KTBB News, Weather, Talk

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of Van Zandt County and surrounding areas concerning a scam that has affected many communities around the state of Texas. According to Sheriff Lindsey Ray, unknown individuals, purporting to be Officers of the Court, or employees of the local municipal and county governments, are calling citizens of the community and fraudulently informing the citizens that they have missed a scheduled jury duty. The caller subsequently informs the citizens that they have incurred a fine and then proceeds with instruction advising how the fines must be paid to avoid incarceration. Continue reading East Texas Sheriff Warns of Jury Scam

TYLER — As of December 1st, bells are ringing at over 35 locations around Smith County. Unfortunately, two weeks into bell ringing, in comparison to last year, kettle donations are down $6,000. In a news release, the Tyler Salvation Army says the funds raised during the holidays make up approximately 25% of the organization’s yearly budget. This year, donors have the opportunity to double the impact they make on the community by matching kettle donations dollar for dollar. Anyone who chooses can select the date and location of the kettle he or she would like to match. By matching, the Salvation Army’s fundraising goal can be reached must faster, thereby helping more people, according to the news release. Continue reading Kettle Donations Continue to Decline

HAWKINS — Authorities are investigating a body found in Hawkins off Highway 14. According to KETK, police say the man’s body was discovered in a home close to the Fred’s store, located near the intersection of Glazner Street and Highway 14. The Texas Rangers are investigating the death. No other information was released.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department is attempting to identify the person or persons responsible for a Thanksgiving burglary at a local home’s shop. According to KETK, an unknown burglar or burglars broke into a shop on Farm Road 1793 between 11:00am and 2:30pm. The bandits destroyed items in the store and took a large amount of property. If you noticed any suspicious vehicles or individuals near Gainesville Road, on Fern Lake Road, or on Highway 59 around lunch or have information as to who may have been involved, you’re asked to contact the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office immediately. The homeowner is offering a $1000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest or arrests. Officials say any help is greatly appreciated.

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a man who is believed to have used a stolen credit card at a local business. According to KETK, On November 30, a stolen credit card was used at the Walmart in Lindale. The card was taken from a car that was broken into at Cracker Barrel. A picture of the suspected thief was taken at Walmart. If you recognize this person, contact the Lindale Police Department at 903-882-3313.

WHITEHOUSE — The Whitehouse Police Department is warning homeowners about scam artists in the area. According to KETK, police said two to three men are showing up at homes and asking permission to “inspect” the home’s roof for leaks. When the residents give them permission, the “inspectors” ask for money. In a recent incident, the homeowner threatened to call police and the men immediately left the scene. If you are contacted in such a manner, you’re asked to obtain a license number and vehicle and occupant description if possible, and call authorities immediately at 903-839-2828.

JACKSONVILLE — The city of Jacksonville has a new fire chief following the resignation of Brent Smith. According to KETK, a Jacksonville Fire Department spokesperson says former Chief Smith (pictured) has taken another job. The position was not specified. Keith Fortner is now the acting fire chief.

LONGVIEW – A Longview woman accused of murdering her husband over the weekend is now being held on $1 million bond. According to KETK, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office alleges Alexis Walker, 30, shot and killed her husband, Anthony Updyke, 33. Deputies responded to a home in the 3300 block of Lansing Switch after 911 operators received a call requesting emergency responders around 3:50 Saturday morning. When deputies arrived, it was discovered that Anthony Updyke was shot and was not breathing. The alleged shooter was at the residence and was in the living room area when deputies arrived. Deputies reported a pistol that was found at the scene was the weapon allegedly used in the shooting. Judge Meghan Pinson was at the scene and pronounced the victim dead. An autopsy was ordered by Judge Pinson. Continue reading Bond Set for Longview Woman Charged with Husband’s Death

TYLER — A professor of biology at The University of Texas at Tyler, Dr. Blake Bextine, has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for excellence in research, Dr. Ross Sherman, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced. According to a UTT news release, Bextine received the USDA’s “2014 Partnership Award” for his outstanding contributions in helping manage Zebra Chip disease. The ailment is caused by a bacterium transmitted by the “potato psyllid” (Bactericera cockerelli). “Zebra Chip” creates a zig-zag appearance in the upper growth of an affected plant. Insects carrying specific species of the bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter, feed on the plant, which is then infected. Continue reading UTT Professor Receives National Award for Research

TYLER — The search for Tyler’s next city manager has been narrowed to five highly qualified candidates who have been invited for interviews on Dec. 8 and 9, according to a city news release. One of those is a well-known local figure, while the others come from various parts of Texas. “Finding a city manager candidate who is both an exceptional leader and a fit for our community, City Council, and city staff is a high priority,” said Tyler Mayor Martin Heines. “Tyler is a unique community and it is vital that candidates selected for the interview process share the community’s vision, values and principles.” Continue reading Tyler Names Finalists for City Manager

TYLER – Among the new arrivals at Tyler’s Caldwell Zoo are some baby Chilean Flamingos. According to the zoo’s web site, the Chilean flamingos have taken their time laying eggs, but the zoo finally has a few little ones to add to the flock. These tiny birdies will be hand-raised by the zookeepers since it is much too cold for them to live outdoors. They’ll be introduced to the rest of the flock in the spring, once the weather warms up.

VAN – Authorities are trying to determine what caused a fire that damaged 25 to 30 acres of woods in Van Zandt County. The fire was reported around 1:30 Sunday afternoon at the Garden Valley Country Club. According to KETK, no homes were damaged and no injuries were reported.

TYLER – A motorcyclist has been killed in a one vehicle accident. It was reported around 2:30 Sunday morning in the 8700 block of Plauxy Drive. Killed was Spencer Wayne Scruggs of Tyler. A passing motorist discovered the wreckage. Scruggs, seen here in his Facebook picture, appeared to have been traveling southbound on Paluxy when he lost control of his motorcycle and went off of the roadway. The accident remains under investigation.

LUFKIN – A Lufkin man has been arrested after being accused of assaulting his girlfriend. Charged with assault of a family member/household member with a previous conviction is James Davis, 23. His bond was set at $4,000. KETK reports the incident happened at a car wash in the 900 block of Kurth Drive.

TYLER – Tyler civic leader C.C. Baker has died. Baker, who was 74, died Friday at The Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 3:30pm at Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler. Burial will follow at Tyler’s Rose Hill Cemetery. Baker, a former principal of John Tyler High School, was also a development officer for Tyler Junior College. Continue reading Tyler Leader C.C. Baker Dies

TROUP — A Troup couple lost not only their home, but also their pet Friday afternoon, after their house in the 300 block of Joy Street erupted into flames. KETK was told the owners were outside when the fire sparked. They tried to make their way back into the house to save their family pet but were unable to get back inside. Smith County fire officials say the flames were so high they partially damaged a nearby house. The fire was put out by late afternoon. It’s still unknown how the blaze began.

LONGVIEW — At least six fire trucks were on the scene around 7:30 Wednesday morning when flames broke out at Longview’s Pine Knoll Apartment complex. Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary said the fire started in an upstairs unit of building three, the result of an unattended candle. Pine Knoll resident Chris Kemper tells KETK he learned of the fire when police beat on his door. Police evacuated all residents and their pets, and no injuries were reported. Kemper said his apartment did sustain smoke damage, but without the efficiency of the fire and police departments it could have been worse. “I don’t think there was any flame damage or any water damage, just a bunch of smoke, and I believe that’s completely because of the quick response of the Longview Fire Department,” Kemper said. Continue reading Apartment Fire Relocates Residents One Day before Thanksgiving

GILMER (Staff/AP) — Gilmer officials are reacting after yet another move by East Texas Medical Center to phase out care in Upshur County. ETMC earlier announced it would first close its hospital in the city, followed by the emergency room and physicians clinic. Now, effective March 1, 2015, ETMC EMS is discontinuing ambulance services. KETK spoke with Gilmer City Manager Jeff Ellington, who said, “To lose the facility, the operation, and all the jobs related to that is a very negative thing. And it is a concern to the entire community and obviously the city itself.” Continue reading Gilmer Reacts to Planned End of ETMC Ambulance Service

LINDALE — After 10 months of recovery from injuries sustained in a January house fire, firefighter Joe Yeakley got to return home to Lindale Wednesday, just in time for Thanksgiving. KETK reports Yeakley got to see his extended family lining the streets and riding alongside him in fire engines. “He’s been in Dallas this whole time and we’re just glad to have him coming back home and being part of our family,” said Lindale Fire Chief Cory Crowell. Continue reading Joe Yeakley Receives a Hero’s Welcome Home to Lindale

TYLER — Tyler’s Salvation Army served hundreds Thursday at its annual Thanksgiving meal. Many volunteers gathered on Thanksgiving to begin preparation for the feast. Chores included carving turkeys, chopping vegetables, and getting everything ready for the guests. An abundance of volunteers were on site Thanksgiving Day to help serve guests and spread the love of Christ as well as the joy of this holiday season, according to a Salvation Army news release. The Salvation Army is offering thanks to those in the Tyler community who make it possible to serve a Thanksgiving meal to so many in the community.

TYLER — Considerable damage is reported in a Thanksgiving Day house fire in Tyler. Around 10:30 Thursday morning dispatchers received a call about the fire at 2703 N. Grand Avenue, across from Texas College. Officials tell KETK the resident took a pan of dressing out of the oven, set it on a nearby washing machine, then left the room to talk on the phone. An ironing board covered with a cloth was next to the washing machine and is believed to have caught fire from the pan. The blaze then spread to the drapes, cabinets, walls, and attic. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained. The kitchen was destroyed by the fire and there is minor damage to the nearby hallway, with heavy smoke and water damage throughout the house. Officials want to remind residents to always stay in the kitchen with the food that is being prepared.

LONGVIEW — As of Friday, November 28, Methvin Street in Longview will be closed to traffic between High and Center. This begins Phase 2 of the proposed Methvin Street Improvements. Construction should last approximately four months, according to officials. The closure follows Wednesday’s reopening of Methvin Street between Green Street and Fredonia Street. That reopening completes Phase 1 of the Methvin Street Improvement Project. Continue reading Methvin Street Closure Shifts as Work Progresses

TYLER — The Smith County Fire Marshal announced Wednesday that after extensive review of the Old Winona School fire case, no exact cause of the fire this past Sunday could be determined. Fire Marshal Jay Brooks says investigators with his office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, assisted by the Winona Police Department and Winona Public Works Department, spent hours sifting through the debris and interviewing witnesses. But Brooks says they were unable to determine the exact cause of the fire due to the devastation of the structure and its components. At this time there is no evidence of foul play, and the building the fire originated in was secure and unoccupied at the time the fire started, Brooks said. Continue reading Cause Undetermined in Winona School Fire

ATLANTA, Texas (AP) – A teenage girl has been fatally shot at a Northeast Texas house and police arrested a teenage boy on a charge of criminally negligent homicide. Atlanta police Lt. Allen Williams on Wednesday declined to release names or ages of the minors, who are not related. Williams says the boy remains in juvenile custody at a detention center in Longview. Police in Atlanta received a 911 call Tuesday afternoon about a shooting at a home. Police arrived to find the girl shot. She was pronounced dead at a hospital. Officers detained the boy. Williams declined to say who called for help. Further details weren’t immediately released.

HARRISON COUNTY — An active search for an alleged oil field thief is underway in Harrison County. KETK reports authorities are looking for the suspect on FM 968. FM 968 runs between Highway 80 and I-20, about two miles southwest of Marshall. Harrison County 911 operators received a call from an oil field worker shortly before 7:00 Wednesday morning regarding the caller being run into by another vehicle on an oil field site. The caller stated he believed he had just come upon an alleged theft in progress and the vehicle that was on the well site drove into his vehicle during its escape. Continue reading Search Underway for Oil Field Theft Suspect

AUSTIN (AP) – Texas’ highest court has granted a new sentencing hearing for the mortician whose conviction for killing his longtime companion and storing her body in a freezer inspired the dark-comedy movie “Bernie.” Bernie Tiede was sentenced to life in prison for the 1996 shooting death of 81-year-old Marjorie Nugent. But he was released from prison earlier this year, after a lower court ruled the sentence was overly harsh. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday largely sided with Tiede. His attorneys said jurors weren’t told he felt abused by Nugent or that he was sexually abused as a child. Nugent’s family wants him returned to prison. Nugent’s body was found in a freezer in her home nine months after she went missing in Carthage.

RUSK — The nativity scene holds a special place in Christians’ hearts, especially during the Christmas season. “It symbolizes life, our second chance at life, because it’s the night that Christ was born,” said Nancy Rangel, a Christian in Cherokee County. But KETK reports that for Daniel Ross, it doesn’t represent his beliefs. He is a Humanist, and emailed Cherokee County about placing a secular display adjacent to the manger scene. “I’m not offended by the nativity scene, I’m more offended by not having the opportunity to be represented, not having my belief represented here,” said Ross. “I think we’ve got a really nice display it’s very tasteful. We’ve got four entrances to this courthouse, we’re not trying to force the religion on anyone,” said Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis. Continue reading Nativity Scene on Courthouse Lawn Raises Concerns

AUSTIN – Texas Commissioner of Education Michael Williams Tuesday announced his appointments to a three-member board of managers in the case of a soon-to-close charter school that includes an East Texas campus. That’s according to a news release from the Texas Education Agency. According to the release, the situation involves the liquidation of assets and other specific issues related to the revocation and closure of Honors Academy and the seven campuses operating under the charter as public, accredited schools. The charter revocation – which became effective June 30, 2014 – affects the following Honors Academy campuses (in these communities): Branch Park Academy (Farmers Branch); Creekview Academy (Killeen); Landmark School (also known as Leadership Academy – Palestine); Legacy Park Preparatory (Kaufman); Pinnacle Academy of Fine Arts (Fort Worth); Quest Academy (Dallas); and Wilmer Academy (Wilmer). Continue reading Williams Names Board of Managers for Revoked Charter

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is being held in the Gregg County Jail after police say he punched and head butted a security officer at the Lodge Sports Bar. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report James Dillon Loving, 21, remains jailed on $7,500 bond, charged with assault on a security officer, a felony. He was arrested just before midnight Saturday when Longview police responded to a fight in progress at the Lodge in the 500 block of North Spur 63. Continue reading Police: Man Jailed after Punching, Head Butting Security Officer

AUSTIN – A Smith County man is one of 11 persons being named to Agriculture Commissioner-elect Sid Miller’s transition team. One of the members of the team is Pierre De Wet of Tyler, agricultural entrepreneur and President & Founder of Kiepersol Enterprises. Miller said De Wet and other members of the team will be working with him to ensure the TDA is focused on the many critical issues facing Texas including our state’s long-term water needs, strengthening and promoting the state’s equine industry, and protecting consumer safety. Continue reading Tyler Man Named To Ag Commissioner-Elect’s Transition Team