KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Two East Texas doctors have been disciplined for not meeting the standard of care the Texas Medical Board requires. According to KETK, findings for Dr. Kevin Joseph Pauza (pictured) and Dr. Lucia Leigh Williams include failing to follow guidelines for treatment of pain and failing to care for fetal well-being. Continue reading Two Area Doctors Disciplined by Texas Medical Board

TYLER — A corporation that owns and operates several Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits franchise restaurants violated federal law when it discriminated against a job applicant because he was HIV-positive, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charged in a lawsuit filed this week. The EEOC charged in its suit against Famous Chicken of Shreveport, L.L.C. that the general manager of a Longview Popeye’s restaurant refused to hire the plaintiff for a position, despite his qualifications and experience, upon learning that he was HIV-positive. Continue reading EEOC: Restaurant Refused to Hire Man Who Was HIV-Positive

LINDALE — A large fire erupted Friday near Lindale off Hwy. 69 North, just south of Interstate 20, but officials tell our news partner KETK that it had been contained by early afternoon. The fire broke out near Smith County Road 461, consisting of several small fires; the largest was said to be about five acres. Evacuations were conducted in the area after business owners reported that the fire had spread to nearby trees. Employees at KE Cellars evacuated and said the fire surrounded their business, which is located on the 13000 block of Hwy. 69. Fire officials believe the fire was caused by a flat tire, which caused the rims of a vehicle to spark and ignite the nearby grass.

LEVERETT’S CHAPEL — Students at Leverett’s Chapel were released early from school Friday, according to school administrators. KETK reports the release is due to a water outage at the school. Buses taking students home left shortly before 1 p.m. There was no immediate word on the cause of the water outage or when the problem might be fixed.

UPSHUR COUNTY — Fire crews are investigating why a mobile home about five miles southwest of Gilmer burned to the ground Friday morning. According to Upshur County fire officials, they received a call for help shortly after 9 a.m. KETK reports firefighters from Gilmer, Pritchett, and Pleasant Grove responded, but the house was already engulfed in flames when they arrived on scene at the intersection of Elderberry Road and Aspen Trail. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — The “U.S. News and World Report” America’s Best Colleges survey has again recognized The University of Texas at Tyler as one of the leading public Texas universities, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. In the 2014 results, UT Tyler is tied for 22nd among public universities listed in the West region, which includes institutions in Texas, California, and 13 other states. The West region is the largest region the publication uses to categorize institutions. “We are excited to see UT Tyler once again ranked among the best universities in the western United States,” President Mabry said. “We rank higher this year, and we can attribute that to the amazing work of our faculty and staff who strive to make this the quality university that it is.” Continue reading UT Tyler Listed Among Best Universities in “U.S. News and World Report”

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating a series of vehicle vandalism incidents in the southern part of town. On Friday, police were notified around 1:30 a.m. that a citizen heard a car window being smashed in the 700 block of W. Rieck Road. Police located the vehicle at 714 W. Rieck Rd. and discovered that the suspect smashed the two side windows and rear window. Police searched the area and failed to locate the suspects. Police are investigating damage to other vehicles with numerous broken windshields, side windows, and rear windows that were parked in the roadway and one driveway. One witness observed a white Toyota Camry that was sitting next to the victim’s vehicle when the windows were smashed. Continue reading Tyler Police Investigate Numerous Vehicles Vandalized in South Tyler

TYLER — A Tyler home has been heavily damaged by fire. It was reported around 7:00 Thursday night in the 600 block of North Confederate Street. There were no injuries reported. Fire Investigators believe that the fire originated in the kitchen, when the stove was left unattended and in the “on” position.

CHAPEL HILL — Wise Elementary students returned to class Friday after a small fire disrupted activities Thursday at the Chapel Hill school. The fire erupted in a classroom early Thursday morning. It looked as if it had been smoldering all night. Firefighters worked to remove the smoke that formed in the room and had drifted into other parts of the building. Students were sent home, and classes were canceled for the remainder of the day at the school in the 10000 block of Highway 64.

UPSHUR COUNTY — Upshur County firefighters say a large wildfire that erupted Thursday was 100 per cent contained just after 4:00 Thursday afternoon. According to KETK, the blaze burned at least 24 acres and may have covered as much as 40 acres at one point. The Gilmer Fire Department said multiple units were battling the flames off Farm to Market Road 1975 just north of Gilmer. So far, no injuries have been reported.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Feed the Children has named two Texas businessmen to its growing international board of directors. The Oklahoma City-based charity said that Michael Dinkins, of Frisco, and Michael Hogan, of Grapevine, have joined the board. Dinkins is an executive at a medical device manufacturer and Hogan is an executive at video game retailer GameStop.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — U.S. authorities say they’ve traced an assault rifle recovered during the July arrest of a Mexican drug cartel leader to an unlicensed Texas gun dealer. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agent Christopher Benavides testified that Manuel Rodriguez, of Big Spring, apparently sold the gun. He says he had no evidence that Rodriguez knew any of his guns were going to the Zetas cartel.

DALLAS (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted Collin Street Bakery’s former controller for allegedly embezzling nearly $17 million from the famed Texas fruitcake company. Sandy Jenkins was indicted on 10 counts of mail fraud. Court documents say Jenkins managed a scheme to defraud the bakery in Corsicana by writing almost 900 fraudulent checks from 2005 through this June. The indictment contends Jenkins spent the money on luxury vehicles, a second home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, some 60 watches, about 600 bottles of wine, jewelry, and other items.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz have introduced a bill to reclassify the 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage as an act of terror and provide more benefits for victims and their kin. The Texas federal lawmakers today introduced the Honoring the Fort Hood Heroes Act.

ATHENS — A Henderson County jury Thursday sentenced Richard King Morris, 62, of Chandler, to life in the penitentiary for a September 2012 early afternoon DWI on FM 315 south of Chandler. KETK reports Morris pleaded guilty before a jury was selected to hear evidence and assess a punishment. The sentence was handed down after two days of testimony. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence of seven prior DWI convictions and multiple DWI arrests of Morris dating back to 1971. Continue reading Man Gets Life for Drunk Driving; Blood Alcohol Level Was .40

FORT WORTH (AP) — A federal judge is approving American Airlines’ plan to emerge from bankruptcy protection and merge with US Airways, although the airlines must still resolve their lawsuit with the federal government, which is trying to block the merger. A trial over that lawsuit is scheduled for November. Today’s ruling by federal bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane in New York provides at least the perception that the merger is still moving forward for Fort Worth-based American.

TYLER — Cody Canada and the Departed will headline the 26th annual Festival on the Square concert Oct. 12 in downtown Tyler, it was announced at a press conference Thursday. “We are very pleased to bring entertainers of this caliber to one of Tyler’s best-loved musical events,” said City of Tyler Main Street Department Leader Beverly Abell. Festival on the Square is a major fundraiser for the Main Street department, which has the mission of supporting the revitalization of downtown Tyler. Continue reading Festival on the Square Headliner Announced, Logo Unveiled

TYLER – The 23rd annual Pantry Raid competition is underway between student bodies at Robert E. Lee and John Tyler high schools. Students at both high schools have a friendly competition to collect food and raise funds to benefit hungry East Texans. Over the last 22 years, the students have collected over 1 million pounds of food between the two campuses. The school that collects the most amount of food earns bragging rights and proudly displays the traveling trophy at their school for the year. Continue reading High School Students Compete to Feed Hungry

BULLARD — The Bullard ISD is following up on the alleged beating of the White Oak mascot. Bullard High School Assistant Principal Mike Richardson told our news partner KETK Thursday morning, “We are fully engaged in this investigation and will get to the bottom of it as soon as possible. This is all I am allowed to say at this time, but it will get taken care of.” The investigation was launched regarding an incident that occurred at the Bullard/White Oak varsity football game last Friday. The White Oak mascot, who is also a girl in the Roughneck Band, was allegedly beaten by a group of Bullard students. Continue reading Bullard ISD Comments on White Oak Mascot Incident

SMITH COUNTY — The scene was cleared and roads reopened after a train hit an idle forklift at Loop 323 and HIghway 271 in Smith County Wednesday. Deputies tell KETK a man was crossing the tracks in a forklift when it stalled in the worst possible spot. Fortunately, the driver escaped before the collision and wasn’t hurt. Traffic was backed up while crews cleared the train from the track.

TYLER – Tyler ISD is inviting parents and community members to participate with District officials in developing a Three-Year Strategic Plan, and meetings begin today. Officials say the goal is to further enhance the learning environment and academic performance of students in the District. The planning process will begin this month, with the formation of a Strategic Planning Committee. According to a TISD news release, that will consist of “a group of dedicated parents and community members committed to supporting the District with their input and attendance.” Officials say the formal Strategic Plan will be presented to the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees for approval in March 2014. Continue reading Tyler ISD Invites Community to Participate in Strategic Planning Process

JACKSONVILLE — Some progress may be at hand on concerns about the former site of Yum Yum’s Restaurant, which was destroyed by fire in April. The city of Jacksonville held an informal public meeting Wednesday afternoon. KETK reports it was to allow members of the community to voice their concerns with city leaders, the biggest issue being the Yum Yum’s wreckage downtown. More than a dozen business owners and citizens were on hand and wanted answers concerning why the area has not been cleared yet. The meeting followed a Tuesday city council meeting at which the Yum Yum’s situation was discussed. Continue reading Followup Meeting Held on Yum Yum’s Concerns

TYLER — A pedestrian has been killed after being struck by a car just west of Tyler. The accident happened on Highway 31, just west of Greenbriar Road, shortly before 7:00 yesterday morning. Killed was Juan Espinal, 38, of Houston. He had parked an 18-wheeler on the side of Highway 31 and crossed the street to a nearby business. Authorities believe that he was checking his location and may have been lost. The man was making his way back to his parked truck when he was hit. The driver of that car was not injured, and will not receive any citations related to the accident, because Espinal was not using a crosswalk. Officials say the driver will be ticketed for infractions unrelated to the crash.

LONGVIEW — Several Longview students received bumps and bruises but no serious injuries were reported in a school bus accident. It happened around 8:00 yesterday morning. The driver of a Spring Hill ISD school bus had just finished dropping off students at Johnston-McQueen Elementary for the Regional Day School for the Hearing Impaired, when she ran into a Longview ISD school bus. The driver told Longview police her brakes had failed and as she attempted to make a turn, she hit the Longview school bus. There were no students on the Spring Hill bus but there were students on the Longview bus.

LONGVIEW — A trail date has been set for a former Longview High School teacher facing multiple sex charges. Robert Craig Varnell, 57, is scheduled to appear in 188th State district Court on September 23rd. Varnell was arrested in May 2011, and released six months later. He was arrested again in September of last year after prosecutors presented evidence he violated terms of his bond by contacting a former student, the alleged victim of sexual assault. He remains in the Gregg County Jail on $1.25 million bond. Jail records show he is facing charges of indecency with a child by sexual contact and sexual assault of a child. Continue reading Former Longview Teacher’s Trial is This Month

TYLER — Two North Texas men have appeared in Tyler federal court to plead guilty to firearms violations. Colten David Barrow, 22, of Quinlan, and Craig Marcus Cooper, 42, of Farmersville, each pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. Barrow pleaded guilty to attempting to sell a machinegun and Cooper pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a machinegun. Barrow and Cooper each face up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set. A third defendant is awaiting trial. Continue reading North Texas Men Guilty of Federal Firearms Violations

TYLER — A bat found in Tyler has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found near the 7100 block of Cherryhill. This is the first laboratory confirmed case of rabies in the Tyler city limits this year. The Northeast Texas Public Health District says it is critical for people not to handle bats, skunks, raccoons or other wild animals. Anyone who knows of a person who has been bitten by an animal must report the bite incident to the Smith County Rabies Control Authority for proper investigation. Continue reading Rabies Case Reported in Tyler

SMITH COUNTY — A driver ran off the road and into Lake Palestine early Wednesday afternoon. KETK reports it happened on Highway 155 South, near County Road 189 in Smith County just after 2:00 p.m. Authorities with the Department of Public Safety say the woman who was driving managed to get out of the vehicle. Witnesses say the woman was leaving the area in a rush, and accidentally put the car in drive, rather than reverse. The car went down the ramp and into the lake. It slowly drifted further into the water, until it was almost completely submerged.

TEXARKANA (AP) – The East Texas woman accused of mailing poison-laced letters to President Barack Obama and others has been ordered to remain behind bars until her trial. Richardson appeared Wednesday morning for a detention hearing in federal court in Texarkana. U.S. Magistrate Caroline Craven denied Shannon Guess Richardson’s request for bond, ruling that Richardson was a serious flight risk. Authorities say the New Boston, Texas, actress sent ricin-laced letters to Obama, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and a leader of the mayor’s gun-control group. Court documents state she then tried to frame her husband for the crime. Richardson was arrested in June in Mt. Pleasant. She’s charged with two counts of threat by mail and one of threatening the president. She remains jailed after giving birth in July.

LONGVIEW — Storms moved through parts of East Texas Wednesday afternoon, bringing with them strong winds and rain. A large tree fell through one house on the 600 block of Oakdale Ave. in Longview causing serious damage. Authorities tell KETK crews on scene that there was one person at home at the time the tree fell, but there were fortunately no injuries involved. Firefighters helped the family cover their belongings with tarps.