KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — State Rep. David Simpson, Longview, announced this morning that he is asking Governor Abbott to call a special session to remove state and local officials from the process of issuing marriage licenses. Simpson said in a news release that he wants the Governor to immediately call a special session of the 84th Legislature “in light of the Supreme Court’s lawless and unconstitutional redefinition of marriage.” The Supreme Court on Friday declared that same-sex couples have the right to wed anywhere in the United States. Continue reading Rep. Simpson Wants Special Session to End Marriage Licensing in Texas

KILGORE — A manhunt has been underway in the Kilgore area. Kilgore police and Gregg County sheriff’s deputies have been looking for a man who fled a traffic stop. The man, after a brief chase, fled his car in the area of Van Meter Road and Fritz Swanson Road around 9:00 Sunday night. He is described as a Hispanic male wearing a blue shirt.

TYLER — Constable John G. Smith is announcing he is seeking a third term for Smith County Constable Precinct 4. According to KETK, Smith was hospitalized early this year after shooting himself in the head. Whether the gunshot was intentional has not been released. Constable Smith is a 26 year law enforcement veteran with more than 2,000 hours of law enforcement training and holds an Master Peace Officers Certificate. Smith was appointed Constable in 2006 by County Commissioners after the murder of Precinct 4 Constable Dale Geddie during a Domestic Dispute. He later ran for office on the Republican ticket and won during a special election. Before being appointed as constable, he was a Smith County Sheriff’s deputy.

TYLER — Expect traffic delays and lane closures in Tyler for construction on the eastbound lane of East Grande Boulevard near Sutherland. Construction began Monday and is expected to last ten business days, dependent upon weather. A.E. Shull & Company is the construction company contracted for the work. Lane closures are to be expected in these locations. Drivers should use caution.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of June 29. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance will be performing overlay work on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 16 and Farm Road 14. A second crew expects to return to work on Toll 49 just south of Interstate Highway 20 before moving to State Highway 135 between Troup and Arp to conduct maintenance work. Work at both locations will be conducted with the roadways reduced to one lane and traffic controlled by flaggers. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

TYLER — Tyler police have made two arrests involving several reported muggings in Tyler. Lee Roy Scales, 51 and Anita Delois Caldwell (pictured), 36, were booked into the Smith County Jail. Officers said they are believed to be responsible for several purse snatching incidents that occurred Thursday and Friday at Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Big Lots, and the Wal-Mart on Highway 64 West. So far, the two have been charged with robbery but more charges are pending upon further investigation.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County grand jury has decided not to take any action against the Longview officers in a teens shooting death. the Grand Jury declined to take action against the officers in the death of Kristina Coignard, 17, based upon finding that the use of deadly force was authorized under state law. The panel reach the decision after reviewing the evidence, which includes videotape from the lobby surveillance camera and the Texas Ranger who conducted the investigation. Continue reading Grand Jury Takes No Action Against Officers in Teen’s Death

ARP — One person is in custody following a drive-by shooting in Arp. Johnny Coy Roberson, Jr. turned himself in to authorities Friday. No injuries were reported in the incident which occurred around 2:00 Friday morning in the 100 block of Cook Drive. A car is said to have pulled up at the house and someone got out. That person fired several shots at the residence, and then drove away. Investigators turned up evidence that led to an arrest warrant on Roberson. He is charged with burglary with intent to commit aggravated assault. Bond has been set at $250,000 by 7th District Court Judge Kerry Russell.

TYLER — A contingent of law officers have completed a check of sex offenders who live in Smith County. Of the 352 persons investigated on Thursday and Friday, 26 were said to be out of compliance. Sheriff Larry Smith says these checks are very comprehensive and they are unannounced. Taking part in the check was a team of about 50 officers, including members of 15 different local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, coordinated with the U.S. Marshals Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force. Continue reading Smith County Sex Offenders Checked

TYLER — The Vice President for Administration & Chief Business Officer for The University of Texas at Tyler has resigned. The resignation Of Jesse T. Acosta was effective Thursday, June 25th. Acosta has served as the Vic President for 13 years. The Director of Marketing and Communications at the school, Beverly Golden, said the resignation is a personnel issue and cannot be commented on by staff. But, according to KETK, a letter they obtained indicates Acosta resigned following an investigation into sexual harassment claims. Continue reading U-T Tyler Vice President Resigns Following Allegations

TYLER — Smith County officials are awaiting guidance from the state following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday to legalize same-sex marriage. Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips is “in limbo” as she awaits instructions from the state. Phillips said she has even placed a call to the county’s software vendor who is currently working to have a new procedure in place. Phillips said at a news conference Friday afternoon, “Just as these couples want to have their union legalized, the County Clerk’s Office must ensure the union is legal by following the process disseminated by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Unit.” Continue reading Local Reactions Following Supreme Court Marriage Decision

SMITH COUNTY — A Lufkin man has been killed in a one vehicle accident in southern Smith County. Dead at the scene yesterday morning was Kenneth Binder, 32. The Department of Public Safety says his car left the road on a curve and hit a tree. The accident happened nearly four miles south of Tyler on Farm Road 756 near Walnut Grove.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert sounds off about Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling keeping the Affordable Care Act fully in place. In a statement, Gohmert said the Supreme Court “has completely abandoned any semblance of basing its rulings on the law.” He added that that the ACA “has been a train wreck” since it was implemented, citing “broken promises and skyrocketing premiums,” among other things.

LONGVIEW — Longview police arrested Shannon Dewayne Jones, 33, of Longview man after a foot and car chase Wednesday afternoon, according to police spokeswoman Kristie Brian. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Jones is jailed on two charges of aggravated kidnapping and other charges. Jones was being chased on foot by two people in a vehicle whom police say he had just robbed, according to the arrest report, at about 2:05 p.m. Wednesday near Fisher Road and Marshall Avenue. Jones then jumped into the vehicle of another driver and told the driver and her passenger to drive, according to Brian. The victims reportedly said they were abducted at gunpoint. Continue reading Man Involved in Chase Arrested on Kidnapping Charges

PALESTINE — No charges will be filed against tHe Palestine police officer who shot and killed a man late last month. KETK reports the investigation began after Sgt. Gabriel Green and Officer Kaylynn Griffin shot and killed James D. Bushey outside Applebee’s in Palestine. The officers were investigating a theft at Wal-Mart and learned the suspect was hiding in the bathroom at Applebee’s. The officers found Bushey and escorted him outside. Officials say Bushey then pointed a weapon at officers in a threatening manner and was shot. It was later determined that the weapon was a pellet gun manufactured to resemble a Colt 1911. Continue reading Palestine Officers No-Billed in Shooting

TYLER — A Longview man has been granted a continuance in his trial for the murder of a Tyler resident. KETK reports jury selection is set for September 14 for 21-year-old Carlton Champion Jr. He’s accused in the January death of 24-year-old transgender woman Tyrone Lee Underwood. Tyler police say the two were romantically involved at some point. Police were initially called to a predawn vehicle accident and soon discovered Underwood had been shot. Champion pleaded not guilty May 29. He’s held on $1 million bond.

HENDERSON — Crews arrive in Henderson Friday to begin removing tree debris left behind by last month’s tornado, working under a one-month emergency contract. According to TxDOT, crews will work on FM 13 from Loop 571 to SH 42, and US 79 from the Traffic Star to East Main Street. Starting Monday, crews plan to shift wotk to FM 3135 from US 79 and ending at FM 1251, and FM 1251 from FM 3135 to FM 2658. Officials say that schedule is subject to change. TxDOT says roadways will be reduced to one lane and big trucks will make constant stops, so drivers should be careful or use alternate routes.

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas is warning area homeowners about a roofing company that’s reportedly been cheating property owners out of thousands of dollars this summer. BBB says it’s been getting calls from Van Zandt County residents about companies targeting the Van area following the recent tornado and heavy rains. One man said he paid $6,600 to a roofer who did substandard work and failed to return calls to finish the work as promised. BBB officials say they’re currently investigating the company. BBB is offering a number of tips to avoid being taken in. Among them: be very careful when workers come to your door without an invitation and claim your home is unsafe. Also, insist that contractors offer written estimates on company letterhead with contact information. You can visit http://www.bbb.org/east-texas/ to learn more.

GLADEWATER — Two women are arrested on drug charges in Gladewater following a traffic stop. On Monday night, Tera Austin, 33, Gladewater, was charged with delivery of a controlled substance and possession. Amanda Goodman-Snider (pictured), 32, Longview, was charged with possession.

TYLER — A new hospital for south Tyler is a step closer to reality. The Tyler city council yesterday approved a special use permit and a rezoning for the site at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Cumberland Road. Trinity Mother Frances and Emerus Hospitals are working together to build the hospital at the Villages at Cumberland Park shopping center. The hospital, which is expected to bring 100 new jobs to the city, is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2016. The three story, multi-million dollar hospital will feature emergency room services, an imaging center, general practitioners and specialists and will be open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

HAWKINS — The Wood County fire marshal is investigating a possible arson case in Hawkins involving Mayor Will Rogers — and possibly a controversial religious sign. According to KETK, around 2:30 Wednesday morning, Rogers got a phone call saying that his coffee shop was on fire. Luckily, most of the damage was done to a small building behind the coffee shop, where workers cook and sort a lot of their food. Rogers says firefighters got to the scene quickly and were able to put it out almost immediately. Rogers says security video shows a white truck driving up and a man throwing something at the building. Continue reading Hawkins Mayor: Fire Apparently Prompted by Religious Sign

LONGVIEW — In the past five years, 17 people have been killed in 14 unsolved homicides in Longview. That’s according the Longview News-Journal. The most recent unsolved homicide happened a little more than a month ago. Kareshia Jones, 30, was shot and killed on 15th Street. Many of these homicides have taken place on the south side of Longview. Longview officers say having just one open homicide investigation is one too many, adding it’s very difficult to solve crimes without the help from the community.

HOUSTON — The Texas Right to Life Political Action Committee Wednesday announced its endorsement of State Representative Bryan Hughes of Mineola for State Senate District 1. A statement from the pro-life group cited Hughes’s “zeal, diplomatic demeanor, and legal expertise.” Hughes so far is opposed by fellow Republican and District 7 State Representative David Simpson of Longview. Current District 1 Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler has announced he won’t be running again.

ATHENS — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has seized over 5,000 marijuana plants from a wooded area, totaling over $5,000,000 in estimated value. KETK reports officials had been conducting an ongoing investigation of a large marijuana grow just outside Brownsboro. According to officials, the growers were apparently living in the area where the plants were found. No one’s been arrested, but investigators say they hope enough evidence was gathered to identify the growers.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department will soon get a pay raise. According to KETK, in addition to a proposed 3 percent raise across the board for city employees, Longview could look to Tyler Police as an example of how to bolster police ranks with bigger wage increases for officers. As work continues on the next budget, City Manager David Willard said Longview is considering a pay structure similar to that of the Tyler Police Department, increasing salaries for every officer, with the largest raises going to officers with more than seven years of experience. Continue reading Pay Raise Planned for Longview Police

PALESTINE – Palestine police continue their search for the gunman responsible for the death of two persons. The shooting happened around 5:30 Saturday morning in the 900 block of North Conway Street. Killed were Timothy Laban Owens, 39, and Ashley Quinn, 25, both of Palestine. Owens was pronounced dead at the scene and Quinn died a couple of hours later at Palestine Regional Medical Center. A 17 year old boy, a relative of Owens, was in the home at the time of the shooting and said he saw a man running from the scene. He appeared to be about six feet tall and was wearing dark colored clothing. Palestine police and Texas Rangers are continuing the investigation of the deaths.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University’s Belcher Center has announces its 2015-2016 season. It starts on Thursday, Oct. 1 with the Broadway musical “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Also included will be the The Texas Tenors, TAO, Seventeen Samurai, Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits and humorist Dave Barry. You can go to http://www.belchercenter.com for details.

TYLER — Staffing at the Smith County Jail is a heated topic for the Commissioners Court. According to KETK, Sheriff Larry Smith says short staffing is not a new issue. It came up last year when commissioners were discussing the new jail plan, but the debate continues. On Tuesday, commissioners held an open discussion about creating new positions for the jail, as well as increasing the size of the staff. Sheriff Smith says it’s a compliance issue. Currently the jail does not have enough people to watch inmates in different pods, so officials are having trouble meeting jail standards. The sheriff plans to make a presentation outlining the multiple variables he says play into his jail staffing needs. Continue reading Jail Staffing Debated in Commissioners Court

HAWKINS — Members of an East Texas community are responding to the controversy surrounding a sign on city property. The Freedom from Religion Foundation is threatening a lawsuit unless the city of Hawkins relocates a sign on city property that reads, “Jesus welcomes you to Hawkins.” A recent city council meeting addressed the issue, but no action was taken. Now, smaller signs have been popping up all over the city in people’s yards with the same message. The mayor of Hawkins has expressed his support of leaving the sign exactly where it is — as did the majority of people who attended last week’s council meeting.