KTBB News, Weather, Talk

BIG SANDY — The Big Sandy School District is looking into the possibility of improper text messages. School Superintendent Scott Beene says he was contacted last week by a parent concerning text messages between two staff members and a student. The employees have been put on administrative leave as the investigation continues.

TYLER — A man has died following a two vehicle accident in Tyler. The accident occurred shortly before 7:45 Tuesday morning at the intersection of Paluxy Drive and Skidmore. 55 year old Lex Lee Kidd of Tyler, died around 12:45 Tuesday afternoon at East Texas Medical Center. The initial investigation showed Kidd ran a stop sign at hit an SUV driven 23 year old Casey Stephen of Tyler. Stephen and her 9 month old daughter were released after being treated at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital. A 6 year-old daughter was transferred to Children’s Hospital for treatment of internal injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — The physician residency programs at UT Health Northeast continues to be very successful. The three physician residency programs have once again successfully filled their respective programs. And they’ve all been filled with highly qualified physicians. The Family Medicine Residency Program welcomed eight new physicians. The Occupational Medicine Residency Program accepted two physicians. And the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Good Shepherd Health System in Longview accepted its fifth class of 12 physicians. Good Shepherd’s residency program is sponsored by UT Health Northeast. And all the residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

TYLER — The stroke care program at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center continues to advance. The center has been recertified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center and adding continuous 24/7 care in interventional radiology. The designation was granted by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations with a Gold Seal of Approval. ETMC also earned the American Heart Association American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark. ETMC was the first hospital in East Texas and one of the first in Texas to become a certified stroke center in 2005. The hospital said it voluntarily pursued this designation in part because of the alarming rate of stroke-related deaths in East Texas.

TROUP — In a statement released Monday afternoon by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), the group claimed a victory over an East Texas school district prominently displaying a Bible verse on their webpage. According to KETK, FFRF stated Troup Independent School District removed a verse from 1 Samuel 17:48: ” As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran to meet him.” The organization said they contacted the district in a letter on January 28, 2016 to halt their endorsement of religion or the bible. Continue reading School’s Webpage Modified after Anti-Religion Group Complains

PEARLINGTON, Miss. (AP) – Authorities say federal agents seized three 5-gallon buckets of liquid methamphetamine during a raid of a Mississippi home and two pounds of crystal meth while foiling a drug deal at a Gulfport gas station. The Sun Herald reports the undercover narcotics operation happened Friday during spring break weekend. As a result of the drug busts, agents arrested three people on federal charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of meth. Roy Tatum, 40, Palestine, Texas, Chiquita Acker, 39, Pearlington, Mississippi, and Tosh Humphrey, 36, of Slidell, Louisiana, are being held in the Harrison County jail.

ALTO — A one vehicle accident Northeast of Alto has killed one person. The wreck occurred shortly before 11:15 Monday morning on Farm Road 241. Dead at the scene was Clarice Elizabeth Clayborne, 30, of Rusk. According to the preliminary investigation, she was westbound and exiting a curve to the left in the roadway, the rear of her car started to skid. The vehicle slid across the eastbound lane and left the south side of the road. The car started to overturn on its left side when it hit a tree. The initial report indicated Clayborne was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.

TYLER – A former East Texas assistant fire chief, who is facing multiple charges, is expected to be in court later this month. KETK is reporting that Jonathan McClish was arrested twice in February for theft. The former member of the Noonday Volunteer Fire Department is accused of altering an invoice and submitting five invoices from what appears to be a fabricated business. McClish is due to be arraigned on April 29th.

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) – Federal securities regulators have filed civil fraud charges against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over recruiting investors to a high-tech startup before becoming the state’s top prosecutor. Tyler businessman Caleb White is also named in the suit. He was named because he was paid a commission for referring investors to Servergy. Continue reading Tyler Man Named in SEC Suit Against the Attorney General

KILGORE — Kilgore police are looking for two men who robbed a convenience store. The robbery occurred early Sunday morning shortly after midnight. The suspects reportedly held up the EZ Mart at Farm Road 349 and Farm Road 2087. One of the robbers was armed with a long-barreled shotgun. They are described as two black males wearing knit caps and homemade masks. No injuries were reported. A small amount of cash was taken.

LAKE TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities is temporarily closing the Highway 64 boat ramp on Lake Tyler East to allow for repairs to be made to the parking area. Prep work will begin on April 13, according to a city news release. Officials say repairs should be completed by Friday, allowing the ramp to reopen that day in time for the weekend. Note that completion is dependent on weather. Concession #1 at Lake Tyler Marina, Concession #2 Hillcreek Ramp, and Old Omen Road Ramp will be open for use during this time.

TYLER – An argument appears to be what sparked a fatal Tyler shooting. 71 year old Car Ivy remains jailed under a $250,000 bond in the shooting death of her 74 year old husband Richard. The Saturday afternoon shooting occurred at the couple’s home at 2900 Meadowlark Drive. An affidavit says the couple were arguing because the victim said his wife was taking too long to get ready to go to a memorial. He even told her to get the gun. Which she did. She says the gun just fired and she didn’t know what happened next. She said, she did not mean to shoot him.

TYLER – TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Weeks of April 11. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

In Tyler, Spur 164 is scheduled to close just south of the railroad
tracks on Monday, April 18 for repairs. Contractor, L.C. Jordan and
Sons, will be replacing the box culvert. The roadway will remain closed
to through traffic for about three months with an anticipated opening in
late summer. Portable message signs are already in place announcing the
pending closure. Motorists will have to use alternate routes to reach
their destinations for the duration of this project. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

TYLER — The League of Women Voters of Tyler and Smith County will be holding a candidate forum for the local elections at 7:00 tonight in the Taylor Auditorium of the Tyler Public Library. The following candidates have been invited:
*Mayor of Tyler – Martin Heines, Joel Rando and Michael Williams
*Tyler City Council, District 6 – John Nix and Clark Hampe
*TISD School Board, District 6 – Rev. Fritz Hager and Marc Loredo
For more information call 903-747-0579.

MARSHALL — Marshall Police are asking for the public’s help in solving a long standing missing person’s cases. MPD is seeking any information related to the current location of Casey Gene Morgan, who was last seen in August 1997 at the Waffle House in Marshall. Officials said Morgan left his job at the Waffle House around 4:30 that morning, driving a 1990 cream colored Isuzu pickup truck. The truck was later found in a wooded area in Marion County. That property was said to have belonged to Morgan’s family. Continue reading Officials Continue Searching for Man Missing Since 1997

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department held it’s 25th annual awards banquet ceremony Saturday night. During the ceremony, firefighters, along with retired firefighters and civilians were honored for their actions and service to the City of Tyler. Matthew Daniel (pictured) was named Firefighter of the Year. Legends Awards: Neal Kennemer – Hired on May 16, 1968. Retired on August 31, 2000, with over 32 years of service to the City of Tyler. Don Martin – Hired on July 1, 1967. Retired on December 1, 1998, with over 31 years of service to the City of Tyler. Orvice Rozell – Hired on July 1, 1966. Retired on January 9, 1992, with over 25 years of service to the City of Tyler. Continue reading Tyler Fire Department Holds 25th Annual Ceremony Banquet

TYLER — Authorities say a 71-year-old Tyler woman has been arrested in the shooting death of her husband. Tyler police say officers responding to a family disturbance at a home on Saturday afternoon found 74-year-old Richard Ivy dead with a gunshot wound. Police say his wife, Car Ivy, was taken to the police department for questioning. She was later arrested and booked into Smith County jail on a murder charge. She remained in jail on $250,000 bond on Sunday. Jail records did not list an attorney for her.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating an armed robbery at the Family Dollar store on Bow Street. Officials said the clerk was approached by an armed suspect wearing green cammo pants, a black jacket, winter gloves and a white mask over his face. The suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect is described as a black male about 5’7 and close to 170 pounds. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Cherokee County authorities have positively identified a body found in a home Thursday as Michael Alan Davis, 60, from the Alto community. The sheriff’s department said just after 11:00 a.m., a property owner called 9-1-1 to report that he had stopped by one of his properties near the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 69 and County Road 2430 and had found a deceased person in the living room. The owner told deputies that he had last checked the property on March 31 and was unaware that anyone had been staying there. Continue reading Body Found on Cherokee County Property Identified

TYLER – Chief Gary Swindle has promoted four supervisors. On Friday, Chief Swindle promoted Sergeant Paul Robeson and Sergeant Jon Thornhill to Lieutenant. He also promoted Officer James Freeman and Investigator Ethan Johnson to Sergeant. Continue reading Promotions at the Tyler Police Department

TYLER – A Dallas woman has pleaded guilty in Tyler federal court to bank robbery and car jacking charges. Chanel Collins, 27, was one of two persons arrested in March of last year in connection with the robbery of the First National Bank in Big Sandy. She is facing a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison plus a fine of $250,000.00. A sentencing hearing for Collins will be held at a later date. Continue reading Bank Robber Pleads Guilty in Tyler

AUSTIN – A Northeast Texas student is one of 54 Texas students awarded scholarships By Governor Greg Abbott to attend the Texas Governors Science and Technology Champions Academy. Connor Bailey, a 6th grade student at Sulphur Springs Middle School, is one of the students who won competitions at the 2016 Texas Science and Engineering Fair, hosted by the University of Texas at San Antonio. Bailey placed third in Biochemistry. At the The Governors Science and Technology Champions Academy, participants will engage in hands-on activities in the areas of analytical chemistry, aerospace engineering, veterinary science, and cyber security. The scholarships awarded to science fair winners cover the entire cost of the residential summer camp.

MOUNT PLEASANT – A wanted fugitive has been found hiding in a Mount Pleasant business. He was arrested early Friday morning after the Titus County Sheriff’s Department received a tip. Officers went to the “B&A Center” at 201 East 1st Street and began a search inside the building, which houses a restaurant and an automotive shop. They found Eduardo Flores, 32, and a woman, hiding inside a cabinet. Along with Flores, authorities arrested Harlee Breeann Hill, 20. Both have been charged with criminal mischief and numerous other violations. Flores is being held on bonds totaling $27,500 and Hills’ bonds total $16,500.

NACOGDOCHES – A Nacogdoches woman is arrested after being accused of attacking her ex-boyfriend with a box cutter. Charged with aggravated assault, possession of a controlled substance and fleeing police was 20 year old Jennifer Moreno. She was accused of cutting the victim in the parking lot of Wal-Mart. He was not seriously injured. Police saw her driving by the parking lot and gave chase. They were able to catch her and put her under arrest. Found in her car was the weapon and a small amount of a controlled substance. At last report she remained in the Nacogdoches County Jail under bonds totaling $16,500.

TATUM – A former Tatum school teacher has been arrested for an improper relationship with a student. Booked into the Rusk County jail Friday was Kallie Lynn Boxell, 23. Her bond was set at $10,000. The school district started an investigation last month into a report that a teacher had an improper relationship with two students. The teacher resigned. That investigation led to a grand jury indictment and then Boxell’s arrest.

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating one of their most wanted fugitives. They are trying to find James Michael Milton. He is wanted for an outstanding felony warrant for forgery of a financial instrument. The case stems from a forgery that occurred at Brookshire’s Grocery Store here in Marshall. Milton is described as 5’7″, 153 pounds with a medium build. He has black hair and brown eyes with several scars and tattoos on both arms. The last known address for Milton was in Longview.

LONGVIEW – Longview authorities have arrested a Kilgore man on animal cruelty charges. 26 year old Torian Dewayne Rodgers was arrested after a warrant was issued for his arrest. It came as the result of the deaths of four dogs at a Longview address and several more at another location in Gregg County. Following an investigation, Rodgers was was located and arrested without incident by a Longview K-9 Officer. He was then booked into the Gregg County Jail. Rodgers is currently free on bond. Continue reading Man Charged with Animal Cruelty

TYLER — The Don’t Mess with Texas 30th Anniversary Trash and Treasure Hunt is today at 9:00 a.m. at Southside Park and Rose Rudman Trail in Tyler. It’s hosted by Keep Texas Beautiful and the Don’t Mess with Texas Campaign of the Texas Department of Transportation. You’re invited to join in this fun trash pickup event with a chance to win great prizes from YETI, NASCAR, McDonald’s, and more.