KTBB News, Weather, Talk

GLADEWATER — The last of the missing vehicles taken during a theft at a Gladewater funeral home have been found. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Gladewater Police Sgt. David Burrows said a 2003 white Cadillac Escalade and a 2005 white Ford Expedition were found on an oil lease off Shell Camp Road in Gladewater. The Expedition was intact, but Burrows said the Escalade had been set on fire and destroyed. The cars recovered Tuesday morning are two of the four vehicles stolen sometime after 8 p.m. Sunday from the Dearion & Davis Funeral Parlor in the 900 block of East Broadway Avenue. Continue reading Remaining Funeral Home Vehicles Found after Being Stolen

AUSTIN — An East Texas DPS agent was among several recipients of honors handed out by the department Tuesday. His actions occurred both in his home area and in West the day of the major explosion there. KETK reports Agent Darren Lubbe, Criminal Investigations Division in Mount Pleasant, received a Life Saving Award and Director’s Citation. The Life Saving Award was for saving the life of a crash victim on Jan. 10 in Titus County. Officials say Lubbe witnessed a major collision in front of him while traveling on Highway 271 and stopped to render aid. He freed the victim from the vehicle and recognized the victim’s compound tibia fracture as a life-threatening injury. Lubbe applied a tourniquet to the leg of the victim, who was later transported by helicopter to a major trauma center.
Continue reading East Texas DPS Agent Honored

TYLER — A new development will bring many new businesses to Tyler next year. The Village at Cumberland Park will be located on South Broadway, near Loop 49, adjacent to Gander Mountain. David Wilson with The Retail Connection, the developing company, tells KETK that the park will be more than 700,000 square feet and could be home to more than 100 businesses. The site plan is a horseshoe shape, with businesses wrapping around some interior structures, which will house some specialty stores. Continue reading Planned Development to Bring New Businesses to Tyler

MARSHALL — A Marshall teen reported missing last Friday has been located and returned home safely. KETK reports the Marshall Police Department had been searching for Tysha Darna Adkins, who’d last been seen by her mother on Friday at their home in the 500 block of University Avenue. Further details on Tysha’s return weren’t immediately available.

TYLER – Tyler ISD recently concluded a Site-Level Climate Survey to hear how staff, students and parents feel about a host of issues including academic preparation, student support, school leadership, faculty relations and support, parent engagement, safety and behavior, and school operations. “The surveys are one way the District is engaging in ongoing, candid conversations to help our students reach their full academic potential,” Tyler ISD Superintendent Gary Mooring said. “The survey provides Tyler ISD with a baseline which we will build upon as we continue reaching out to our community on an annual basis.” Continue reading Tyler ISD Releases Climate Survey Results

LONGVIEW — Longview officials are looking for two suspects in a recent burglary in the parking lot of the Institute for Healthy Living, 3133 Good Shepherd Way. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, police said Tuesday that three vehicles were burglarized between 6:21 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on May 8. Within 15 minutes, two men were caught by a surveillance camera using three different victims’ credit cards at Wal-Mart on 4th St. and Gilmer Rd., Best Buy and Bed, Bath and Beyond totaling $5,000. Continue reading Suspects Sought in Burglary/Credit Card Fraud

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects in a stolen credit card case. KETK reports that on May 20, after 10:00 p.m., unknown suspects burglarized a victim’s vehicle in the area of the 400 Block of Glenhaven Drive. The victim’s red women’s wallet was taken which contained several credit cards and other personal information and items. The victim’s credit cards were then used at numerous locations around Longview and Tyler. You’re asked to contact police if you have any information.

TYLER — Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham Tuesday presented seven Dodge Chargers to Sheriff Larry Smith for use by the Sheriff’s Office. It happened Tuesday at a news conference at the Smith County Emergency Operations Center on Spur 248. The vehicles had been in use by the DA’s office and are being put back on the road for use in the Criminal Investigation and Patrol Divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. “These vehicles have served the DA’s office well and still have a lot of life in them, so I am happy that Sheriff Smith has accepted our offer to continue using them to help prevent and solve crimes,” said Matt Bingham. Continue reading Smith County DA Donates Seven Vehicles to Sheriff’s Office

TYLER — A Tyler ISD middle school student was arrested Monday for bringing a weapon onto the campus of Hogg Middle School. The weapon was confiscated by Tyler PD and no students were harmed. Officials said it did not appear that the student brought the firearm on campus to threaten students or staff. The incident is under investigation.

TYLER — A report of shots fired turned into a homicide investigation. It happened Monday night around 9:45 at the Kensington Apartments at 4400 Paluxy. According to Tyler Police, the victim, Joshua McGill, 21, of Whitehouse, was found in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to his back. He was taken to ETMC Tyler where he was pronounced dead. So far, no arrests have been made and investigators are attempting to piece together the events that led to the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tyler Police or Crimestoppers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert suggests “breaking up the IRS and getting rid of it.” According to KETK, Gohmert is fed up with reports about how the agency has allegedly abused taxpayer funding. Appearing on former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s radio show, Gohmert pointed to reports that the IRS spent $4 million on attendees at a conference. Gohmert wondered aloud how anyone could have faith in the agency.

TYLER — State Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples stopped at UT Tyler Monday for a signing of his new book, “Broken Borders, Broken Promises.” Staples tells KETK his book explains the importance of securing the Texas border from drug dealers and human smugglers — and he wants the Obama administration to take action. One key suggestion: “using surplus military equipment that American taxpayers have already paid for and deploying those assets to help our law enforcement that are on the border today.”

GREGG COUNTY — Gregg County officials are searching for the owners of a horse that was found on the roadside on the 200 block of McCarver St. near Longview. KETK reports it was found without food and water, was slightly emaciated, and had some bones showing very prominently. It reportedly escaped from a pen on Friday evening. Safe Haven Rescue Mission will evaluate the horse and care for him. If you have any information, you’re asked to contact Gregg County authorities.

LONGVIEW — A Longview retailer has been cited for allegedly selling alcohol to a minor. On Thursday, the Longview Police Department, partnering with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and Longview Partners in Prevention, conducted off-premise minor stings at area retailers to validate compliance with Texas law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors. 20 different alcohol retailers were checked by the undercover team. Police say the location that sold to the minor was at 611 E. Marshall Ave. The individual who allegedly sold alcohol to the undercover minor was listed in an offense report for “making alcohol available to a minor.” That’s a class A misdemeanor, and authorities say the report will be filed with the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. In addition, the TABC issued an administrative citation to the business.

LONGVIEW — Police say a woman suffered life-threatening injuries when she was hit by a car in Longview. On Friday at 11:56 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 Block of East Marshall Avenue. When officers arrived, witnesses said a woman later identified as Lauren Lynn Jester, 29, of Longview, had attempted to cross the roadway when she was struck by a car driven by Melvin Hinchen of Marshall. Witnesses also said that Jester was wearing dark colored clothing and ran out into the roadway in front of Hinchen’s car. Jester was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center. Hinchen was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — A Marshall teen died Sunday from injuries he suffered in a wreck that occurred in Harrison County about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, according to officials with the Department of Public Safety. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Christopher C. Willis, 18, was riding in a car driven by 27-year-old Delton Lane when the car, traveling northbound on FM 1997, left the roadway, hitting a fence and a house. Willis was pronounced dead Sunday by Gregg County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Arthur Fort at Good Shepherd Medical Center. Lane, also of Marshall, was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

GLADEWATER — The Gladewater Police Department is investigating after four vehicles were stolen from a local funeral home. According to KETK, the Dearion David Funeral Home reported the cars were stolen sometime after 8:00 p.m. Sunday. One, a 2008 white Cadillac four-door, has been recovered. Still missing: a 2003 white Cadillac Escalade, a 1999 white Cadillac hearse, and a 2005 white Ford Expedition. Police recovered the 2008 vehicle at an oil lease on Shell Camp Road in Gladewater around 6:48 Monday morning. If you have any information regarding the theft of these vehicles, you’re asked to contact the Gladewater Police Department.

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview woman remained jailed after police say she shot her father. According to the Longview News-Journal, Tabetha Christian Evans, 24, seriously wounded her father when she shot him Saturday afternoon in the 900 block of Spring Street in West Longview. Kristie Brian, Longview police spokeswoman, said Evans and her father were taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center. Evans was taken to the hospital for medical clearance before police transported her to jail, Brian said. Evans is being held in the Gregg County Jail under $100,000 bond on a charge of aggravated assault family violence with a weapon. Continue reading Longview Woman Jailed for Allegedly Shooting Father

UNDATED – Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler TxDOT District:

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge and shoulder work on FM 2661 between SH 31 and Big Eddy Road. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — One person has been killed in a two-vehicle crash Sunday in Van Zandt County. The DPS says it was reported at 9:16 a.m. on FM 47, just north of County Road 2430. According to officials, a motorcycle driven by 41-year-old Jamie Daniel Logan of Mabank was southbound when it entered the northbound lane and was struck by an oncoming minivan. Logan died shortly before 11 Sunday morning at ETMC/Athens. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

LONGVIEW — A Longview woman was jailed over the weekend after police say she shot her father. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, police say Tabetha Christian Evans, 24, seriously wounded her father when she shot him Saturday afternoon in the 900 block of Spring Street in West Longview. Police spokeswoman Kristie Brian said Evans and her father were taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center. Evans was taken to the hospital for medical clearance before police transported her to jail, Brian said. Evans is being held in the Gregg County Jail under $100,000 bond on a charge of aggravated assault family violence with a weapon.

Longview police also responded to a second shooting Saturday afternoon near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Johnson Street in South Longview. However, Brian said officers did not find a victim or suspect at the scene and no one at area hospitals reported treating any gunshot wounds.

PALESTINE — Anderson County officials say Neches Junior High track coach Lisa Harroff was charged May 30 with improper relations between an educator and student. KETK reports she is currently in Anderson County Jail being held under a $25,000 bond. Further details are pending; we’ll update the story as more information comes in.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches police have confirmed that two people died in an early morning house fire Sunday. KETK reports a Nacogdoches woman and her grandson died in the fire on Dorr Creek Street near State Highway 21 East. The Nacogdoches Fire Department was called to the scene at 6:52 a.m., and arriving firefighters found heavy fire showing through the roof of the one-story home; the roof had already collapsed. Officials believe that the house had burning for some time, and they have confirmed that the house was destroyed. Continue reading Two Killed in Early Morning House Fire

TYLER — Police in Tyler are seeking suspects in an aggravated robbery that occurred around 2:00 Sunday morning at Club Sky, 900 W. Bow. The victim stated that two black males in their 20s approached him in the back parking lot. One of the suspects displayed a knife and demanded money. When the victim refused, both suspects attacked him. During the altercation, the victim sustained a cut to his left hand. After being injured, the victim ran to his vehicle and drove himself to Mother Frances Hospital for treatment. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim was unable to provide any further details regarding the suspects’ descriptions. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Tyler Police Department. This case remains under investigation.

MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris County landmark in Jenkins, Texas, is being restored for historic preservation by fourth and fifth generation descendants of Republic of Texas settlers, John Wingate and Elizabeth J. Robinson Truitt. The Truitt family held its annual reunion Saturday at the Jenkins First Baptist Church. Continue reading Restoration of East Texas Landmark

LINDALE — A Lindale family’s home suffered significant damage after it caught fire early Saturday morning. KETK reports it happened around 1 a.m. in the 400 block of Stewart Street. Lindale Fire officials say they are not sure what started the fire, but about 40 percent of the house was lost. Fortunately there were no injuries to report. The fire is still under investigation at this time.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man died early Saturday morning after troopers say he fell from the window of a moving vehicle. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. “Alcohol is believed to be involved,” said Trooper Brant Smith with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Joshua Whitten, 19, was hanging out of the left rear passenger window of a silver BMW traveling at 60 mph when he fell to the pavement about 5 a.m., according to Trooper Smith. The vehicle was westbound on West Harrison Road, and was just east of Cupit Road when the incident occurred. Whitten was pronounced dead at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview.

TYLER — Tyler police seek a suspect in a commercial robbery. On Friday at about 11:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Rite Track Valero gas station located at 1736 E. Gentry Parkway. Once on scene, officers learned that a Hispanic male entered the business yelling at customers to stop moving while demanding the cashier to give him all the money in the register. The suspect then jumped onto the counter, reached into the cash register, and took an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect exited the business and fled the scene northbound on E. Gentry in a dark colored SUV or compact car. Continue reading Commercial Robbery under Investigation

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Alto Rural Water Supply Corporation customers living in the Linwood community and on FM 851 are urged to boil their water before consumption. KETK reports this is due to conditions that have occurred recently in the water system.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College has received reports of young men approaching homes and businesses in the Whitehouse area, claiming to be selling magazine subscriptions on behalf of the TJC baseball team. TJC is asking that people be aware the college is not a sponsor of any such activity. According to KETK, anyone who encounters these people needs to make note of their physical descriptions and location and to contact the appropriate law enforcement authority.