KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Longtime judge and lawmaker Charles Galloway Calhoun Jr. of Tyler died Sunday at age 83. According to his obituary on the Stewart Family Funeral Home website, Calhoun, who was known by his middle name, “fought ill health with great determination for several years.” Calhoun graduated from Tyler High School at age fifteen. He later served as district attorney for Smith and Wood counties, was an assistant attorney general for the state of Texas, and was elected to three terms as a state senator. He also served as legal counsel to the governor before returning to Tyler, where he was a district judge for almost 20 years. He then served another 20 years as state senior judge. Calhoun is survived by his four children and their families. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Marvin United Methodist Church. Donations may be made to PATH.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a commercial burglary alarm early Tuesday morning and arrested two juveniles. It happened around 1:50 at the Boost Mobile store, 115 North Beckham. Officers said upon arrival, they noticed two suspects running from the store into a wooded area. One of the suspects was apprehended immediately and property believed to be stolen was recovered. Additional officers arrived and began searching the woods for the second suspect. During the search, they located two security cameras from the store and were able to identify the wanted subject. He was contacted at his residence a short time later and taken into custody. The suspects, ages 14 and 15, are both Hispanic. They were charged with burglary of a building.

HENDERSON — The Rusk County Jail may face staffing issues before too long. A ratio of one correctional officer for every fifty inmates is required by Texas law. In order to comply, the jail will only be able to hold a maximum of 140 inmates at all times — about half the jail’s full capacity. Finding new employees is proving difficult. Officials tell KETK too few qualified applicants are applying for these positions — and they may have to start housing inmates outside the county.

BROWNSBORO — The Brownsboro Police Department is investigating an incident in which a woman jumped from a car Monday. According to Chief Thomas Robertson, the 38-year-old was released from the Behavioral Health Center in Tyler earlier in the day. While she was riding home with a family member, the woman jumped from the moving car on Highway 31 West for unknown reasons, a relative told police. Brownsboro police say they’ll release more information when it becomes available.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy arrested a Longview man after he was found to be in possession of 12 grams of methamphetamine and a stolen motorcycle. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Stephen Dwayne Cannada, 40, was arrested on multiple charges of evading arrest/detention with a previous conviction, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and theft of property. The Longview News-Journal reports it all happened following a traffic stop on Texas 31 shortly after 3:30 Sunday morning. Cannada reportedly attempted to flee from law enforcement before he was Tasered and arrested by Patrol Sergeant Scott Morrison. Continue reading Longview Man Tasered, Arrested Following Weekend Foot Chase

TYLER — The trial for one of three people accused of killing a mother at a public park in Tyler is set to begin today. KETK reports more than 20 witnesses are expected to take the stand during the trial of Dennis Bendy, 20. Jury selection is scheduled to begin at 1:30 this afternoon. The defense has also requested that the sentencing be delivered by Judge Jack Skeen. The suspect is facing no less than five years in jail and no more than 99 years to life. Bendy allegedly shot dead Briana Young, 20, at P.T. Cole Park on July 20, 2013. According to police, Young had brought her 3-year-old son to the park when she was later caught in cross-fire and shot. Rakheem Goldstein and Elisha Williams are also charged with murder in the case. A fourth suspect, Ke’Avier Jarrod Wilson-Hurd, was no-billed.

CANTON — In an effort to make sure people all over the county are aware of Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers and the rewards it gives out for anonymous tips, the group has started putting up large signs along various local roads, according to a news release from the group. So far, Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers has put up three four-by-eight-foot signs that highlight the rewards it gives out for tips that lead to the arrests of wanted criminals and give the organization’s anonymous phone number. “We want to raise awareness among people who might have information about crimes but are reluctant to call the authorities,” explained Kathy Smith, president of Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers. “We are putting these signs in areas either where there is high visibility and they will be seen by a lot of people, or in areas where there is high crime and we want to let criminals know they should be worried.” Continue reading Crime Stoppers Putting Signs along Van Zandt County Roads

LONGVIEW — A Winona man awaiting trial on a murder charge was given a new lawyer last week. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, 22-year-old Alejandro Garcia asked to replace his prior representation with Gilmer attorney Tim Cone. Garcia was arrested in December in the death of 19-year-old Andres Chavez. Chavez’s body was found near Whistle-Stop Mobile Home Park in Longview. An autopsy revealed Chavez died from blunt trauma to the head and sharp force injuries to the neck.

PAYNE SPRINGS (Staff/AP) — An East Texas man has been charged with murder after it was determined the victim, his girlfriend, did not die from suicide. According to KETK, Henderson County Sheriff Ray Nutt says authorities were called to the 7000 block of Porthville Drive near Payne Springs around 4:30 Saturday morning. Clyde Jason Tennison, a resident there, reportedly said he found Deborah Denise Allen, 47, dead in the home. It was also learned Tennison was in a relationship with Allen and they lived together, according to authorities. Chief Deputy Botie Hillhouse said Tennison suggested the case was a suicide. Continue reading Henderson Co. Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend, Charged with Murder

TYLER — Smith County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect responsible for striking Kenneth Jones and leaving the scene of the accident. The Tyler Police Department is continuing to investigate the fatal pedestrian accident which happened July 13th near the intersection of Van Highway and Loop 323. Investigators are seeking information on the vehicle and driver who struck and killed the 23-year-old. Investigators recovered debris at the accident scene from the suspect vehicle, and believe it to be an unknown model Chevrolet. Officials say you must call 903-597-CUFF or 903-597-2833 to be eligible for the reward.

LONGVIEW – For the third year in a row the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship has been held in Longview. Sunday, it was announced the national champion was John Petrehn, of Kansas City, Kansas. His youngest brother, Paul, was last year’s winner. According to the Longview News Journal, other winners announced yesterday: Bruce Bussey, of Longview was the overall Great Texas Balloon Race winner. Joe Heartsill, of San Angelo was the Texas State Champion. Rookie of the year honors went to Steve Mitchell, of Streetsboro, Ohio.

TYLER — Motorists should expect delays during their commutes this week as work on the Interstate Highway 20 construction projects continues. The contractor will be overlaying the roadway and repairing bridge joints which will impact multiple ramps within the project limits. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), several ramps will be closed during the day on this project which runs from just west of U.S. Highway 69 to Farm Road 14 in the EB lanes only. Continue reading Some Delays Expected Around I-20 Construction in Smith County

CONROE (AP/Staff) – Four boating-related deaths so far this year have made Lake Conroe the deadliest lake in Texas since 2000, while Lake Palestine is high on the list. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department records show 22 people since then have been killed on the 21,000-acre lake north of Houston. That’s two more than Lake Livingston, about 70 miles northeast of Houston, in the same period. Officials tell the Houston Chronicle the numbers are up despite increased law enforcement and better boater education. Alcohol is blamed for many of the deaths. Records show Lake Travis northwest of Austin and Lake Lewisville in the Dallas area are next with 17 boating-related fatalities since 2000, followed by Lake Palestine at number five with 16. In 2000, Texas recorded 53 boating fatalities. Last year, 21 people were killed.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – The recent arrests of two Texas football players for sexual assault, including an East Texan, are a rare example of police detaining suspects in alleged campus rape cases. The Austin American-Statesman and KVUE-TV have found that police have responded to reports of 19 sexual assaults in the last 5 years at the University of Texas and five other Central Texas colleges. Those six schools total more than 100,000 students. Of those cases, police have arrested six people in four cases. Two of those people are Kendall Sanders (pictured) of Athens and Montrel Meander, arrested after a UT student accused them of raping her in a dorm room. Attorneys for both men have denied the allegations. Police and university officials say victims are often reluctant to come forward and pursue a prosecution.

TYLER — The festivities and revelries of Paris will come to downtown Tyler on Saturday, August 9 as Heart of Tyler hosts its seventh annual Black Tie Bingo Gala. The fundraiser has the theme of “Moulin Rouge” this year, according to a city of Tyler news release. French-style cuisine, songs from Moulin Rouge, and even the Can Can will be part of the surrounding entertainment, but the featured activity of the evening is four “high stakes” games of bingo. Game winners will receive prizes such as cooking classes, a downtown luxury pampering package, and Texas Rangers tickets. The final prize will be a pair of Liberty Hall fall season passes. Continue reading Heart of Tyler Hosts Annual Black Tie Bingo Gala

TYLER – The latest major exhibition in the Tyler Museum of Art’s busy summer and fall season highlights the museum’s milestones in building its Permanent Collection – while celebrating its achievements in cultivating the talents and reputations of some of the state’s most noteworthy artists of the modern era. That’s according to a TMA news release about Contemporary Texas: Selections from the Permanent Collection, which opened to the public Sunday and continues through Nov. 30 in the TMA’s North Gallery. Admission is free. Continue reading Contemporary Texas Shines Spotlight on TMA’s Permanent Collection

LUFKIN (AP) – A 38-year-old Lufkin man is jailed under $75,000 bond for what police say is his second assault with an ax in eight months. Authorities say James Carl Garrett Jr. is held on an aggravated robbery charge for the July 13 attack. An arrest affidavit examined by The Lufkin Daily News says Garrett was found hiding in a bathroom closet after the victim called police. Documents say Garrett contended he was acting in self-defense. The victim told police he picked up a woman at a club and was confronted by Garrett when he returned her home the next morning. The police report says the victim received hospital treatment for a neck wound. Records show Garrett was arrested in December for aggravated assault for threatening his girlfriend with an ax.

KILGORE — An East Texas man has been killed in a one-vehicle crash near Kilgore. According to the Kilgore Police Department, shortly before 2:30 Thursday morning, officers responded to a crash on Farm Road 2087 near Farm Road 349. According to KETK, authorities determined the accident was outside city limits and turned the investigation over to DPS. Troopers discovered a truck driven by Juan Rene Marcott, 41, of Henderson, wrecked after his pickup slid on the slick road and hit a culvert, then rolled several times. Marcott was thrown from the vehicle during the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other passengers were inside the vehicle. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the crash.

MARSHALL — A man accused of attacking multiple people at a Marshall Walmart with a hatchet has been found competent to stand trial. According to KETK, that information is included in a report filed July 8 by Dr. Barbara Beadles, a competency program staff psychiatrist at the North Texas State Hospital in Vernon. The suspect is Christopher Lynn Hamilton, 28, of Crawford, Arkansas. According to a trial competency evaluation document, Hamilton understood the possible outcomes following his competency test: going back to jail and trial or going back to the hospital. Hamilton had been ordered March 31 to Rusk State Hospital, where he was to spend no more than 120 days. According to the Marshall News Messenger, that order was based on a psychologist’s opinion that Hamilton wasn’t competent to stand trial. Continue reading Hatchet Slinging Suspect Found Competent to Stand Trial

TYLER — Authorities say the arrest of 31-year-old Dustin Berry has cleared four area burglaries. According to a Smith County Sheriff’s Office news release, detectives received information Tuesday from a Smith County resident regarding over $21,000 worth of tools and wires which had been taken when his business was burglarized on July 18 in Flint. He was told that it was a former employee who had stolen his property and that some of that property could now be found in the Pinecrest mobile home park on FM 2868 in Flint. That same day, another Smith County resident contacted SCSO detectives advising she also had information that her stolen property was located in the Pinecrest mobile home park. This victim’s home had been burglarized on Wednesday, July 23, and a John Deere riding lawnmower had been stolen. Continue reading SCSO: Four Burglaries Cleared with One Arrest

TYLER — Tyler City Manager Mark McDaniel announced Friday that he will be resigning after accepting a position as an assistant city manager in Dallas. “We are grateful to Mark for his 10 years of service to the City of Tyler. Mark and our entire City staff have worked diligently to make Tyler the standard for local government,” said Mayor Martin Heines. “We wish him the best of success in his future endeavors. Our city council will move forward with the appointment of an interim city manager on Aug. 13. Our permanent replacement search will focus on employing a city manager who shares our beliefs in a conservative business-like approach to City government.” Continue reading Tyler’s City Manager Heading to Dallas

NEW SUMMERFIELD — The New Summerfield Police Department received confirmation Friday from the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas that the body discovered July 29 near Reklaw was that of Javier Jimenez. According to KETK, police say Jimenez was positively identified utilizing finger prints on file. The Medical Examiner listed the cause of death as homicide due to gunshot wound. Officials say there is no further information to release at this time and the investigation is continuing with the assistance of several allied agencies. Continue reading Body Found in Cherokee County Identified

NOONDAY – A reward has been posted in connection with the June robbery of Austin Bank in Noonday. In cooperation with the Texas Bankers Association and other sources a $15,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600. Continue reading Reward Offered in Austin Bank Heist

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith gets some recognition from a statewide group of peers. According to a news release, Smith, along with several officials with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, attended the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas 136th Annual Training Conference and Expo in San Antonio from July 26-29. At the awards dinner Tuesday evening, SAT President and Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano presented the President’s Award to Smith for what were termed his outstanding support and cooperation with the Sheriff’s Association of Texas and his commitment to unselfish service to the people of the State of Texas. The award states that Sheriff Smith is recognized by his peers as an honorable person and an outstanding citizen.

Cerliano cited Smith’s many accomplishments throughout his almost 40 years in law enforcement, including his assistance in obtaining a confession from a shooter who had killed four people during a robbery in 1994. That confession led to the recovery of essential evidence allowing the suspect to be convicted, according to the release. Cerliano gave many examples of Smith’s willingness to assist other agencies in their investigations as well as mentor law enforcement officers in case investigations and drafting search and arrest warrants.

QUITMAN (Staff/AP) — The deaths of two young girls in Quitman have been ruled homicides. KETK reported Thursday it has obtained the preliminary autopsy report on the case. According to Wood County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Alice Tomerlin, Gabriella Guerrero, 3, died from blunt force injuries and Natalye Price, 1, died from blunt force trauma to her head and trunk. Thomas Wayne Liles (pictured), 19, of Quitman, remains jailed on $25,000 bond for allegedly tampering with the case. Continue reading Deaths of Girls in Quitman Ruled Homicides

TYLER — The Salvation Army in Tyler has accepted $150,000 in grant monies through the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance Series XIV-B to provide emergency financial assistance to prevent and end homelessness for veterans and their families. The effort is known as the Emergency Veterans’ Assistance Program. Salvation Army officials note that according to current national statistics, veterans are twice as likely as any other American to become homeless. The unemployment rate for recently discharged veterans is nearly 3 times the national average. In East Texas, according to the Salvation Army’s most recent Community Needs Assessment conducted by the East Texas Human Needs Network, 37% of veterans interviewed were living below the poverty line. 34% were living in temporary housing, and 8% were homeless. 71% stated that they were struggling financially. Continue reading Salvation Army Announces Emergency Veterans’ Assistance Program

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is investigating after Miranda Lambert’s face was vandalized on a billboard. KETK reports police are searching for the person or people responsible for drawing a mustache on the face. The billboard is located on Highway 69 just north of Lindale and is used to welcome visitors to the singer’s hometown. If you have any information regarding the crime, contact the Lindale Police Department.

LONGVIEW — Longview police issue another cautionary note on a problem we’re hearing too much about this summer: children left in hot cars. Police say safety should be first and foremost when it comes to children riding in child safety seats. Drivers should do whatever it takes to be reminded that there is a child in the back seat of the car, according to a news release. Police say parents should also lock their vehicles when they are parked in the driveways of their homes. Continue reading Police: Children Dying in Cars from Heatstrokes Is Preventable

TYLER — A suspect who was allegedly involved in passing counterfeit $50 bills in Tyler has been arrested on two counts of forgery of money. Police say she is identified as Jalecia Ann White, 25, of Tyler. Judge Jack Skeen set her bond at $100,000 on each charge. This is still an ongoing investigation, according to authorities. Officers had responded to Dairy Queen and Family Dollar on Gentry Parkway July 24 in reference to a suspect passing the bills. Police put out the word on the case this past Tuesday and later said they’d identified her, voicing appreciation for tips provided by the public.

CHAPEL HILL Authorities are looking for a man with reported ties to the Aryan Brotherhood who they say escaped deputies serving a warrant on him Wednesday. The suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous. KETK reports Charles Ray Griffith, 24, was wanted for possession of drugs and lives in the Chapel Hill Area. At around 5 p.m., the man ran from deputies who were attempting to arrest him at a home in the 15900 block of Dry Creek Road, according to officials. A K-9 unit was called in to assist in the search, but authorities say they lost track of Griffith after he headed into a nearby creek. Contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600 or the Pct. 4 Constable’s office at 903-590-4871 if you have information on Griffith.