KTBB News, Weather, Talk

AUSTIN – The University of Texas System Board of Regents have unanimously named the sole finalists to be UT system chancellor and the president of UT Austin according to our news partner KETK.

On Monday, the board named John M. Zerwas, MD as sole finalist for the chancellorship of The UT System and James E. Davis as sole finalist for the presidency at UT Austin. Board chairman and former Tyler mayor Kevin Eltife praised both Zerwas and Davis for their leadership qualities.

Zerwas, a former physician and Texas State Representative for Fort Bend County, thanked the board of regents and Eltife for supporting him in his current role as interim system chancellor.

Davis, a former Navy cryptologist, Texas Deputy Attorney General and current UT Austin Interim president, was praised by Eltife for the progress that UT Austin has made during Davis’s time at the university. Continue reading UT names sole finalists for chancellor, president

LUFKIN – The Lufkin Police Department was able end a three hour standoff Sunday, triggered by a domestic disturbance. According to our news partner KETK, LPD and SWAT responded to a call at an apartment on Montrose Street. Officers found 20-year-old Francisco Farfan of Lufkin, threatening to shoot himself.

After initial conversation with police, and Farfan not coming out of the apartment, gas canisters were used. After another hour, SWAT used their truck to push in the front door of the apartment. However, Farfan pushed the door closed. At this time, the SWAT team opened the door and hit Farfan with 40-millimeter foam baton round, knocking him down and letting officers gain control of the situation. Francisco Farfan was booked into the Angelina County Jail for aggravated assault, with the possibility of more charges to be filed.

UPSHUR COUNTY – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety in a sting operation that led to the arrest of a man who was allegedly communicating with a minor online.

According to our news partner KETK, law enforcement believed David Palmer had online communications with a minor in order to meet them in person. However, Palmer was in reality talking to an undercover officer. That officer, directed him to at a meet location in Gilmer. After arriving at the location, Palmer was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor. He is in the Upshur County Jail, with his bond set at $75,000.

TYLER – On Monday, Blue Bell Creameries of Brenham announced that they’re joining a nationwide effort to eliminate certified artificial colors from their ice cream by 2027. According to our news partner KETK, Blue Bell is joining other dairy companies in the International Dairy Foods Association’s Ice Cream Commitment to end the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 by Dec. 31, 2027.

The IDFA said in press release, “As national and state policies on artificial colors in food continue to change, ice cream makers are keeping pace by offering wholesome treats and snacks that families know and love. Many commercial ice cream makers have already phased out certified artificial colors and many others are working with suppliers to phase them out by 2028 in compliance with this effort and other business considerations.”

Blue Bell’s announcement noted the fact that many of their classic flavors like Cookies ‘n Cream, Homemade Vanilla and Rocky Road already do not use artificial coloring. To learn more about all of their flavors and products, visit Blue Bell Creameries online.

Kilgore — Kilgore College has terminated their assistant football coach after finding out about criminal charges in another state. According to our news partner KETK, 41-year-old Forrest Mazy, is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an Oklahoma high school. Pittsburg County, Oklahoma authorities said that Mazey is accused of “fraudulently appropriating the sum” of more than $4,600 that belonged to McAlester Public Schools. He has pleaded not guilty earlier this month and was released on a $1,000 bond.

According to the Kilgore College website, Mazey, who was listed as the teams offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, was fired after college officials found out about the charges in Oklahoma. Mazey was the head coach at McAlester High School from 2019 to 2025, where he also served as the dean of students. He also spent four seasons as the head coach at Poteau High School, where he led the Pirates to two undefeated seasons.

TYLER – Southside Bancshares, Inc.,the parent company of Southside Bank, will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, July 28th. This to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Southside Bank. Lee R. Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, along with members of the Company’s management team and board of directors, will participate in the ceremonial bell ringing.

Mr. Gibson said in a press release, “We are honored to ring the NYSE opening bell to commemorate Southside’s 65th anniversary. Since we first opened our doors in 1960, we have remained committed to helping people and businesses of our Texas communities thrive and prosper. This significant milestone is a testament to the hard work of our team members and our longstanding dedication to our customers, communities, and shareholders.”

The bell ringing ceremony begins at at about 8:25 a.m. Monday and can be streamed here.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is searching for a woman who was last seen over two weeks ago, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

52-year-old Brandy Whitaker has been missing since July 7. Whitaker is described as being 5 feet, 9 inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. She also reportedly has epilepsy and is known to faint.

If anyone has any information about Whitaker’s whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000

CHEROKEE COUNTY – An East Texas man was arrested on Thursday evening after he stabbed a man at an Alto gas station over money and truck keys, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

An Alto arrest affidavit revealed that police officers responded to a Texaco gas station at 539 Lovers Lane around 8 p.m., where a stabbing had occurred. Witnesses identified the suspect as 46-year-old Cory DeWayne Poole of Rusk, who was standing beside a car. While Poole was being handcuffed and put into the patrol car, police found a gray knife in the pocket of his pants. Officers then went inside to check on the stabbing victim, where they saw him holding his stomach in pain.

“I saw a puncture wound on his left side stomach area,” the officer said. “I applied gauze to the wound and applied pressure. Shortly after, EMS arrived to take over medical care.”

The victim explained to police that they were arguing about money when Poole stole his truck keys from the ignition. Continue reading Suspect arrested after gas station stabbing

PANOLA COUNTY – A man who was wanted in Panola County for burglary was arrested after he was found inside a vacant house, according to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office.

Officers found Kobe Holt on Wednesday night inside a vacant residence off County Road 104. Holt attempted to flee from authorities but was taken into custody after deputies used a Taser.

According to a report from our news partner KETK, investigators later discovered that Holt had broken into the residence and stole property that was stored inside the home. Holt was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary of habitation, resisting arrest and evading arrest.

Holt also received charges relating to his previous burglaries, including burglary of a building, burglary of a vehicle,burglary of a habitation, and theft of firearms

Following the arrest, Holt was transported to the detention center and the case will be presented to the Criminal District Attorney for further charges.

LONGVIEW– A Longview resident was recognized during a city council meeting on Thursday for his heroic act of bravery on a bus ride earlier this year, according to our news partner KETK.

While riding on a Longview transit bus in May, a fellow passenger began acting aggressively and became a threat to other passengers and the driver, forcing Corey Street to act quickly and remove the person from the vehicle.

In a video obtained by the City of Longview, it shows a man confronting the driver of the bus with a knife while trying to operate the bus. Street can be seen on film, appearing behind the man and forcefully removing him from the bus, preventing the driver or anyone else from being injured. Continue reading Longview man honored for stopping attacker on a bus

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, officials received reports of bricks falling off the building at around 1:20 p.m. on Thursday. The Tyler Police Department has blocked off Elm Street in downtown Tyler after bricks started falling from the garage at the Carlton Hotel on Thursday. Elm Street is currently closed from South Broadway Avenue to Spring Avenue to keep pedestrians and drivers away from the building as inspectors come in to survey the condition of the garage.

“It looks like just age,” Hooten said. “It looks like a normal age. Just got deteriorated and started falling.” “The main danger is where the crack is,” Hooten said. “It could lead to other cracks and it could lead to a ripple effect on down the side of the wall there. So we just want to make sure that no one’s underneath it. If that happened.”

“The Carlton Hotel is a historic icon in Downtown Tyler,” then deputy city manager of Tyler Stephanie Franklin said in 2023. “However, the current condition of the building has contributed to substantial blight in the Downtown district, and it poses a public health and safety risk.” Continue reading Elm Street closed due to falling debris from building

POLK COUNTY – The Livingston Police Department said they arrested a man at Matthews Park on Wednesday for online solicitation of a minor. According to our news partner KETK, Livingston PD was told that an investigation into online child exploitation discovered a man in the area who was trying to find an underage girl to meet for sex.

Detectives with Livingston PD were following up on the tip at Matthews Park on Wednesday afternoon when they found the man flagged by the investigation. Randy Newman, 31 of Goodrich, had driven to the park to meet a 14-year-old girl, according to Livingston PD. Newman was arrested for online solicitation of a minor and booked into the Polk County Jail.

“This is a sad reminder of the evil that is constantly reaching out to our children from behind a keyboard. Thankfully, this time, we were able to intervene before the worst could happen,” Livingston PD interim lieutenant Jack Mueller said.

TYLER – Lance Phillips, son of Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips and former Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips, was sentenced to seven years probation on Wednesday for assaulting a peace officer, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

In May, Lance was found guilty of assaulting a police officer during an incident at a 2023 Smith County commissioner’s court meeting. After he was found guilty, Lance told KETK that he planned to appeal the verdict in this case.

“If I lose, then I will immediately file my appeal to the higher court, and go as high as necessary to get the rule of law to be enforced,” Lance told KETK in May. “There will be tons of case law that has Lance Phillips vs. Neal Franklin of Smith County. The result will help 35 million Texans who may want to speak in a public meeting.” Continue reading Lance Phillips gets seven years probation for assault

SMITH COUNTY – A 17-year-old died on Sunday when they were ejected from their vehicle during a high-speed chase on Highway 31, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said that deputies started pursuing a vehicle seen driving at 124 miles per hour on Highway 31 West at around 1:36 a.m. on Sunday. The deputies eventually caught up with the vehicle on Pleasant Hollow Road, where it had crashed.

The 17-year-old driver, Joel Munoz, was ejected from the vehicle along with a passenger. Officials said that Munoz was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger was taken to a local hospital to be treated.

AUSTIN – Just 8 days after he execution hearing for death row inmate Robert Roberson of Palestine, his attorneys are asking the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) to stay his execution set for this fall in his case involving the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis.

Our news partner KETK had the opportunity to speak with Roberson’s Attorney, Gretchen Sween, Thursday morning about her reaction to the execution date being set and the two motions filed in the CCA.

On July 16, Roberson’s hearing led the Smith County District Court Judge Austin Reeve Jackson to order his execution to be set for 6 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2025. “The ruling was very disappointing, and that’s why we are now turning around to stop the execution date that we thought shouldn’t have been set in the first place,” Sween said.
“But we were grateful to be able to have a hearing, and that the judge made an effort to get Roberson there. I think it was evident there’s a lot of interest in what’s going on in this case.” Continue reading Robert Roberson’s attorney asks Court of Appeals for stay of execution

SMITH COUNTY – A hearing-impaired woman from outside of Texas adopted two puppies from the Smith County Animal Shelter that she and her family share a special connection with. according to our news partner KETK.

In June, the animal shelter rescued two three-month-old puppies, Anjali and Amiya, who were found abandoned on County Road 1142. After rescuing the puppies, it became apparent that both dogs were deaf.

Within days of saving the dogs, the shelter posted pictures of them on Deaf Dogs Rock, a website that showcases deaf dogs available for adoption. Nozomi Tomita, who lives in Massachusetts, viewed the dogs online and felt an instant connection, as she and her family are deaf. Continue reading Hearing-impaired family adopts deaf puppies in Texas

TATUM – The Tatum Police Department is searching for a woman part of the ‘felony lane gang’ who has entered three Texas banks using stolen identities from vehicle burglaries in Tatum, according to our news partner KETK.

Tatum PD said that this woman has gone to three Vera Bank locations from Mt. Pleasant south to Lufkin, presenting stolen identifications and banking information from a string of vehicle burglaries.

The suspect is not believed to be from the area; the gang she is associated with operates in Texas but is based out of Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

Two of the co-conspirators have been identified, but police are asking for the public’s assistance in finding the suspect who is wanted for many criminal charges. If anyone has information about this case, they are encouraged to contact Sergeant B. Jones at 903-803-3583.

TYLER — More Tyler homes will soon benefit from drainage improvements as the City adds Kidd Drive and Downing Street to the 2025 Structure Flooding Project. Recurring flooding has impacted three homes and several nearby properties. According to a city news release, on Wednesday, July 23, the City Council approved a Master Services Agreement for $42,300 with The C.T. Brannon Corporation for the design and construction phase services to Kidd Drive and Downing Street as part of the 2025 Structure Flooding Projects.

The City learned about stormwater issues in the area, and in 2018, a drainage study identified solutions to the problem. However, repairs were delayed due to challenges involving private property. The City continued monitoring the area until flooding began affecting homes, not just yards. Continue reading City expands 2025 structure flooding project

PALESTINE — Eighty-one jobs are at risk at Peraton’s Palestine balloon operation center due to the impending expiration of its contract with NASA according to our news partner KETK.

Peraton’s contract with NASA for balloon operations at the NASA Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine is set to expire on Sept. 30. If the company does not receive a contract extension or a re-award by that date, or within 14 days thereafter, it may be forced to lay off a significant portion of its workforce. The potential layoffs and their timing are based on current information, which is subject to change. Any developments, such as a contract extension or adjustments in government or operational needs, could alter the timeline or scale of the layoffs.

“Depending on government and operational requirements, layoffs in connection with the ending of the contract may come in stages, depending upon the need for workers as Peraton moves toward conclusion of operations under the contract,” the company stated. Continue reading 81 jobs in Palestine at risk pending NASA decision

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, a 30-page federal lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Texas against Eastman Chemical Company in Longview.

People who live near the facility are claiming health issues, including several cancer diagnoses, due to exposure to the company’s emissions. Four of the six people suing Eastman claim their cancer fights happened as a result of the companies’ high level of dangerous emissions. Eastman’s Longview facility opened in the 1950’s and processes raw chemicals like ethane and propane, that are ultimately used to create plastics. This process reportedly results into the release of thousands of pounds of ‘ethylene oxide’ into the air in Longview every year.

The colorless and odorless gas, also known as EtO, is a component in anti freeze, plastics and adhesives.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) puts EtO gas in their highest risk category, saying it can cause breast cancer in women and lymphoid cancer in men. From 1987 to 2022, Eastman self-reported that it released more than 565,000 pounds of EtO out of their Longview facility. Continue reading Longview chemical plant sued by residents with cancer

SMITH COUNTY – A major traffic accident has occurred on Interstate 20 just west of State Highway 155, according to a press release from the Smith County Sheriff’s office.

All westbound traffic on I-20 is shut down due to an 18-wheeler blocking all lanes. Traffic is being diverted onto Hwy 155, which has caused westbound traffic to back up all the way to US Hwy 271. Drivers are urged to avoid the area, if possible. First responders are on scene, along with DPS, handling the collision.

TYLER – Following the passing of House Bill 2, which provides public schools in Texas with additional funds and resources, our news partner KETK reports that several school districts across East Texas have permitted raises for their teachers.

During a meeting on Monday, the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 Budget and Compensation Structure, which will increase the salary for all Tyler ISD teachers and provide them with a substantial raise.

“We’re incredibly appreciative that the Legislature was able to get House Bill 2 across the finish line,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “This means a $2,500 or even $5,000 raise for many of our teachers in Tyler ISD, which is a major step forward in valuing their work and commitment.” Continue reading East Texas schools boost teacher pay after House Bill 2

SMITH COUNTY – A homicide investigation is underway following a stabbing in Tyler. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, around 2:00 Wednesday morning, deputies responded to a house on Lucky Avenue, where a man was found dead inside. The victim has been identified as Seth Ford Stone, 42, of Tyler. His body was transported to Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for autopsy.

The suspect in the case was identified as Kenneth Maison Homan, 38, of Tyler. Smith County Investigators presented an arrest affidavit to the Honorable 475th State Judicial District Judge Taylor Heaton who issued a murder warrant for Homan. He was booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $1,000,000.

TYLER – Planned Parenthood in Tyler is now closed as all in-clinic services ended at the center on July 17.

All Tyler area patients will still have access to services by making a tele-med appointment. Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas talked about transitioning Tyler area services to telehealth options after serving nearly 75,000 patients last year.

“For 90 years, Texans have relied on Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas for essential sexual and reproductive healthcare and education,” Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas said. “This year, we made the strategic decision to transition healthcare services in the Tyler area to tele-health via the Greater Texas Virtual Health Center and close our health center on Turtle Creek Drive for in-person appointments.” Continue reading Planned Parenthood in Tyler closes

WOOD COUNTY — Perryville Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Charles Alexander was arrested earlier this month for theft of service after failing to work on a construction project that was already paid for, an affidavit said.

According to our news partner KETK, Alexander signed a contract to construct a 40×40 shop building for the victim in exchange for $38,796 on March 19. The victim said Alexander wrote the size of the building as 30×40 in the contract, an affidavit said. The victim contacted Alexander to explain that the size of the building was incorrect and Alexander responded by adding $10,443 to the quoted price of the job due to the change in size, according to the affidavit.

The contact was not formally changed and both parties settled during a verbal agreement. Continue reading East Texas fire chief accused of stealing from client

GLADEWATER – Several minors are accused of breaking into a vacant lake house in Gladewater over the weekend. Now, local law enforcement is searching for those involved.

According to a report from our news partner KETK, the Gladewater Police Department said the party was held on Saturday at a lake house located in East Lake Drive. Since opening the investigation, authorities have interviewed multiple individuals who reported being invited to the party through social media.

Authorities also spoke with the owner of the home, who stated that he did not grant permission for the gathering, and that the house was not authorized for use. Police are also reviewing reports of any other potential criminal activity. Continue reading Minors accused of breaking into vacant lake house