KTBB News, Weather, Talk

CUNEY – Cherokee County Justice of the Peace Rodney Wallace has confirmed to our news partners at KETK that two people died and several others were injured in a crash on Highway 175 in Cuney on Friday night. The crash was a head on collision between two vehicles that caused a third vehicle to go airborne and roll. The two who died in the crash were a 70-year-old man and a 28-year-old-man. Both men were declared dead at the scene by Wallace. Several others, including an infant, were reportedly injured in the crash and had to be taken to hospitals in Tyler and Jacksonville.

ANGELINA COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety said that one man died and a woman was injured in a crash on State Highway 63 at State Highway 147 around 9:25 p.m. on Friday, according to our news partners at KETK. Earl Knockaert, 79 of Grapeland, was driving a Chevrolet SUV west on SH63 when DPS said he took a curve at an unsafe speed and left the roadway causing the vehicle to overturn. Continue reading Grapeland man dead, woman injured after crash

LIVINGSTON — Our colleagues at KETK report that Livingston ISD and community members mourn the loss of one of their students who died after being struck by an 18-wheeler when leaving a school bus. “Our district lost a member of its family. At times like this, we are reminded how precious life can be and how fragile each life truly is. It is sad when our district loses a member of its family. It is even more tragic when such a young life is taken away from us. We extend our thoughts and sincere condolences to family and friends. Continue reading Community mourns death of Livingston student

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that police responded to a report that someone had been shot in their car near Tyler High. Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh spoke with KETK about a reported shooting on the roadway near Tyler High and New Life Church. The caller told Tyler Police that they had been shot on the roadway and pulled into the parking lot of Tyler High where they awaited EMS. Continue reading Man reports being shot at Tyler intersection

LUFKIN – Three schools in Texas Friday received email bomb threats with the sender claiming to be a Russian terrorist. According to our news partner KETK, school districts in Lufkin, Hudson and Huntington received the email threat Friday morning as school began. The sender said they were partners in a terrorist organization and they planted bombs set to explode at a set time in retaliation in giving support to Ukraine. Authorities quickly determined that this was a hoax. The FBI, Texas DPS and other law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation into this matter.

RUSK – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a 16-year-old runaway. Her name is Madison Clark. According to a press release from the Cherokee County SO, Madison was last seen at her home on CR3904. She is white, 5”8′ and 110 pounds. Madison is believed to have left with an unknown male. Sheriff Brent Dickson reminds everyone that harboring a runaway is punishable by a year in jail and a $4000.00 fine.

DANGERFIELD – The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a call Wednesday at Priefert Manufacturing in Mount Pleasant. According to our news partner KETK, that call concerned an alleged stabbbing. When police arrived they were told two victims were transported to an ER, while the suspect left the scene. Law enforcement identified the suspect as 43-year-old Skip Springer of Daingerfeld. They obtained two warrants for Springer’s arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Thursday night, the Mount Pleasant PD was contacted by the Daingerfield Police Department with information on Springer’s location. The Dangerfield PD and Morris County Sheriff’s Office went to the Daingerfield address where Springer was.
Continue reading Man arrested in Daingerfield after assault and hostage situation

ARP – Because of repairs to the water tower in Arp, Arp ISD was dismissed before lunch Friday. This was because of a lack of running water to the district. According to Arp ISD Communications Coordinator Mike Alzamora, students from all Arp campuses were dismissed at 11:15a.m. with school buses running at that time as well.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A man was sentenced to prison after injuring a man and pregnant woman in a drunk driving crash. According to our news partner KETK, Rodney Seahorn, 48, left a residence in White Oak and traveled North toward Gilmer in early April. He allegedly entered the intersection of FM 1844 illegally and in the wrong lane of traffic. Authorities said he collided with a husband and wife who were reportedly driving to Longview to celebrate the wife’s birthday, who was seven months pregnant at the time. Officials said the victims had to be cut from the vehicle and their bodies were crushed. The baby reportedly had to be surgically removed and was placed in the NICU for an extend time. Continue reading Prison for man involved in drunk driving wreck

TYLER – After last week’s cyberattack, UT Health’s parent company, Ardent Health Services, has announced that records and other vital platforms have been restored. Our news partner KETK reports that although clinics and emergency rooms are back to full service, some non-emergency procedures are still at a halt as some repairs are still being made.

MURCHISON – India, a tiger taken off the streets of Houston in 2021 has died in Murchison at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch. According to our news partner KETK, ranch officials say that India had been lethargic and was less responsive to those caring for him. India was in the process of being taken for an examination, when he died.
Continue reading Tiger found in streets of Houston dies

TYLER – A Tyler man is sentenced to 11 years in federal prison Thursday in a Tyler court for a variety of charges, including using stolen valor. According to our news partner KETK, 39-year-old Derek Hamm in June pleaded guilty to money laundering, wire fraud, using a fake military discharge certificate, possession of a firearm by a felon and violation of the Stolen Valor Act. The Stolen Valor Act passed in 2013, makes it illegal to fraudulently wear medals, exaggerate rank and lie about military service to gain money, employment, property and other benefits.
Continue reading Tyler man sentenced for stolen valor scam

GLADEWATER — The shelter in place issued in Gladewater Wednesday following a gas leak has been lifted, according to Fire Chief Mike Simmons. Simmons said construction workers were installing a new utility pole when they accidentally hit a 4-inch gas pipe. The gas leak affected two schools, 12 businesses and nearly 50 homes, our news partner KETK reports. Though gas leaks can be serious, Simmons said he believes the quick response from all crews at the scene prevented anyone from getting hurt or sick. According to a release, officials ask anyone returning to the area affected by the gas leak to open all doors and windows and ventilate their homes for at least an hour or more. Officials warn people not to relight pilots or other flame and heat sources until ventilated to be safe. Continue reading Shelter in place lifted after reported gas leak

TYLER — The trial has begun for Daniel Nyabuto, who was charged in the death of a Smith County deputy. According to our news partner KETK, Daniel Nyabuto’s trail began with opening statements from the prosecution and defense. Nyabuto was charged with intoxicated manslaughter in connection to the death of Smith County Deputy Lorenzo Bustos. In the first half of the day, multiple witnesses were called to the stand to share what they remembered from that night. “I got out and I ran towards the accident and just asked the other officer how I could help,” said Jacob Miller, a witness. The judge then took a 30 minute recess to allow both sides to discuss the evidence. Detective Michael Skinner, a witness, who was training deputy Bustos the night he was killed, explained what Bustos was doing when the incident occurred. Continue reading Trial underway for man charged in death of deputy

TYLER – A massive inflatable Santa Claus has appeared seemingly out of thin air in the Hollytree subdivision in Tyler. A Hollytree resident told our news partner KETK that the aired-up Chris Kringle has been up for about a week, but its origins are unknown. Another resident said it’s located on an empty lot and nobody knows where it came from. Others also believe it’s a sign that Jolly ‘Ol St. Nicholas is coming to Tyler on Christmas Day. It can be found on 6709 La Costa Drive, Tyler in Hollytree.

TYLER – In a press release from DPS Sgt. Adam Albritton, a three vehicle crash on State Highway 31 East, west of County Road 246 in Tyler Wednesday afternoon has killed one and left four injured. The preliminary investigation states that a 2009 Isuzu Truck, driven by Cameron Reeves, 18 of Hawkins, “failed to stay in single lane” and collided into a Ford F-150. Reeves continued driving and led to Cory Threadgill, 40 of Gladewater, hitting a tree to avoid him. Out of the 5 involved, only Aidan Kelley, 20 of Chandler was declared dead at the scene. Reeves, Threadgill, Robert Pierzchalski, 67 of Henderson and Brandon Carpenter, 42 of Gladewater, were all transported to a Tyler hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

TYLER – Two people are dead after a wreck on Loop 323 Wednesday afternoon. According to our news partners at KETK, authorities are on the scene of a wreck involving an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle on Loop 323 at the intersection near the American Legion. Traffic is being rerouted to Highway 271 and officials expect the area to be closed for a few hours while the investigation continues. Drivers are asked to avoid the area. No identities have been released, but DPS said both fatalities were in the passenger vehicle.

WHITEHOUSE, Texas – In an updated provided by our news partner KETK, Whitehouse Police have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone involved in the throwing of alcohol during the city’s Christmas parade. In a statement, Chief Paul Robeson said they were unable to find evidence that the driver of the vehicle was under the notion that the 3 and 4 year old children in the back seat has thrown out a small-sized bottle of alcohol during the festivities. To find Robeson’s full statement, KETK has provided it here.

GLADEWATER – Authorities in Gladewater are warning those living in the 300 block of S. Roden Lane after a gas leak was reported. According to our news partner KETK, the leak is a possible hazard to homes and businesses in that area. CenterPoint Energy estimates it will take two to three hours to fix the leak. In the meantime, Gladewater Fire asks that those in this area to close their windows, shut down air and heating, have no open flames and stay indoors until an all-clear is given.

UPSHUR COUNTY — The man accused of murdering two East Texas sisters has been extradited from California. Alvin McKnight Jr. was captured in San Bernardino, California on November 15. He’s accused of fleeing to the Golden State after the capital murders of Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37, and Mandy Ray, 35, at a home near Gilmer on November 4. McKnight, Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb, deputies and DPS Officers landed at East Texas Regional Airport Tuesday afternoon. They flew in a DPS plane. McKnight was in handcuffs during the entire flight. McKnight was arraigned Wednesday in Gilmer. The 41-year-old is being held in the Upshur County Jail with bond set at $5 million. Continue reading $5 million bond set for double homicide suspect

LAKE PALESTINE – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office answered a call Sunday at Lake Palestine in which a person had been shot. A Sheriff’s Office press release explained a 911 caller said they and the victim were in Noonday on Highway 155 South. When deputies arrived, the caller and the victim told them they were sitting in a vehicle on a boat ramp on Lake Palestine. They explained the gun went off as they handled it. A single shot went through the victim’s left hand and upper thigh. After undergoing surgery, he is now in stable condition. Since all parties involved cooperated with law enforcement. The shooting is being considered accidental and no charges are being filed.

JACKSONVILLE – The association that that hosts the National Night Out, has recognized the City of Jacksonville with an award. According to our news partner, KETK, the National Association of Town Watch, has given Jacksonville a first place award for cities with population between 5,000 and 15,000 for their National Night Out community involvement. National Night Out is an annual program designed to further positive relations between the police department and the community.
Continue reading Jacksonville gets National Night Out national award

TYLER– The Smith County Republican Party Chairman David Stein announced Monday he is seeking re-election . According to our news partner KETK, if elected, this will be Stein’s third term holding the office. Stein said in a press release, “The progress made in our County Party is significant. When we began, the party was limited financially and had a significant number of open precincts. Today, the party is on sound financial footing and the number of precinct chairs has almost doubled. We continue to dominate local elections and contribute heavily to statewide victories as Smith County always outpaces the statewide voter turnout.”
Continue reading Republican Party Chair to run for third term

WHITEHOUSE, Texas – Patient care is now being affected because of the recent ransomware attack on UT Health East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, Patricia Cowan and her sister have been forced to wait on daily phone calls in order to find out if she can receive urgent treatment for her case of cancer. The ransomware attack, that was almost two weeks ago, means that now Patricia must travel 45 minutes to get care. Director of Communications Allison Pollan spoke with KETK and said that, “safely caring for patients remains our highest priority.”

SMITH COUNTY — On Monday morning, Smith County’s 7th District Court conducted jury selection for the trial of Daniel Nyabuto vs the State of Texas. According to our news partner KETK, Nyabuto, 22, of Grand Prairie is charged in connection with killing Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy Lorenzo Bustos. In July of 2022, while Bustos was conducting a traffic stop on Highway 155 he was reportedly killed by Nyabuto’s vehicle rear-ending his patrol car. In October of 2022, Nyabuto was indicted on two charges in connection to Busto’s death: Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and intoxicated manslaughter causing the death of a peace officer. Opening statements were to be delivered Tuesday morning. Nyabuto’s defense preciously filed a motion to transfer venue to Cherokee County, but the trial will go on in a Smith County court. 7th District Judge Kerry Russell will oversee the trial.

HENDERSON – Our news colleagues at KETK report a 74-year-old is dead and another man is injured after a two-vehicle crash involving a truck tractor towing a trailer on Friday afternoon four miles southwest of Henderson. According to a preliminary DPS report, the truck tractor was traveling southwest on US 79 and had made a U-turn with part of its load still in the southwest lanes when it was struck by a 2002 Toyota Echo. Officials said the Echo struck the load, traveled off the roadway and struck a culvert. The driver of the Echo, identified as James Pinkerton, 74 of Henderson, was pronounced dead at the scene and his passenger, a 79-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck tractor was not reported to have been injured.