KTBB News, Weather, Talk

GREGG COUNTY — A Pine Tree ISD bus driver is recovering from an assault that happened while dropping off students on his route Monday afternoon. According to the Longview News-Journal, the name of the driver has not been released. No students were injured during the assault. Longview police spokeswoman Kristie Brian said the assault happened just before 4 p.m. near Old Hwy 80 and Breland Street. Continue reading Pine Tree School Bus Driver Attacked

EAST TEXAS — State highway department crews are asking the public to avoid travel in the Henderson area in Rusk County after thunderstorms and a possible tornado struck Monday evening, littering roadways with trees and debris. Local crews as well as additional manpower and equipment dispatched to the area are currently working to clear roadways including U.S. Highway 79 and State Highway 43. Crews were then due to move into the city of Henderson to assist with tree removal and cleanup. Continue reading Highway Crews Cleaning Up Following Storms

MARSHALL — Some residents in Harrison County and Marion Counties spent their Memorial Day holiday cleaning up after weekend storms. The two counties were under a tornado warning for nearly an hour starting at 11:36 Sunday morning. A National Weather Service team from Shreveport confirmed the damage was done by an EF1 tornado. It began about 10 miles northeast of Beckville, moving northeastward over Interstate Highway 20 into eastern Marshall where it lifted about six miles north northeast of the city. The heaviest damage was reported off Highway 43 North near the Jasper Drive and Forest Trail areas. There have been reports of homes and trees damaged. A golf course near Airport Park reported damage. Power outages were also reported in the area. There were no reports of any injuries.

LONGVIEW — Police are still looking for the driver involved in a hit-and-run Friday morning in Longview. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report it happened in the 4100 block of the West Loop, near Lear Park, around 5:00. Police say they found a damaged sedan and utility pole, but nobody was there. You’re asked to call police if you have any information.

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith keynoted the annual Memorial Day observance at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery. The sheriff told KTBB, “I just can’t stress enough how important it is not to just do this on Memorial Day, but to think about those individuals, think about their families, as often as we can — not just one day out of the year.” Though Memorial Day is set aside for those who have lost their lives in battle, Smith says it’s equally important to honor those who have survived their wartime service to their country.

AUSTIN – As severe weather including tornadoes, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flooding continues across areas of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott Monday declared a state of disaster in 24 additional counties, including some in East Texas. Those counties are Archer, Bastrop, Caldwell, Cass, Collin, Dewitt, Fannin, Grayson, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hill, Houston, Kendall, Jasper, Johnson, Newton, Nueces, Parker, San Jacinto, Walker, Wichita, and Wilson. The declaration authorizes further mobilization of state resources to assist impacted communities. Additional counties may be added to the declaration as the situation develops. Continue reading East Texas Counties on Disaster Declaration List

LUFKIN — The body of a missing Lufkin teenager has been found in a Lufkin ditch. Ayanna Austin, 13, was reported missing Thursday morning. The body was located in the rain flooded ditch behind Lufkin Middle School and off Virgil Avenue. Her body was said to have been found Saturday afternoon around 4:30 by family and friends who had been aiding in the search effort. Her body has been sent to Beaumont for autopsy.

TYLER — Milling and resurfacing of failed pavement in various areas along Rice/Shiloh Road will be this week. Construction is expected to last a week and is dependent upon weather. Three locations will be resurfaced, including the curves of Shiloh Road around Sweetbriar Lane, Rice Road around Kinsey Drive and Rice Road around Plantation Drive. Lane closures are to be expected in these locations from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29. Drivers should use caution due to possible uneven pavement conditions.

SMITH COUNTY — Kids playing on a phone has led to the seizure of some marijuana. It began when the kids called 911. Because of the call, a deputy was sent to a residence on County Road 481. Two vehicles were parked in front of the house. One vehicle had several kids inside. He was unable to get anyone to come to the door and smelled the odor of burning marijuana. He heard a noise from the back of the house and saw a man crawling out a window and running away. He was unable to catch the man. When he returned to the house, the cars were gone. Looking through a window, he saw one and a half bricks of marijuana on a table inside the house. Continue reading Marijuana Seized in Smith County

MARSHALL — Damage from a tornado has been reported in Harrison County. Harrison and Marion Counties were under a tornado warning for nearly an hour starting at 11:36 Sunday morning. A National Weather Service team from Shreveport confirmed the damage was done by an EF1 tornado. It began about 10 miles northeast of Beckville, moving northeastward over Interstate Highway 20 into eastern Marshall where it lifted about six miles north northeast of the city. The heaviest damage was reported off Highway 43 North near the Jasper Drive and Forest Trail areas. There have been reports of homes and trees damaged. A golf course near Airport Park reported damage. Power outages were also reported in the area. There have been no reports of any injuries.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of May 25, 2015. Schedules are subject to change due to weather, equipment or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in these and all work zones.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance is conducting base repair work on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 16 and Farm Road 14 with traffic reduced to one line and controlled by flaggers. A second crew will be on Ranch Road 2767 cutting high shoulders between Farm Road 2908 and the Gregg County line. Some of this work will be done as a moving operation while some will require reducing the roadway to one lane with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

MARSHALL — Damage from what may have been a tornado has been reported in Harrison County. Harrison and Marion Counties were under a tornado warning for nearly an hour starting at 11:36 Sunday morning. The storm was spotted on Farm Road 2625 near U.S. Highway 59. There have been reports of homes and trees damaged. A golf course near Airport Park reported damage. Power outages were also reported in the area. There have been no report of any injuries.

TYLER — After a long battle with lymphoma, former Texas state Representative Leo Berman died Saturday. He is survived by his wife, Lou Ann Berman, five children, seven grandchildren, three great-grandsons, one sister, and two brothers. He is predeceased by wife, Cara Sue Hughey Berman. Funeral services are pending with Christ Episcopal Church. Continue reading Former State Representative Berman Dies

MARSHALL — A two vehicle accident in Marshall has left one person dead and three injured. The victim has been identified as Todd Lane Davis, 19, of Waskom. The injured were taken to Good Shepherd Center-Marshall for treatment. The wreck occurred around shortly after 3:15 Saturday morning. It was reported at the intersection of U.S Highway 59 and U.S. Highway 80. It is said to have occurred when a vehicle ran a red light and hit Davis’ vehicle. The accident remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — An undetermined amount of items have been taken in the burglary of a Longview jewelry store. It happened sometime before dawn on Friday at Murray Jewelry at 2320 Judson Road. Reports indicate the suspects took a significant amount of jewelry, but not the most expensive items in the store. The entered the business through a back door. At last report, no suspects had been identified.

TYLER — The law firm of Perdue, Brandon, Fielder Collins and Mott, L.L.P., announced Friday that it had obtained $342,063.70 for the Tyler ISD from the holding company Sears Methodist Retirement System. The money was for back property taxes on the Meadow Lake retirement community in southern Smith County. Sears Methodist sold Meadow Lake as part of a liquidation plan after filing for bankruptcy. Law firm partner Tab Beall said that it “took a lot of hard work from a number of people” both within Tyler ISD and Perdue Brandon to get the money for the school district. TISD CFO Tosha Bjork said, “We are extremely careful with taxpayer money and this additional sum will be used in a frugal and careful manner.” Continue reading Law Firm Gets over $342,000 in Back Taxes for TISD

PALESTINE – The Palestine Police Department is stepping into the picture following the devastating EF-3 tornado that ripped through Van May 10, with Van residents still needing help in their recuperation efforts. The Palestine PD is assisting those efforts and asking for the public’s assistance through Operation Hope for Van. Continue reading Palestine Police Department Supports Van Disaster Relief Operation

BROWNSBORO — A Brownsboro ISD employee has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student. In a news release, Superintendent Dr. Chris Moran stated, “The safety of our students and staff is our first priority and we are taking these allegations very seriously. An investigation has been initiated and a more complete statement will be provided when appropriate.”

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is warning the public about a string of vehicle burglaries in north Kilgore. According to KETK, police say several vehicles were broken into over the past few days on Reynolds Street near the intersections of Tidewater and Beall Streets. Authorities remind you to take valuables from your vehicle or hide them in your vehicle, and to leave your vehicle in a well-lit area. If you see suspicious activity, call police.

VAN — Natural disasters can create anxiety and emotional stress amongst children, families, and the community. The impact of a natural disaster such as the May 10 tornado in Van can cause traumatic stress and confusion and create fear. Van ISD counselors and administrators encourage parents to monitor their children closely for symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that may arise over the weeks ahead. Tammy Willis, licensed specialist in school psychology for Van ISD, says that most children will be able to cope on their own over time. However, some children may be at risk for extreme reactions to natural disasters. These reactions can vary by age groups. Continue reading Van ISD Encourages Parents to Monitor for PTSD Symptoms

TYLER — KTBB is now at 97.5 FM, covering all of East Texas. According to Owner-General Manager Paul Gleiser, it’s a big step for the station — and our listeners. “One of the problems we’ve always had is that our AM signal has to change at night, and we lose a lot of people, particularly to the east in Longview,” says Gleiser. “That won’t happen anymore.” And Gleiser says there’s even more to the big switch. “Lots and lots of news/talk stations are moving to the FM band; it’s a trend in the industry,” he adds. “I want to be on the leading edge of that trend, rather than the trailing edge. This is something that excites me — we’ve been trying to get this done for a long, long time.” Continue reading KTBB Now on 97.5 FM

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A Federal Appeals Court has ruled for a Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputy who pepper-sprayed a 75-year old woman. The incident happened during a protest over the Keystone XL Pipeline. Barbara Janette Singleton is a member of the “Raging Grannies” a group from the Nacogdoches area that opposes the Keystone XL Pipeline. In November of 2012, she was among a group demonstrating in Cherokee County blocking a road. A sheriff sergeant didn’t give a lot of warning. He got his pepper spray and hit Singleton square in the eyes, sending her to the hospital. A Federal Judge dismissed her suit and in a 2-1 split decision, the 5th Court of appeals has upheld the judge’s decision.

LIBERTY CITY — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash from Wednesday night as homicide. According to Lt. Kirk Haddix, deputies found John Allen Franco, 24, had died from a gunshot wound to the head while they were investigating a wreck near the Smallwood neighborhood in Liberty City. The accident took place a little after 10:00 p.m. on Old Highway 135. Multiple people were said to be in the vehicle involved. It has not been disclosed how many automobiles were involved. Franco was pronounced dead at 12:06 a.m. Persons with information about this case are asked to contact Investigator Roy Nixon at 903-237-2532 or Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP.

TYLER — More than 208 tons of solid waste and bulk items were collected from Smith County residents at the Greenwood Farms Landfill this year during the annual County-Wide Clean Up. According to a county news release, 238 vouchers were collected this year, allowing residents to haul off their items to the landfill for free, and saving them about $4,000. Continue reading Officials: County-Wide Clean Up Successful

LONGVIEW — The Blake Furniture warehouse at 234 Skinner Lane, off Highway 259, is deemed a total loss after it caught fire Thursday, drawing multiple departments to the scene. An employee tells KETK a cloud of smoke could be seen from a few miles away. Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary says seven to 10 employees were inside when the blaze began at around 11 a.m., but they were able to escape unharmed. Employees say a power surge prior to the fire may have sparked the flames, but the fire marshal has not confirmed a cause. There had been reports of power surges in the area before Thursday. The fire began in the middle of the warehouse, per employees, and was out of control within 10 minutes. No injuries have been reported. Continue reading Longview Furniture Warehouse Deemed Total Loss in Fire

LONGVIEW — The mother of a man who died in custody at the Gregg County Jail has agreed to drop the lawsuit she filed claiming her son suffered a seizure because he was denied his prescribed drugs. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. A three-sentence order from the federal court in Marshall says Gregg County and Betty Madewell, mother of Bobby Joe Madewell Jr., have “settled all claims.” U.S. Magistrate Judge Roy Payne’s May 11 order calls on parties to file a dismissal motion within 30 days. Robert Davis, the county’s attorney, said Madewell agreed to drop her claim shortly before a jury was seated in Marshall federal court. “The case has just been dismissed by the plaintiffs with prejudice,” Davis said, meaning she cannot file the claim again. “The county has spent no money on it.” Continue reading Gregg County Jail Death Lawsuit Dismissed

WINONA — The Winona Police Department announced Thursday morning it will be closing near the end of the month. Chief Bryan Richards released a statement to our news partner KETK that reads, in part, “On Tuesday, May 19th, the newly elected Winona City Mayor and Council made the decision to close the Winona Police Department as of May 29, 2015 due to financial restraints. I would like to personally thank all the citizens that supported me and the officers of the Police Department. I would like to give a special Thank You to the Officers that I employed since 2012.” Continue reading Winona Police Department Closing Down May 29

HENDERSON — A Kilgore pastor has pleaded no contest to a lesser count two years after he was arrested on a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, the Rev. Glenn Barton entered an eight-year probation that, if he adheres to its conditions, will prevent the court from pronouncing a finding of guilt from his no-contest plea. Barton, 64, a minister at Calvary Way church, was charged in March 2013 with aggravated sex assault of a child. Kilgore police said then that Barton was suspected of sexually abusing a child between 2009 and 2013. He pleaded no contest May 11 to indecency with a child, a lesser charge, before Fourth District Court Judge Clay Gossett in Henderson, Rusk County District Clerk records show. His plea agreement names a June 15, 2009, offense date. Continue reading Minister Pleads No Contest to Indecency with a Child