor, 58, an inmate, reportedly lost consciousness in the day room and was non-responsive. Authorities said Smith County medical personnel responded and immediately began lifesaving measures, and UT Health EMS arrived shortly after and took Taylor to the ER. Taylor died at the hospital. Precinct One Justice of the Peace Derrick Choice arrived at the hospital and ordered an autopsy. Taylor was then transported to Forensic Medical in Tyler. Texas Rangers will investigate Taylor’s death per Smith County Sheriff’s Office’s protocol.