KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — One person has been killed, another injured following an early Sunday morning house fire in Smith County. KETK reports the fire began just before 6:00 at a mobile home on Peaceful Acres West, off State Park Highway. The Fire Marshal’s Office says three people were inside the house at the time of the fire, a man, a woman, and their 18-year-old grandson, identified as Allan Macias. The woman reportedly woke up to find smoke coming from her grandson’s room. She then woke her husband, who tried to rescue their grandson. However, in doing so he suffered serious burns on his arms, hands, and face. Continue reading Teen Killed in Early Morning House Fire

HUNTSVILLE (AP/Staff) – Texas prison officials are playing a hide-and-seek game with former polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs, who is trying to exert control over the secretive religious group from behind bars. Jeffs is currently held at the Louis C. Powledge prison unit near Palestine. Officials say his wives tried to smuggle tiny microphones in hollowed-out watches during two visits to Jeffs, who is serving a life term for sexually assaulting his 12- and 15-year-old brides. A female visitor tried to conceal an object in her hair. His phone privileges were temporarily taken away because followers put him on speakerphone. And prison officials blocked some mail from Jeffs because it appeared to be written in code. One former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints says the coded letters are passed during lawyer visits, which are subject to attorney-client privilege.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the Tyler TxDOT district during the Week of March 14. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Much of the work scheduled for the Week of March 7 moves to this week due to rain.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance crews plan to return to SH 155S between Toll 49 and SH 57 where base repair work is ongoing. The work requires merging traffic. On Monday and Tuesday, weather permitting crews plan to perform work on culverts on SH 31W at the Spur 164. Expect lane closures. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

BETTIE — Union Hill ISD, located in rural Upshur County, is making history as being the first pre-K through 12th grade school district in Texas to adopt a four-day instructional school week. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the new schedule will take effect next school year. Gay Colbert is excited, saying it will give her grandchildren more enrichment opportunities. “(The new four-day schedule) gives an avenue for students to do tutoring in the morning and also enrichment programs that they may not have the chance to take otherwise,” said Colbert, president of the Union Hill ISD athletic booster club and grandparent to four Union Hill students. Olfen ISD, a kindergarten-to eighth-grade school 25 miles outside San Angelo, became the first district in the state to adopt the modified calendar. Continue reading Union Hill Moves to Four-Day School Week in 2016-17

GREGG COUNTY — The Sabine River began creeping into several Gregg County homes this past week as the rain-swollen river has risen well above flood stage at several points — and keeps rising. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report it’s the second time this year the river has escaped its banks. “I’ve never seen it flood twice that close together before,” said longtime Gregg County resident Jack Shirey, who has lived at his home on Phillips Road since 1988. Shirey said the Sabine in January crested at just a couple of feet below his home, which rests on stilts. Because of its elevation, Shirey said he wasn’t concerned about record flooding in the coming week, either. “There’s a whole lot of folks worse off than I am,” he said. Continue reading Swollen Sabine Overflows Banks for 2nd Time This Year

DALLAS (AP) – An electric utility has disconnected power to the Caddo Lake area on the Texas-Louisiana border covered by a mandatory evacuation notice. The Panola-Harrison Electric Co-Op announced it would suspend service to areas along Big Cypress Bayou to avoid short circuits and power-line arcs that could spark fires. Harrison County officials in Marshall have appealed to Caddo Lake area residents to heed a mandatory evacuation notice because floodwaters are isolating some areas, cutting access by emergency personnel.

TYLER – Storms have subsided across the area but crews continue to monitor some locations for flooding. Following are the latest road condition updates for the Tyler District:

All roads are clear and open for travel in Anderson, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk and Van Zandt counties. Continue reading Area Road Condition Update

LONGVIEW — A Longview man will be going to prison for for two counts of aggravated assault of a child and indecency with a child by sexual contact. Eric Tracy Briley, 81, of Longview, had pleaded guilty to the charges last November. He was sentenced this week to ten year concurrent sentences on the charges. Briley was accused of sexually assaulting a child younger than 14 years of age on January 1, 2006. He was indicted by a Gregg County Grand Jury on the charges in January of last year.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) Friday announced the hiring of Tyler native Austin Smithson as legislative counsel in his Washington, D.C. office, effective immediately. According to a news release, Smithson will handle issues such as energy, agriculture, environment, public lands, and transportation. Smithson previously served as legislative director and legislative counsel for Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas). Prior to moving to Washington, D.C. and working on Capitol Hill, Smithson practiced law in San Antonio.

CLEVELAND (AP) – The Cleveland Browns have released troublesome quarterback and Tyler native Johnny Manziel. The team cut ties on Friday with the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner after two disappointing, drama-filled seasons. Manziel faces an uncertain future in the NFL and potential criminal charges in Texas following a domestic violence incident. The Browns used a first-round pick in the 2014 draft to select Manziel out of Texas A&M. But Manziel’s pro career has not gone well as he has become better known more for his excessive social life than anything else. Manziel started just eight games for the Browns, who supported him through a lengthy stay in rehab last year but finally grew tired of his antics and are moving on. He passed for 1,675 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

TYLER — Due to recent rains, the City of Tyler Water Utilities has temporarily closed all public boat ramps on Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East. Officials said the lakes are currently at an elevation of 376.90 mean sea level (msl). Spillway elevation is at 375.5 msl. Ramps are being closed due to boating hazards resulting from debris washed into the lakes by the recent rains and to reduce damage resulting from erosion of the shoreline caused by boat wakes. In addition, the lakes are closed to boat traffic from lake residents. The ramps will be closed until further notice. Tyler Water Utilities anticipates reopening the ramps once the lake levels recede.

ORE CITY — An Ore City child was hospitalized Thursday afternoon after he was swept into a creek. According to the National Weather Service and KETK, around 1:00, several children were said to be playing near Meddlin Creek in Ore City when the boy was swept away by the current. He was rescued and taken to a hospital. His injuries were said to be minor.

RUSK COUNTY — Things are looking up in Rusk County as water levels are slowly backing down. KETK reports lake water levels have receded and the main roads are back open, but Rusk County Emergency Management PIO David Chenault wants people to continue staying off rural county roads. “Some of them we really don’t know the damage levels yet,” says Chenault. We’re going to have to wait until the water levels completely recede so that our commissioners can get in there and kind-of evaluate what the damage is. Don’t think we have any bridges washed out. We do have some culverts that have washed out, that kind of stuff; we are going to have some damage that we’re going to have to repair over the next month or two.”

LAKEPORT – A two vehicle accident in Gregg County has left one person dead and one injured. The accident happened just before 7:00 Thursday morning on State Highway 149, about 1½ miles south of Lakeport. Pronounced dead at the scene was Gregory Lloyd Mishler, 62, of Gilmer. State Trooper Jean Dark says he was traveling at an unsafe speed for the weather conditions. Mishler hydroplaned on the wet road and hit a pickup driven by Rickey Lane Lee, 48, of Center. He was treated and released at Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center. The accident remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — Heavy rainfall has created flash flooding in various areas across Longview and the East Texas area. With additional rainfall expected throughout the week, residents are encouraged to take precaution and avoid driving into flooded roadways, according to Longview police. They’re thanking personnel from Longview Police, Fire, and Public Works who have been responding throughout the community. During the morning of March 9, Longview Fire Department responded to 25 water rescues as well as a fallen tree rescue in the Longview / Gregg County area. Continue reading Longview Police Advise of Flooding Safety and Road Closures

TYLER — A number of Smith County roads are either closed or not recommended for driving at this time due to weather-related conditions. The following roads are CLOSED until further notice. These roads are washed out and need a culvert or bridge repaired or replaced. DO NOT drive over these roads:

CR 165 between CR 166 & FM 2493
CR 132 between CR 135 & CR 1230
CR 233 between CR 234 & FM 850
CR 247 between CR 246 & CR 223
CR 448 between CR 446 & FM 1805
CR 434 between CR 436 & CR 4184
CR 499 between CR 4102 & CR 498 Continue reading Smith County Roads Update

TYLER — The City of Tyler is continuing a disaster declaration issued Thursday as a result of heavy rains experienced this week. Officials say more than five inches of rain fell, causing trees to lose ground and creeks to overflow. Those creeks and channels have also suffered from erosion as the swift waters flowed. Assessment of affected storm water systems will be evaluated when the water level subsides, according to a city news release. “Total damages have yet to be assessed as the flood waters have not receded in certain parts of the City,” said Fire Chief Tim Johnson as quoted in the news release. “All departments are working tirelessly to make sure roads and services remain operational.” Continue reading City of Tyler Continues Disaster Declaration

EAST TEXAS — As East Texas braces for more potential flooding, numerous emergency shelters are in place to take in residents whose homes were evacuated or those who need a safe place to stay. According to KETK, the following shelters are open: Henderson Civic Center, 1500 Lake Forest Parkway, Henderson, Longview Christian Fellowship, 2011 W. Marshall Avenue, Longview, Jefferson Tourism and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin Street, Jefferson, Chandler Street Church of Christ, 2700 Chandler Street in Kilgore, St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 401 E. Main Street, Kilgore and Forest Home Baptist Church, 15746 CR 173 North, Kilgore. If you believe you are in danger, contact your local law enforcement office or fire department.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police said as of 2:00 Thursday morning, most roadways are clear of water, with the exception of Houston Street near Meadowbrook Park. It remains closed due to flooding. Officials said everyone still needs to exercise caution when driving and obey all warning signs and barricades. Continue reading KIlgore Roadways Clearing Up, Police Continue to Monitor

TYLER – Storms have necessitated the closure of roads across the Tyler TxDOT District. Officials say crews will continue to monitor areas prone to flooding throughout this event. The following have been closed due to flooding or have high water. Please be advised that these conditions are continually changing as water recedes or rises. Continue reading TxDOT Issues Road Condition Alert

TYLER — Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is getting busy with incentives for new businesses at the airport. According to a news release, the Tyler City Council recently approved a change of ordinance to allow for the airport to offer incentives to initiate additional or enhanced air service. The ordinance was updated to draw additional and new services to the Tyler area. There are several incentives outlined in this plan. Continue reading Airport Rolls Out Incentives for New Airline Business

MARSHALL — Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers assisted Wednesday in the apprehension of a stolen vehicle and driver in Harrison County, according to a DPS news release. Just before noon, the Marshall Police Department was notified of a stolen truck-tractor. Celadon Trucking Services Inc. tracked the truck to Marshall. Harrison County deputies located the stolen vehicle and attempted to stop it. Authorities say that for an unknown reason, the driver chose to evade police and continued south on US 59 just north of Marshall. DPS troopers made several attempts to disable the fleeing truck with tire deflation devices, successfully deflating two. They say the truck continued through the city, disregarding traffic control devices and endangering the general public. Officers disabled the vehicle with their service weapons south of Marshall on US 59. Continue reading Law Enforcement Disables Stolen Truck, Arrests Driver

EAST TEXAS — Rough weather is affecting schedules at several area schools. The Kilgore News Herald reports Overton ISD classes have been canceled for Thursday due to flooding conditions.

WHITEHOUSE — Part of Highway 110 in Whitehouse is closed due to downed power lines. According to KETK, the Whitehouse Fire Department said Highway 110 has been closed from FM 346 to Acker Tap. Drivers are urged to use an alternate route.

EAST TEXAS — Numerous reports of flooded roads and water over bridges in the East Texas area. According to KETK, emergency crews responded to a high water rescue in Lindale at County Road 452 and 484. Tyler police responded to a high water rescue around 6:15 Wednesday morning at East Erwin Street and South Fleishel Avenue, near Hillside Park. Tyler Street Department crews set up barricades at flooded intersections. The City of Tyler Streets Department has closed Martin Luther King at East Gentry / 271 due to flooding. The road will remain closed until further notice. Officials advise drivers to take precaution and drive slow. And remember, turn around, don’t drown.

WILLS POINT — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal home invasion in Wills Point. Officials said they responded to the home on Van Zandt County Road 3415 around 1:00 Tuesday afternoon and found the reported suspect dead from a gunshot wound. He was identified as Gaylen St. John, 42, Canton. The homeowner suffered injuries from an altercation with the suspect and was transported to a near-by hospital. No arrests have been made. The Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation.

EAST TEXAS — Strong storms hit East Texas Tuesday afternoon, knocking out power for thousands of residents. KETK reports that at one point Tuesday afternoon, more than 2,500 East Texans were in the dark — the majority in Malakoff with about 1,900 customers affected. Approximately 600 people lost electricity in the Jacksonville area. Widespread damage was also reported in East Texas, with trees uprooted, limbs down, metal sheets tossed into trees, at least one large sign blown down — and even an RV turned over by strong winds.