KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the Tyler TxDOT district during the week of Sept. 19. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid delays during night time work on the US 259 North Project in Henderson that’s underway as of 7 p.m. Sunday, September 18. The contractor will be conducting paving work through the night. The contractor will be conducting paving work through the night on Monday and Tuesday nights as well. Lane closures should be expected. Additional information about the project is available in the Rusk County section of this release. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

TYLER — Texas Mutual Insurance company holds a “Work Safe Texas Summit” Wednesday from 8 till 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn on South Broadway in Tyler. Texas Mutual’s Jeremiah Bentley tells KTBB’s Paul Gleiser that his company is the largest provider of workers’ comp insurance in the state — adding that keeping workers safe is Texas Mutual’s highest priority. The event features a panel on safety in construction, oil and gas, and services. Also, Texas Mutual Vice President of Safety and Information Woody Hill will deliver OSHA updates and provide information on preparing your business for an OSHA inspection. Continue reading Work Safe Texas Summit Hosted by Texas Mutual

TYLER — Tyler’s Discovery Science Place will close for three weeks, beginning today, to complete capital renovations and bring in new exhibits. The children’s museum will re-open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Special science presentations are planned throughout the day in the theater. According to a news release, the renovations are part of the museum’s 2016 “Raise the Roof” capital project. Earlier this year, reconstruction of the roof on the museum’s 110-year-old building was completed. During the closing, further renovations will include new flooring in all main galleries, updated lighting, and interior paint in all main areas. Continue reading Discovery Science Place to Close Temporarily for Updates and Renovations

TYLER — Two people are dead in a Tyler shooting, and authorities are seeking leads. Police say around 2:44 Sunday morning, officers responded to a report of gunshots on Point North Dr., across from Club Ice. Upon arrival, police found 25-year-old Aisha Nicole McGee and 30-year-old Steven Ray Smith, both of Tyler, dead of multiple gunshot wounds. Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

TYLER — Police in Tyler are following up on a weekend convenience store robbery in which a cash register was taken. On Saturday around 4:05 p.m., police responded to the Exxon gas station located at North Northwest Loop 323 and State Highway 110. An employee of the store reported that a Hispanic male had come into the store with his face partially covered. The suspect immediately displayed a knife, demanding the money from the register. When the victim was unable to open the register, the suspect grabbed the entire register and left the store with the register and an undisclosed amount of money. The victim believes the suspect left the scene driving on the Loop in a white vehicle. The clerk called 911 when the suspect left the store. Officers processed the scene, and the case remains under investigation.

TYLER — The East Texas Communities Foundation announces the recipients of $100,000 in grants from the Retail Merchants Association of Tyler Charitable Fund. The Retail Merchants Association of Tyler is a charitable fund that was established at the Foundation to provide annual grants to support designated charities within Smith County. Nineteen Smith County non-profit organizations were invited to apply for funding for strong projects based on good ideas and compelling needs which have the potential to improve the community and the lives of its people, according to an ETCF news release. These charities requested approximately $453,000 in funding during this grant cycle. Continue reading Local Agencies Get $100,000 in Grants

LONGVIEW — A co-owner of The Glass Dragon stores previously indicted on federal drug and money laundering charges was back in jail Friday after being arrested at the federal courthouse in Tyler. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Jeremy Chad Tidwell, 40, of Gilmer previously posted $25,000 bond after being indicted with his wife, Shanna Peek Tidwell, and brother, Brian Tidwell, by a grand jury on the federal charges. The trio were arrested in December 2014 in Longview in a synthetic drug raid that involved officers from numerous local law enforcement agencies and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Continue reading Glass Dragon Co-Owner Arrested Again

TYLER — As part of Tyler Junior College’s 90th anniversary celebration, college officials have announced the TJC Promise. In a news release, officials describe the effort as a bold new scholarship initiative that will benefit high school students within the college’s tax district.­ The TJC Promise will fund up to two years of college for students who meet the standards of the new program while attending high school. Continue reading Signing Ceremony Heralds TJC Promise Scholarship Program

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler is recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Almanac of Higher Education as one of the fastest developing institutions nationwide in academic research, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. According to a news release, over a 10-year period, UT Tyler has grown its total research spending by 1,273 percent, and the university has grown its federal research spending by 3,095 percent. Those increases put UT Tyler third in the nation among all universities – regardless of size – in both of those categories between 2004 and 2014, according to the latest Almanac. Top UT Tyler research areas within the period are education and biology. Continue reading UT Tyler Growing in Academic Research, Almanac Shows

TYLER — The City of Tyler is now recognized as home to the Texas Champion bluejack oak tree (Quercus incana) and is currently awaiting possible National Champion status. This recognition is given to the largest known specimen of its species in the State of Texas, according to a news release. The specific bluejack oak is located in Lindsey Park and was found during the City of Tyler’s 2016 annual tree inventory by urban forester Cody Goldman and urban forestry intern Aaron Lamb. The tree has a trunk circumference of 102 inches, a height of 54 feet and a crown spread of 54 feet. Continue reading City of Tyler Now Home to State Record Tree

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has completed a check of sex offenders who reside in the county. Of the 359 individuals who were investigated September 14th and 15th, fourteen were found to be out of compliance, according to a news release. Officials with the sheriff’s office said that verification checks of this type are unannounced and comprehensive. The compliance check included a team of approximately 30 officers, including members of 13 different local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, coordinated with the U.S. Marshals Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force. Continue reading Smith County Sex Offender Verification Check

LONGVIEW — Police are investigating after a Longview credit union was robbed Thursday for the second time in three weeks. According to the Longview News-Journal, officers were called to the LeTourneau Federal Credit Union on South High Street. The credit union also was robbed by a gunman Aug. 31. Officers, along with a K-9 unit, searched an area Thursday afternoon for the suspect near the credit union on Garrett Street between Cedar Avenue and Dunbar Street. Police have not said if Thursday’s robbery is linked to the one in August. Continue reading Longview Police Investigate Bank Heist

TYLER – A 54-year-old Mt. Enterprise man has been sentenced in Tyler to 180 months in federal prison for robbing a Longview bank. Patrick Terry Gilbert pleaded guilty on May 27 to armed bank robbery. Gilbert was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $16,134.00. According to federal prosecutors, on Oct. 23, 2015, Gilbert entered the Capital One Bank in Longview dressed in dark clothing, wearing a “Scream” mask and armed with a short-barreled shotgun. Gilbert approached two bank tellers, pointed the shotgun at them, and demanded all of their money. Gilbert took more than $15,000 from the tellers and left the bank. Several weeks later, Gilbert was arrested in Nacogdoches County. He was indicted last November.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department and the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force are investigating six classic vehicles that were stolen at different locations and times this past weekend in Tyler. Several suspects were caught on surveillance video hot-wiring the vehicles and driving them to an unknown location. The vehicles that were stolen are listed below: Continue reading Auto Theft Suspects Target Classic Vehicles

TYLER — A Tyler man has been arrested for aggravated assault following a reported disturbance Thursday afternoon. Kendricks Marsh, 40, was booked into the Smith County Jail. The incident started around 2:00 at 2701 N Tenneha, in Tyler. According to officers, Marsh was reportedly arguing with his neighbors when he left and came back with SKS style rifle. Police said Marsh attempted to fire the weapon at the residents, but the rifle failed to fire. He was arrested a short time later and the weapon was recovered. No injuries were reported. Marsh was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm.

TYLER — It all started October 1, 1962. Now weather wizard Dr. Bob Peters is calling it a day, retiring from the KTBB airwaves after Friday’s on-air forecasts and analyses. He says the technology has come a long way in 54 years. According to Peters, “Now our forecasts for the next 120 hours are about 95 per cent accurate; two weeks, they’re about 85 per cent accurate — and that is very much higher than what it was when I started doing this.” Continue reading After 54 Years, Dr. Bob Peters Retires from the Airwaves

TYLER – A 65-year-old Dallas County physician has been resentenced in Tyler to federal prison for health care fraud and identity theft violations. In July 2014, Tariq Mahmood of Cedar Hill was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, seven counts of health care fraud, and seven counts of aggravated identity theft. That followed a four-day trial in Tyler federal court. Continue reading Texas Doctor Resentenced to Prison Following Appeal

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Thursday headed to the scene of a large marijuana grow — the fourth discovered this week in East Texas. Smith, Anderson, and Van Zandt counties had previously reported similar operations. According to KETK, the latest discovery consists of two separate fields. Henderson County Public Information Officer Mark Sanders says officials started working the fields around 4:00 p.m. Wednesday. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, DPS, and DEA have all been working the scene. Continue reading Fourth Marijuana Grow Discovered This Week in East Texas

WASHINGTON — Republican East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert has received the Guardian of Small Business Award from The National Federation of Independent Business for what’s termed his outstanding support of America’s small business owners. Calling the award an honor, Gohmert says, “Small businesses are truly the backbone of this nation’s economy, and The NFIB works tirelessly to ensure they are protected,” as quoted in the news release. Gohmert’s office says the Guardian recognition is the NFIB’s most prestigious award reserved for lawmakers who vote consistently with NFIB on the key issues identified by small business owners. Gohmert received a 100 voting record during the 114th Congress.

TYLER — A man has been arrested on drug charges after Tyler police executed a search warrant Thursday at his Valentine Street home. Tyler SWAT and Patrol Officers assisted in the operation, which began at 6:30 a.m. Aubrey Ray Wilbanks, 60, was charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), a 2nd degree felony, and possession of dangerous drugs, a class A misdemeanor. Investigators also located firearms and stolen property inside the residence while conducting the search, according to a news release.

HENDERSON — Law enforcement officials have taken into custody a man they say may be responsible for sexual abuse going back as far as 45 years. Dock Lee Minter, 68, of Garrison, turned himself in to deputies at the Rusk County Jail, according to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. KETK reports he was arrested on two warrants for continuous sexual abuse of children. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is asking any potential victims of the suspect to come forward and talk with officials. You can call 903-657-3581 ext. 209 or 903-657-3581 ext. 220.

TYLER — Tyler Police investigators continue to investigate fraud cases involving identity theft and credit card fraud. A group of suspects who are believed to be from out of town are placing hidden electronic devices inside gas pumps and obtaining your credit card information. Police say they will use that information to duplicate a credit card and obtain cash funds and merchandise. Continue reading Fraud Investigators Continue to Investigate Gas Skimmers

TYLER — Two East Texas men have been indicted in connection with an alleged home invasion in early August. According to KETK, the Smith County District Attorney’s Office names the suspects as 19-year-olds Mario Villegas (left) and Alexis Juarez (right), both of Tyler. They’re accused of breaking into a house on August 5 on West Bow Street and threatening to kill the residents. Officials say a man was assaulted inside the house and that the suspects tried to drag him outside. Continue reading Two Indicted in Alleged Home Invasion

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has approved its budget for the new fiscal year. Mayor Martin Heines tells KETK the new budget will save more money than in years past. Also approved was a one-cent property tax increase. That money will help pay for the improvement of city roads. Heines says the decisions made were all in the best interest of the people living in Tyler. He comments, “We have a staff that is committed to the community, and we are proud of the work that they do, and the ability they had to make this budget work with less money.”

TYLER — Three people have been indicted for multiple counts of aggravated robbery in Tyler. According to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, per KETK, the suspects were indicted on Thursday, September 8, for their alleged involvement in a robbery that took place Friday, August 5, in the 3800 block of Lexington Drive. Lavina May Winston (pictured) 21, Darrell Lynn Taylor, 20 and Michael Laderick Fitts, 18, all from Tyler, have been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, each. Their bonds were set at $400,000. The three were allegedly involved in a standoff at the Varsity Place apartments prior to their arrest. Continue reading Three Suspects Indicted Following Stand-Off with Police

PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg Police Department is warning the public about fake movie money being passed around the area. According to KETK, the counterfeit cash, or “Hollywood money” has shown up in Pittsburg. The currency is typically used in television shows and looks similar to the real thing. However, authorities stated the feel of the cash is a dead giveaway for the fake money. Hollywood money has also been reported throughout East Texas, including the cities of Longview, Kilgore, Lufkin and Texarkana. Police advise citizens to not accept questionable money and to contact authorities.

DALLAS — Tyler native Johnny Manziel will be in a Dallas courtroom Thursday, in his domestic violence case. The former Cleveland Browns quarterback is accused of kidnapping, beating, and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, during a fight over another woman. Manziel is charged with a misdemeanor, not a felony, because Crowley didn’t suffer serious injury. The former Aggie standout is back at Texas A&M now, after being cut from his NFL job.

TYLER – Tyler Junior College Campus Police are conducting an investigation regarding shots fired on campus Monday evening at 11:42 p.m. In a news release issued to our news partner KETK, officials say the incident involved unidentified males coming to campus to confront a TJC student outside of a residence hall. According to the released, campus police responded immediately to the scene, secured the scene and also called Tyler Police to respond. The unidentified males fled the scene, and campus police made a determination that this was an incident isolated to a dispute initially involving a few individuals. Authorities say they determined that the incident did not pose an immediate threat to students throughout the campus. There were no injuries. Continue reading TJC Releases Statement on Monday Shooting

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Tyler and Champ Hospitality to continue work to bring a conference center to Tyler. The conference center will be attached to a private hotel. According to a news release, the proposed brand, per the MOU, is Aloft Hotels by Starwood Suites, a global high-end hotel company with 1,300 locations worldwide. Mayor Martin Heines (pictured) said this will be Aloft’s first presence in Tyler, adding that a new hotel wanting to establish itself in the market is a good sign. Continue reading Council Takes Next Step toward Conference Center

TYLER – A 23-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to 20 years, 8 months in federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Jose Maldonado Barragan was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 10 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while illegally in the United States, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Continue reading Tyler Man Sentenced for Drug Violations