KTBB News, Weather, Talk

PALESTINE — The Palestine City Council has amended the ban on burning within the city limits to allow burning of brush and limbs via permit. This change will allow residents to burn in a controlled setting after getting a permit from the Palestine Fire Department, according to a news release. Permits will be issued starting July 10 and are available at Fire Station 1 (611 Avenue A), Station 2 (107 7th St) and Station 3 (501 Benbrook Dr.). Fire Chief Alan Wilcher has said, “We worked closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to craft the guidelines in this ordinance. Based on their recommendations, we can offer burn permits within the City limits.” Continue reading Palestine Lifts Burn Ban on Brush and Limbs

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added Randy Hofstetter, 28, to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list, and a cash reward up to $5,000 is now being offered for information leading to his capture. Officials say Hofstetter, who has ties to Sulphur Springs, has a violent criminal past and is wanted for failure to register as a sex offender, probation violation, and parole violation. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous, according to a DPS news release. Continue reading Reward Offered for Sex Offender with East Texas Ties

TYLER – Cardiovascular Associates of East Texas (CAET) and the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital (LPOHH) have signed an affiliation agreement to provide improved access to physicians for patients throughout the region. That’s according to a news release from Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, the parent organization of the LPOHH. “By partnering with Cardiovascular Associates of East Texas, Trinity Mother Frances and the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital are demonstrating our continual commitment to provide East Texas with the very highest levels of care,” said Dr. Steve Keuer, President and Chief Medical Officer, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics. “We take great pride in the quality of care we provide, and we are confident this affiliation will improve upon both organizations’ already high standards.” Continue reading New Medical Affiliation Formed in Tyler

TYLER — Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert is ratcheting up the rhetoric, accusing President Obama of encouraging the current flood of illegal immigrant woman and children in order to give Democrats an advantage at the ballot box. The Republican appeared on Newsmax TV. Gohmert, Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, says the cost of caring for the thousands of immigrants will “bankrupt us.”

LONGVIEW — Coors in Longview will temporarily move to a manufacturing warehouse in a Longview business park. A portion of the former Dana Corporation building is the desired destination. Two weeks ago fire ripped through the plant on Cotton Street making the warehouse inoperable. According to KETK, management is in the final stages of working out a lease agreement. Last month’s fire destroyed a portion of the plant’s coolers. The Coors Company is still assessing the damage before they determine how to move forward with the Cotton Street location.

EAST TEXAS — An East Texas man died at a Dallas church after an alleged stabbing Monday morning. According to KETK, just before 6:00, 43-year-old Linton Daniel Wilgus, Murchison, entered the parking lot of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship located in the 1800 block of West Camp Wisdom Road in Dallas. According to police, a church member who was also in the parking lot for the early morning worship service spotted Wilgus who was bleeding from the neck. The church member walked into the church to call authorities and Wilgus followed. Once inside the church, parishioners subdued Wilgus who succumbed his injuries before EMS arrived. Details as to where and why he was injured are unclear but Dallas Police Lt. Barbara Hobbes said a knife was discovered at the scene.

MARSHALL – A man just released from state prison after serving time for arson in San Antonio, has been arrested in two Harrison County deaths. Martin Olds was indicted last year for capital murder in the deaths of Dusty Hicks, 33, and Billy Price, 62, in 2001. The fire that killed them has been ruled as arson. The Longview New-Journal reports Olds is now in the Harrison County Jail. His bond has been set at $1 million.

SMITH COUNTY — Tyler State Park officials are investigating three car burglaries that occurred during a swimming outing last Thursday at the park while families were just feet away. KETK reports two burglars broke into the vehicles, stealing wallets and valuable possessions — and they didn’t stop there. The stolen credit cards were used that same afternoon on a shopping spree. Authorities say they do have some leads in the case.

QUITMAN — Wood County Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in solving the recent theft of a backhoe, like the one pictured. KETK reports a reward is being offered. Authorities stated the John Deere BH 29 310 backhoe was taken from County Road 1813. If you have information, or know the whereabouts of this piece of stolen equipment, you’re asked to call Wood County Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH (2274). You may also call the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 and speak with Carolyn Tanner. Officials are offering a cash reward of up to $1,000.

KILGORE — Police arrested a Kilgore man early Saturday morning after he allegedly stole items from multiple vehicles. According to KETK, officers were dispatched at 12:41 a.m. to the 800 block of Monroe Street in Kilgore on reports of a person walking into a garage and breaking into vehicles. When a responding officer approached the scene, he spotted a suspect running away and was able to identify him as Lechell Deke Scott, 31. According to authorities, Scott is a known criminal to police who has committed car burglaries in the past, and he matched witness descriptions of the recent burglar. The suspect was taken into custody, and authorities say they were able to find some stolen property in his pockets. Continue reading Kilgore Man Accused of Burglarizing Several Vehicles

PALESTINE — A Palestine resident faces drug and weapon charges after an Independence Day traffic stop. At approximately 11:53 p.m. that day, Palestine Police Officer Ricki Baker conducted the stop on a car in the 1100 block of E. Palestine Avenue for allegedly failing to display a license plate on the vehicle. Upon contacting the men who were in the car, the officer observed a firearm in the vehicle and was granted consent to search, according to officials. KETK reports that a search was then conducted of the vehicle with the assistance of Officer Brandon Nicholson. Police say during the search, marijuana and suspected methamphetamine were found in a compartment, as well as additional items of drug paraphernalia. Continue reading Palestine Man Arrested on Drug, Weapon Charges

TYLER – One person has died and another remains under treatment for injuries following a three-vehicle accident in Tyler. It happened around 12:30 Saturday morning in the 5000 block of Paluxy Drive. It started with a motorcycle that Tyler police say was traveling north on Paluxy at a high rate of speed and hit the rear of a vehicle. The motorcycle slid into the southbound lanes where it was hit by a three wheeled motorcycle, or trike, that was traveling south. The rider on the motorcycle and a passenger on the trike were tossed from the vehicles. They were transported to East Texas Medical Center and Trinity Mother Frances. The rider of the motorcycle suffered serious injuries. Police reported Monday morning that the passenger on the three wheel motorcycle has died from injuries she sustained. She has been identified as Margaret Moore, 67, Tyler. The case remains under investigation pending toxicology reports.

LONGVIEW – A woman is in Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center after giving birth in her car. It happened just before 5:30 Sunday afternoon near U.S. Highway 80 and Spur 63. Longview Fire Department Captain Steve McCarthy told the Longview News-Journal all EMS workers did when they arrived was to “cut the umbilical cord and wrap the baby in some blankets.” The woman and child, whose names are not available, are said to be in good condition.

TYLER — Some East Texans are hoping to profit off the legal marijuana market. They’re not selling pot; they’re advertising it. The four Tyler residents formed a company called Smoke Signal Advertising, a digital ad agency. Kamren Scott tells KLTV that they specialize in creating ads for both medical and recreational pot dispensaries, but they have to be careful. Scott says, “The advertising laws and regulations are very complex, and they’re different in every state, and it’s gonna be really difficult for all these new businesses to get through all of that. And so that’s our expertise.” That means they must know who can advertise what and where. Most of their clients are out of state, but they’ve found some local work, and just signed the Northeast Texas chapter of NORML, the group pushing for the legalization of marijuana.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District of the state highway department.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue shoulder work on Farm Road 346 between U.S. Highway 69 and Farm Road 756. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zones. Continue reading TxDOT Road Work

LONGVIEW – A one vehicle accident in Longview has killed a Louisiana man. It happened around 1:45 Sunday morning in the 2700 block of McCann Road. Dead at the scene was Scorpio Atkins, 27, of Shreveport. Police reports indicate Atkins vehicle hit a guard rail, left the road and then hit a tree. Investigators believe a combination of speed and alcohol were factors in the wreck.

BERRYVILLE — One person remains hospitalized following a crash landing of a plane in Lake Palestine. The DPS says the aircraft wrecked after taking off from the Berryville Airstrip Friday afternoon. Injured were the pilot, Gary Buster, 56, of Frankston, and the passenger, his son, Aaron Buster, 31, of Greenville. Gary was said to be in fair condition at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center and Aaron was treated and released. Authorities say the victims were recovered by some boaters who were in the area. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials were able to mark where the plane, a Cessna 310, went down. The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and will begin investigating the crash.

GLADEWATER – A Gregg County woman has celebrated her 85th birthday by skydiving. Sue DeCostanza made the jump on Saturday. Her trainers at Skydive East Texas told KETK she handled the flight like a pro. Bryan Baggett, the tandem videographer, said, “Right before we were ready to go, I said, ‘How you feel you ready to go?’, ‘Yea!’, ‘You nervous?’, ‘No’, and she really didn’t look it. I mean calmer than most she did not look nervous at all”. Would she do it again? Sue says, “Yes.”

TYLER – A Tyler home has sustained significant fire damage. It was reported shortly after 2:15 Saturday afternoon at 1502 Grand Avenue. The fire was quickly brought under control and there were no injuries. The fire started in the attic above a bathroom. It looked as if animals had been nesting in the attic. There was damage to the electrical wiring in this area possibly causing the fire.

AUSTIN — In support of efforts to enhance safety and reduce congestion across the Lone Star State, the Texas Transportation Commission recently approved $90 million for projects on US 175, SH 31 and US 69 in the Tyler District to be included in the Unified Transportation Program (UTP), a 10-year plan to guide and fund transportation project development in the state. This action is part of an ongoing process and commitment from the Texas Department of Transportation to act upon requests from the legislature, community leaders, public and local transit authorities to identify those projects that will improve mobility across Texas. Continue reading Priority Road Projects Identified in Tyler State Highway District

BERRYVILLE — A pilot and passenger were taken to a Tyler hospital after their plane crashed into Lake Palestine Friday afternoon. DPS says the aircraft wrecked after taking off from the Berryville Airstrip, according to KETK. EMS and fire officials were quickly on scene. Authorities say the victims were recovered by some boaters who were in the area. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials were able to mark where the plane, a Cessna 310, went down. “We will use the side scan sonar, which actually scans the bottom of the lake, in an attempt to find the plane and mark it,” said Texas Game Warden Quint Balkcom. Authorities identified the pilot as Gary Buster, 56, of Frankston, and the passenger as his son, Aaron Buster, 31, of Greenville. Gary was said to be in fair condition at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center and Aaron was treated and released. The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and will begin investigating the crash.

HENDERSON — As of late this week, there have been five fatal car accidents in Rusk County so far this year, down from 20 at this time last year. Sheriff Jeff Price tells KETK several factors have played into the fatalities this year, including alcohol, inattention, slick roads, and motorcyclists not wearing helmets. He says after last year’s spike in fatal accidents, his department made changes. Price says deputies on the street and an increase in local highway patrol have combined with public awareness. The sheriff emphasizes that the main thing needed is for members of the public to pay attention to what they are doing. With the holiday weekend here, Price reminds drivers law enforcement will be out in full force patrolling the roads, especially looking for drunk drivers and speeders.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department has issued a few reminders for the 4th of July Holiday. Authorities said all unauthorized fireworks are prohibited in the City of Tyler unless you have obtained a special permit from the City. All alcohol, smoking and fireworks are also not allowed in city parks; that includes Lake Tyler Parks and Lindsey Park. Please check your local media outlet for authorized fireworks programs. Continue reading July 4th Advisory from Tyler Police Remains in Effect

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is once again stepping up its patrols targeting DWI drivers for the 4th of July Holiday. The department is participating in a state grant during the holiday that will provide funding to the department to enforce DWI laws. The enforcement detail has been on the lookout for intoxicated drivers since 3:00 Thursday afternoon and will stay on the lookout through this Saturday. Continue reading “No Refusal” DWI Initiative Continues

TYLER – No trace of the third suspect wanted in connection with a Tyler robbery. It happened just before 4:45 Friday morning at the Food Fast convenience store at 1701 East Front Street. The clerk told officers she was robbed by two black males with a gun. When officers arrived, the gunmen took off in a car only to run into a nearby fence. Three men jumped from the vehicle and ran. Following a brief foot chase, two of the suspects were arrested. They are identified as Parker Reed Terry, 19, of Tyler (pictured) and Marquis Willoughby, 23, of Dallas. Both have been charged with aggravated robbery and evading arrest. Willoughby has also been charged with making loud noise/music. No injuries were reported. Continue reading Two in Custody Following a Tyler Robbery

KILGORE — Gregg County deputies and CODE officers have arrested six women working at the Fantasy Ranch Saloon on Highway 31 near Kilgore. They were arrested very early Thursday morning for breaking municipal and county regulations regarding sexually oriented businesses. The club is considered to be a bikini club and dancers are not allowed to expose certain parts of their bodies. The women were said to be in violation of that regulation. Arrested were Acacia Castagne, 33, Alexis Jackson, 19, and Maria Delio, 22, all of Longview, Jillian Clay (pictured), 20, of Tyler, Rusti-Lena Ramsey, 22, of Mt. Pleasant and Shania Mortan, 25, of Eustace. Also arrested was Daniel Nelson, 33, of Dallas. He is accused of selling alcohol without a permit. The seven all posted bonds of $1,000 and were released from the Gregg County Jail.

TYLER — After their celebration in downtown Tyler on Independence Day of 2013, organizers of Open Carry Tyler are following through with their promise to make the event an annual one. KETK reports that at 9:00 a.m., Open Carry Tyler participants will attend a reading of the Declaration of Independence organized by the Smith County Republican Party prior to their walk. Immediately following the reading, open carry participants will walk around the downtown Tyler square seven times before stopping for some readings from the book of Psalms and a brief moment of prayer.

TYLER — A former employee of an East Texas hospital has been indicted for criminal violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, more commonly known as HIPAA, in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales Thursday. Joshua Hippler, 30, formerly of Longview, was indicted on charges of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. According to the indictment, from December 1, 2012, through January 14, 2013, Hippler, who was then an employee of a covered entity under HIPAA, obtained protected health information with the intent to use the information for personal gain. HIPAA contains provisions protecting the privacy of individually identifiable health information. If convicted, Hippler faces up to ten years in prison.

TYLER — On July 2, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division received a call from a man in Southern Smith County who had lost $9,500 to an individual who claimed he was his grandson and needed bail money. Officials say when the man first took the call, another man who pretended to be the victim’s grandson told him that he was in jail in Maine. The impostor said that the victim had to send bail money via a pre-paid money card to pay the grandson’s way out of jail. The man went to a drugstore, bought the cards, and did as he was instructed. After giving the card numbers to the scammer, the man realized it was not his grandson and he had been taken, so he reported the incident to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Continue reading Man Taken for $9,500 in Phone Scam

KILGORE — Two months have now passed since a Kilgore woman went missing. KETK reports that a few days after Christina Davis’s disappearance, though, investigators found her purse on the side of a highway in Marshall. Police say she last used her cell phone on the night of her disappearance but then it was turned off, making it impossible to trace. Police add they’re scouring Davis’s apartment for any type of DNA evidence — and that they have not received any tips.