KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – During extreme weather conditions, Tyler ISD continues to keep the safety and welfare of students and staff a priority, according to school district officials. The District follows an inclement weather procedure for delaying or canceling school. Continue reading Tyler ISD Reminds Parents, Community of Inclement Weather Policies

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is seeking information leading to the arrest of a suspect or suspects and the recovery of a vehicle stolen from an area business. According to the officials, the white dirt track race car and trailer were reported stolen Tuesda, from a mechanic shop on Main Street. KETK reports the car has been described as a 1980s model Chevrolet Monte Carlo with Hoosier racing tires. If anyone has seen this vehicle and trailer and knows where it is located or the identity of the person who took it, contact Det. Mike Lazarine at 903-882-3313.

TYLER — A jury duty scam continues in Smith County. On January 13, reports were released to the public that such a scam was taking place. The next day, an update was issued that stated more victims of the scam had come forward. Tuesday, Smith County District Clerk Lois Rogers contacted the Smith County Sheriff’s Office saying that on February 10, a Tyler woman reported being contacted, but refused to give the caller any money. Continue reading Jury Duty Scam Continues

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville police have detained a teenager who reportedly stole his mother’s car. Police tell KETK the 15-year-old boy had gotten in trouble at school and, when his mother attempted to discipline him, he is said to have stolen her car and was leading authorities on a chase through Cherokee County. Officials say he was caught on County Road 4218. He has been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, assault and family violence, and evading arrest.

TYLER — A north Tyler home is destroyed after a Tuesday fire. According to the Tyler Fire Department, the house caught fire near the intersection of North Ross Avenue and Cochran Street. The initial call was received at approximately 11:30 a.m., with callers reporting smoke and flames visible from the house. The first arriving units reported heavy fire involvement in the home and called for a second alarm. Five engines and one Ladder Company, along with a District Chief and an investigator, were on scene. The Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office tells KETK the fire was a result of a cooking accident. Officials say the homeowner fell asleep while heating up a meal. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — Smith County is combining forces with 320 other jurisdictions across Texas to participate in what’s termed the largest joint warrant round-up of this type in the state. Anyone with outstanding court costs and fines has until March 1 to arrange for payment before the warrant sweep begins. On March 1, officers will begin visiting homes, neighborhoods and places of work to arrest anyone who has not settled his or her debt with the county. Continue reading Great Texas Warrant Round-Up Begins March 1

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County-based Azleway Charter School has received a letter from the Texas commissioner of education denying an in-person informal review with the commissioner as requested in Azelway’s appeal of its charter revocation — but the story’s not over. According to an Azleway news release, the commissioner has referred the appeal to the SOAH (administrative hearing officer) for adjudication. The news release says, “We believe that the hearing officer at SOAH will provide a fair due process opportunity that will result in the reinstatement of the charter to Azleway, Inc.” Continue reading Azleway Appeal Denied, But School Keeps Fighting

GREGG COUNTY — Authorities in Gregg County release a reconstructed image of a woman found murdered in 2006 in an attempt to identify her. Sheriff Maxey Cerliano and the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office are requesting assistance in identifying “Jane Doe.” On October 6, 2006 the burning body of Jane Doe was discovered on an oil field right-of way off Fritz Swanson Road in Kilgore. The body was that of a white female, 17 to 22 years of age, 5’3″ to 5’5″, 100 to 120 pounds, with reddish brown hair and blond highlights. She was wearing size 7/8 jeans and a mauve or purple colored pull-over sweater. Continue reading Authorities Seek Help Identifying “Jane Doe”

MARSHALL — The president of East Texas Baptist University in Marshall is resigning. Dr. Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver has announced he is stepping down to become president of Union University located in Jackson, Tennessee effective June 1. The Board of Trustees has called a special meeting for today to select a Presidential Search Committee that will immediately begin a search for Oliver’s Successor. Continue reading East Texas Baptist University President is Resigning

TYLER — A Tyler man has been charged with the burglary of the Tennison Cattle Company. It was reported on February 7th. Someone had broken into the business and one of its vehicles. There were several items taken and two possible suspects were named. When the deputy arrived at the suspects’ residence he saw the reported stolen items in the bed of a truck belonging to Jacob McDougal, 22, of Tyler. Contact was made with both suspects and McDougal was arrested for burglary of a building. His bond was set at $2,000. McDougal is suspected in other area thefts and burglaries. which remain under investigation.

WHITEHOUSE — Early Sunday morning the Smith County Sheriff’s Department received reports of possible criminal activity on Southpoint Road in Whitehouse. A juvenile who had a stolen firearm and stolen property in his possession was arrested. The property consisted of a riding lawn mower, utility trailer, numerous bottles of alcohol, a handgun, two digital monitors, and other items. Witnesses told officers there was another suspect involved, so deputies began searching the area. During the search, it was discovered that other locations were burglarized. These included a large residential garage, motor home, travel trailer, and a pickup. During the investigation, another juvenile was arrested. Both suspects had lengthy criminal histories and both were currently on probation through Smith County Juvenile. Because of their ages, their identities are not being released, but both could face additional charges.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says he believes the Keystone XL oil Pipeline from Canada should be built. Salazar said at an energy conference in Houston Wednesday that the Pipeline could be built safely, as long as conditions are imposed. Those conditions would require the pipeline operator to meet tough environmental standards and even pay for conservation programs along the pipeline route. The pipeline’s proposed route takes it through eastern Smith County. Continue reading Salazar: Build Keystone XL Oil Pipeline

TYLER — A Smith County man has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. Victor Michael Austin, 39, of Tyler. He has been booked into the Smith County Jail under a $1 million bond. His arrest followed an interview with a child who told authorities they had been repeatedly sexually abused by Austin.

KILGORE — A routine traffic stop has led to the arrest of a Kilgore woman on drug charges. Arrested was Kimberly Kay Hasson, 47. Officers found a syringe and about 56 grams of methamphetamine in a zip-lock baggie. Besides two traffic charges, Hasson has also been charged with possession of a controlled substance.

EAST TEXAS — Because of the potential for winter weather, some area schools are delaying classes for Tuesday. The following schools are delaying the start of classes Tuesday until 10:00am:
Arp ISD
Carlisle ISD
Elkhart ISD
Leveretts Chapel ISD
Mount Enterprise ISD
Nacogdoches ISD
Troup ISD
Van ISD
Wells ISD
This list will be expanded after additional schools assess the situation.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a commercial burglar alarm at the CVS Pharmacy this morning. It started around 3:10 at the 1710 W. Gentry location. While officers were in route, the alarm company advised at least two suspects could be seen on the security cameras. The video showed one suspect entered the business through the drive-thru window while another remained just outside the window. The man then passed items from the store thru the window to the 2nd suspect. The men then fled the scene. Officers arrived minutes later and began searching the area but the two were not located. Both suspects are described as black men wearing gray hoodies and gray sweat pants. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tyler Police.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is facing a variety of charges after crashing a stolen vehicle following a pursuit. The chase began Sunday in Longview when officers say Alton Dean Jester, 27, sped away from a traffic stop in a stolen pickup. He later crashed the vehicle into a utility pole in Hallsville, where he is said to have fled on foot. He was arrested a short time later and taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview for treatment. Jester is facing charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in Smith County by the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue edge work on Farm Road 15 between Troup and the Rusk County Line. Elsewhere, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to begin edge work on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 near the Wood County Line and Farm Road 16 east of Winona. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

NACOGDOCHES — An East Texas man is behind bars after authorities say he assaulted a man and threatened to kill him and his wife with a knife. KETK reports it happened shortly before 5:30 Sunday morning at an apartment complex located in the 2100 block of Pearl Street in Nacogdoches. Officers were told that a man, O’Brian Washburn Duke, 31, of Nacogdoches, was visiting another man and his wife at their home. After several hours, Duke reportedly began to assault the husband by punching him. According to police, the suspect then tied the husband and his wife up for several hours and threatened to kill them while brandishing a knife. Duke was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful restraint.

LONGVIEW — A couple of construction projects will cause lane closures in Longview beginning today. The southbound right lane of Fourth Street will be closed between Loop 281 and Hollybrook Drive starting at 8 a.m. on Monday and continuing through 5 p.m. Monday, April 14. The closure is being extended because of weather and soil conditions for Longview Regional Hospital Street widening. The westbound right lane of Marshall Avenue will be closed between Edith Street and W. Tyler starting at 8 a.m. on Monday and continuing through 5 p.m. Thursday, February 20. That closure is for water main work for the new O’Reilly Auto Parts Store. Continue reading Lane Closures Beginning Today in Longview

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches Police are currently investigating two thefts that happened on two separate car lots Friday morning. KETK reports the first happened at 9:14 a.m. at Rex Perry GM in the 3900 block of Northwest Stallings Drive. The second theft occurred just over 30 minutes later at Pineywoods Motor Company in the 1200 block of Northwest Stallings Drive. In each case, several items were removed from a vehicle on the car lot. Authorities are not sure if the thefts are connected. Anyone with information is asked to call Nacogdoches police.

LINDALE — Lindale firefighter Joe Yeakley continues to recover from burns sustained in a house fire last month — and supporters from all over the state joined hands Saturday to do their part. According to a news release from the Lindale Fire Department, over 600 runners and around 100 volunteers came together to prove that Yeakley is “Not Your Average Joe” — the name given to the run/walk. Fire department Lt. Aaron Munn tells KETK that participants raised $10,000 — and that so far more than $40,000 has been brought in through various Yeakley benefits. On Saturday, around 75 firefighters, most of whom ran in full firefighting gear, came from around East Texas and even as far as the Texas Panhandle to participate. Continue reading “Not Your Average Joe” Run/Walk Brings a Community Together

TYLER — Brookshire’s Grocery Company is responding to a nationwide meat recall prompted by E. coli concerns. In a statement issued over the weekend to our news partner KETK, Brookshire’s says, “PFP Enterprises, LLC issued a voluntary recall this week for a specific lot of ‘Texas Meat Packers Seasoned Beef for Fajitas’ due to possible contamination with E. coli bacteria. Several Brookshire Grocery Company stores in Texas including Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods and FRESH by Brookshire’s were identified as those that had received some of the product which was packed in December 2013. Continue reading Brookshire’s Responds to E. Coli Concerns

LONGVIEW — Longview Police have received a report of a child abduction in the area of Mobberly Avenue and Oakdale Street. According to KETK, the person who made the report stated she saw a white van pull up to an unknown Hispanic female Friday. A subject described as wearing all black is said to have grabbed the girl, placed his hand over her mouth, and dragged her into the van. The van then sped away quickly, according to the statement. Continue reading Possible Kidnapping in Longview

LIBERTY CITY — It’s been learned that an elder with the controversial Church of Wells was arrested February 1 in Gregg County. According to jail records, Jacob McGinley Gardner, 25, was arrested for criminal trespassing and resisting arrest according to jail records on the Sabine High School campus during faith-based activities. KETK reports he was booked into the Gregg County Jail and was released the same day on a $1,500 bond. Requests for comments from members of the church were declined.

LONGVIEW — A popular Longview bar could be in some hot water after having a $1-million lawsuit filed against it. Gerald’s Martini Bar is being sued by Wesley and Cindy Bickerdike of Longview after their son, Brian, died in December from alcohol poisoning The Bickerdikes tell KETK employees of Gerald’s served their son until the point he became overly intoxicated and was clear danger to himself and others. Brian, who was 25 at the time of his death, had a blood alcohol level of .479, almost six times the legal limit, when he died on December 14. The bar’s owner, Gerald Rodriguez, refused to comment on the lawsuit. Court documents obtained by KETK show Rodriguez is denying all allegations and responsibility in Bickerdike’s death. Continue reading Lawsuit Filed against Bar after Alcohol Poisoning Death

LONGVIEW — Another candidate has filed for Longview City Council in the May 10 election. 60-year-old tool room attendant Donald Webb faces 40-year-old incumbent Kasha Williams in District 3. One candidate, 32-year-old Kristen Ishihara, has placed her name in the running for District 4.

LINDALE — Authorities in Lindale Friday suspended the search for a robber in the area of South Street. KETK reports detectives with the Lindale Police Department are going to follow up on the case. Officials with Lindale ISD said a “soft lockdown” was canceled at 2:00 p.m. and student release proceeded as normal. Continue reading Lindale Police Investigate Robbery that Caused School Lockdown

TYLER — One of the grand old ladies of Caldwell Zoo has died. In a news release, zoo officials say Sierra, their adult female mountain lion, died February 5. She was born in the wild in Texas in 1992 and raised by her mother. She was relocated to Florida, where she was an integral part of a genetic restoration program for Florida panthers, according to the release. She produced two litters of cubs in the wild, and the surviving cubs from those litters have produced cubs of their own. Continue reading Officials: Oldest Mountain Lion in Accredited Zoos Passes Away

MARSHALL — A Marshall man died Friday from injuries sustained when he was severely burned Thursday night. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Marshall Battalion Chief Jack Hanson said the burns occurred about 7:45 p.m. as two men were working to excite a fire in a cast iron, wood-burning stove in the 3800 block of South Washington Avenue. The men used a “flammable liquid,” likely paint thinner, to help ignite the fire, Hanson said. Then one man tried to stoke the fire by using more of the flammable liquid, and the fire ignited the vapors. Continue reading Marshall Man Dies of Burn Injuries