KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Longtime property manager and owner Allen Bell, a charter member of Heart of Tyler, wins this year’s Brick Award — the downtown organization’s highest honor. It happened at Heart of TYler’s annual meeting, where incoming chair Brooke Droptini said a number of events will be key focuses in the coming year, along with downtown business development. Droptini also looked back at accomplishments of 2015, including the openings of the Fair Plaza Parking Garage and Jack Ryan’s Steak and Chophouse.

MARSHALL — One person is dead following a stabbing in Marshall. KETK reports that on Tuesday at approximately 1:56 a.m., officers responded to a Redwood Trail address and found Tyler Nankervis, 22, of Marshall, standing in the front yard. Officers located the victim, identified as Melinda Billingsley, 50, of Marshall, lying on the floor. Officers were able to make entry along with Marshall EMS. Billingsley was then taken to a local hospital to be treated for her injuries. Nankervis was booked into the Harrison County Jail for aggravated assault. Tuesday afternoon, the Marshall Police Department was notified by medical personnel that Billingsley had been pronounced dead at 10:56 a.m. Nankervis’s charge has now been upgraded to murder and he is currently being held in the Harrison County Jail.

TYLER – The president and CEO of the parent company which produces the East Texas State Fair and Academic Rodeo in Tyler has received a statewide award. John Sykes has been given the Hall of Fame/Lifetime Achievement Award by the Texas Association of Fairs and Events. He received the award at the group’s annual convention in San Antonio. Sykes said the award was a great honor and he very surprised to receive it. Continue reading John Sykes Receives State Award

TYLER — Four scientists at UT Health Northeast have been awarded a total of $2.1 million in competitive research grants. According to a news release, they are Vijay Rao, Ph.D; Krishna Vankayalapati, Ph.D.; Sreerama Shetty, Ph.D.; and Hong-Long Ji. Ph.D. Dr. Rao, professor of biochemistry in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, recently was awarded a $1.43 million, four-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The purpose of the grant is to investigate how blood-clotting is activated in diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Continue reading UT Health Northeast Scientists Awarded Major Research Grants

TYLER — Three suspects have been taken into custody following a shooting in Tyler, and police say the three may be linked so some other cases. The shooting happened around 7:00 Monday night at On The Border restaurant at Broadway and Loop 323. Officers said a man was eating at the restaurant when he heard the alarm on his truck going off. As he went out to investigate, he was confronted by three suspects reportedly breaking into his vehicle. The suspects fired several shots while fleeing the scene. The victim was struck in the arm and taken to a local hospital. Continue reading Police Probe Restaurant Shooting; Other Incidents May Be Linked

TYLER – In the wake of last week’s announcement that Walmart is closing 154 U.S. stores, the company will be opening two new Walmart Neighborhood Markets in Tyler on Wednesday. One store is at 2151 Frankston Highway. The other is at 5976 Old Jacksonville Highway. Both stores will be open 24 hours a day. A news release from the company says both stores would have a full pharmacy, fuel station and free store pickup service. They will
employ up to 190 full and part time employees.

TYLER — The SPCA of East Texas needs more foster homes to take care of homeless puppies and dogs. That’s the word in a news release from the agency, which says the animals need to be rescued from living on the streets or in deplorable living conditions. Officials say the SPCA is currently a foster based adoption program and can only rescue animals as homes come available. Agency President Deborah Tittle-Dobbs says the colder weather has prompted a spike in calls to its hotline. Continue reading SPCA of East Texas Needs Foster Homes and Volunteers

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County officials said County Road 419, just south of Interstate 20, was closed to drivers Tuesday. Smith County Road and Bridge crews have been replacing the culvert that was washed out December 27th. The road had been half open to allow drivers to pass the trouble spot while crews waited for the delivery of pipe. Smith County Engineer Frank Davis said the culvert would be replaced Tuesday and was expected to reopen to traffic by sometime Tuesday night, though there was no immediate word on that from the county late Tuesday afternoon. Once the road is open, crews will start work on repairing the road’s surface so drivers are asked to continue to use caution while driving in this area.

TYLER — Smith County Precinct 4 Commissioner JoAnn Hampton and Precinct 1 Constable Henry Jackson will host a town hall meeting Tuesday to help community churches understand the new Open Carry Law, which went into effect January 1. According to a county news release, leaders of 75 churches in and around their precincts have been invited to the meeting. It’s set for 6 p.m. at the Smith County R.B. Hubbard Facility, “The Hub,” on E. Ferguson Street in downtown Tyler. Hampton and Jackson say they want to make sure church leaders and congregations know their rights when it comes to allowing or not allowing people to carry guns openly in churches in East Texas. Continue reading Town Hall Meeting on Open Carry Set Tuesday for Local Churches

LUFKIN — Lufkin-area law enforcement officials are working to solve three open burglary cases that occurred near the end of 2015. Police said on the night of December 27, several masked burglars pried open a door to Massingill Meat Market on Highway 69 North. The thieves damaged the inside of the business before taking off with a safe, then abandoning it behind the building. The following night, Little Caesar’s Pizza and Renfro’s Packing were also burglarized for their safes, according to Deep East Texas Crime Stoppers. Continue reading Police Seek East Texas Safe Burglars

TYLER — East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF) is currently accepting applications for the Peace Officers and Firefighters Scholarship. This $500 scholarship will be awarded to the child of an active duty peace officer or professional firefighter. Eligible students have until March 1 at 5:00 p.m. to submit their applications online. Continue reading ETCF Accepting Applications for Peace Officers/Firefighters Scholarship

GREGG COUNTY — Authorities have identified a suspect in a multi-county chase, and he’s also accused of a robbery. Law enforcement officials arrested Darrin Gerrard Brinkley, Jr., 25, of Kilgore, and charged him with evading arrest and robbery. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail and is being held on $75,000 bond. Authorities suspect Brinkley is also responsible for more robberies in the area. The Longview Police Department says at 2:05 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to a robbery call on Estes Parkway. The alleged robber then reportedly led authorities on a pursuit from Longview to Smith County, where he crashed into a pond in rural area. Two people were taken into custody, but one person was released.

EAST TEXAS — A number of events occurred around East Texas in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, including activities in Tyler and Longview. Again in 2016, the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum sponsored Tyler’s city-wide community celebration honoring Dr. King, with hundreds turning out. This year’s theme was “Unity in Our Community.” The celebration kicked off with a short program on the downtown square, with participants gathering at 9am. The annual parade began at 9:30am from the square, heading south on Broadway to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Continue reading East Texas Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

LONGVIEW — Results from a final autopsy report have raised the final 2015 homicide tally in Longview to 15. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, the report shows Aaron Jacolby Morrow, 19, died as a result of blunt force injuries after falling out of a moving car in October and lists the manner of death as homicide. Morrow was attempting to leave the car from the front passenger door when another person inside the vehicle grabbed his clothing and drove forward, dragging Morrow, according to medical examiners. Morrow had deep cuts on his head, chest, abdomen and extremities, as well as skull fractures, rib fractures, fractures of the right hip joint, and other blunt force injuries. Continue reading Autopsy of Longview Man Raises 2015 Homicide Total

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of Jan. 18. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues.

Night work is scheduled for the Loop 323 West widening project in Tyler. Motorists are encouraged to use other routes to avoid delays from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday and Monday nights (January 17 and 18) as the contractor installs drainage pipes across Loop 323 at SH 31. Daytime work will continue with dirt work. Temporary detours remain in place on this project. Motorists are reminded to keep safety in mind and avoid trying to make left turns from the loop within this work zone. Continue reading TxDOT Updates Area Work Plan

TYLER – “Embracing Diverse Voices: 90 Years of African-American Art,” running Jan. 17-March 20, is the kickoff exhibit for the Tyler Museum of Art’s 45th anniversary. Admission is free to the exhibit, organized by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. In a news release, museum officials say the display “explores the broad range of experience and artistic expression among American artists of African descent,” demonstrating “a wide range of stylistic approaches and viewpoints.” The exhibition includes works by Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Ernest C. Withers, and Kara Walker, plus Jacob Lawrence’s complete 22-piece Legend of John Brown series. Sponsors for the exhibition are Eleanor Cameron, the East Texas Chapter of The Links, Inc., and The A.W. Riter, Jr. Family Foundation. Continue reading TMA’s 45th Anniversary Begins with New Exhibit

LONGVIEW — Longview police say Jose Lopez, 28, was arrested Friday evening after he allegedly used a stolen vehicle to lead police on a car chase that ended near Gilmer. KETK reports Lopez is charged with evading arrest, driving a stolen vehicle, and DWI. He’s in custody without bond on an Immigration and Naturalization Service hold.

TYLER — Tyler police are seeking help as they investigate a Saturday night robbery at O’Reilly Auto Parts on Troup Hwy. between the Lindbergh and Aberdeen intersections. According to a news release, officers responding around 10:15 p.m. learned that a man walked in and held the two employees at gunpoint. The man then directed the victims to open the safe and demanded that they give him the money inside. After the employees complied, the robber ordered them into a bathroom, leaving with an undisclosed amount of money. Continue reading Tyler Police Continue to Search for Armed Robber

TRINIDAD (AP) – An East Texas man’s 15-year self-imposed standoff in an assault case has ended, but he refuses to leave his ranch in a nearly $35,000 back taxes dispute. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports John Joe Gray recently learned Anderson County dropped a 1999 felony assault charge against him. Gray was accused of biting an officer during a traffic stop and jumping bail. Gray and his family have lived in isolation since 2000, growing food, using solar power, and having a shortwave radio. Gray faces a Jan. 31 deadline to begin paying the taxes; he’s 12 years behind. The 66-year-old Gray said Thursday he’ll take up arms if officials try to seize his ranch near Trinidad. Henderson County Sheriff Ray Nutt has urged Gray to seek donations for the tax bill.

KILGORE — Kilgore College will host a retirement reception for its retiring president, Dr. William M. “Bill” Holda, on Sunday, Jan. 24. College officials say the public is invited to attend the “come-and-go” reception, set for 2 to 5 p.m. in the Devall Student Center’s Ballroom. Holda will retire at the end of January after serving KC for 40 years – 20 of which he served as president. He’s worked at KC since 1975, starting out as an instructor of voice, ear training, opera workshop, and music theory. Holda was selected as the eighth president of KC on July 2, 1996, by the KC Board of Trustees. Dr. Brenda Kays will succeed Holda as president. Kays comes from Stanly Community College (N.C.), where she had served as president since 2011.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is continuing to seek your help in locating Yolanda Marie Redic. Police say Ms. Redic is reportedly suicidal and was last seen on foot in the area of Robbins and Lyons streets in Tyler. She is described as African-American, 5’4”, weighing 140 pounds, with dreadlock style hair. She was last seen Saturday morning at approximately 6:30 wearing a green sweater and blue jeans. Anyone with information of Yolanda Marie Redic’s whereabouts should call the Tyler Police Department immediately.

GILMER — An Upshur County jury has convicted Jacob Allen Felipe, 35, and sentenced him to 30 years in prison with a $5,000 fine for possession 32.8 grams of meth with intent to deliver — and law enforcement isn’t done with him yet. According to KETK, evidence showed that on January 30, 2015, Deputy Josh Lambert was dispatched to the home of a mother who could not locate her son, who had been missing for several days. He was later found inside a car with Felipe. Felipe had an outstanding warrant from Longview for a theft that had occurred December 4, 2014, at Texas Smokehouse. He was found to have meth inside a sock inside his pant leg. Also, officials say an illegal shotgun with the barrel and stock cut off was inside the vehicle. Continue reading Longview Man Sentenced for Meth Possession, Faces Other Charges

GILMER — The Gilmer Police Department Friday recovered a vehicle at Longview Mall that had been stolen from Henson’s Auto Sales in Gilmer. KETK reports the robber left the vehicle at the car dealership while he test drove another vehicle. Employees became suspicious of the suspect after he reportedly never returned the vehicle being test driven. The responding officer discovered the vehicle left at the dealership was reported stolen the day prior. The officer then reported the vehicle that was being test driven as stolen. In cooperation with the Longview Police Department, the suspect was apprehended and the vehicle recovered. The suspect was identified as Kealyn Patrick Owens, 19, of Big Sandy. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. He is being held on $2,500 bond.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Several East Texas outlets are affected as Walmart announces it will close 154 locations in the U.S. KETK reports outlets in Edgewood, Frankston, Diana, and Waskom are expected to shut down January 28. They’re among numerous Texas Walmarts going out of business. Nationwide, the closures include company’s 102 smallest format stores, Walmart Express, which had been in pilot since 2011. Walmart says it instead will focus on strengthening Supercenters, optimizing Neighborhood Markets, growing the e-commerce business, and expanding Pickup services for customers. Also covered in the closures are 23 Neighborhood Markets, 12 Supercenters, seven stores in Puerto Rico, six discount centers, and four Sam’s Clubs. Continue reading Several East Texas Walmarts to Close This Month

TYLER — Tyler firefighters are called out to two separate structure fires Thursday night, reported within a few minutes of each other. Officials said they don’t believe the two are connected. The first fire was reported at a duplex at 4706 Edinburg just after 8:20. The fire was reported to be in the attic and garage. One resident was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Continue reading Thursday Night Structure Fires Under Investigation

SULPHUR SPRINGS — An East Texas car dealership was destroyed by a predawn fire. According to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders, fire crews arrived on the scene of Brian Toliver Ford-Lincoln on Gilmer Street just after 4:00 Friday morning. KETK reports the showroom, parts department and service department were engulfed in flames. Chief Sanders said they have not determined the cause of the blaze.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville has become one of the first cities in East Texas to ban texting while driving, according to the Longview News-Journal and KETK. On Tuesday, the Jacksonville City Council unanimously voted to establish a law banning texting and driving with fines of up to $500. “You can still talk on a cellphone using your hands, but nothing else,” Mayor Dick Stone said. “No texting. No checking email. If you’re driving with your phone in your hand, you need to be talking.” The next step is for Jacksonville to post ordinance signs at entrances to the city and other efforts to help educate drivers of the law. Fewer than 40 cities statewide have ordinances prohibiting or restricting cellphone use while driving, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s website.

KILGORE — A suspect wanted for a recent rash of convenience store burglaries has been arrested. Two of those “smash and grab” incidents happened in Kilgore. According to KETK, Gayland Dewayne Brown, 35, of Henderson, was in jail in Rusk County on an unrelated charge and was served with an additional arrest warrant January 5th. On December 4th, Zippy J’s, at Higginbotham and Dudley Road in Kilgore, was burglarized after a man smashed a window and stole a large quantity of cigarettes. The second Kilgore burglary happened on December 10th when another Zippy J’s convenience store on State Highway 42 was burglarized. A window was smashed and cigarettes were stolen. Continue reading Suspect Charged in String of Burglaries