KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — When temperatures rise and the air conditioning switches on, energy bills double in price. So TXU Energy launched a “Free Nights” program that can reduce your energy bill by 30%.

KETK spoke with Lauren Little, the spokesperson for TXU Energy, who said, “The premise of the plan is that we provide our customers with free electricity”. By signing up online, TXU takes care of all energy used throughout the entire year, during the hours of 9pm to 6am. Little said, “Any customer who lives in Texas who has a smart meter or an AMF meter is able to sign up for one of these plans, all they have to do is give us a call or go online.” Visit http://www.txu.com/en/residential/plans-offers.aspx?PromoCode=BNGPPCAD&W to sign up. Continue reading TXU Money Saving Program

TYLER – The punishment phase of the Ricky Neal Jr. murder trial is in recess until Tuesday morning. Shortly before 11:00 Wednesday morning, the jury found Neal guilty of murder in last year’s slaying of a former area football and basketball star. Neal was accused of murdering Chris Mass, 23, and shooting at Jonathan Lamone Dews, 29, in February 2013 in the Broadway Square Mall parking lot. Shortly after the verdict was returned, the punishment phase of the trial started with both sides making opening statements. The prosecution said it was seeking a life prison sentence, with the defense suggesting 20 years or less. Later in the day the trial was adjourned until next week. Neal faces an additional charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after police determined he shot at Dews. That case will be tried separately.

TYLER – Tyler police have canceled the search for a Tyler teen. Missing 14-year-old Luz Gonzales was thought to have been a run away. The Hogg Middle School student is said to be safe and back with her family.

RUSK – Cherokee County authorities are looking for an inmate who walked away from the Cherokee County Jail. He is Thomas Kyle Wagoner, 23, who was an outside trusty who had regular outdoors access. He is described as a white male who stands 6’3” and weighs 220 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities say he has family scattered around Cherokee County and in the Frankston, Troup and Whitehouse areas.

DALLAS — The Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) announced Wednesday that it has appointed current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Bartkowski as Chief Executive Officer effective May 12, 2014. Bartkowski succeeds Colleen Walker following her appointment as the Eugene McDermott CEO of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas last month. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas serves over 33,000 girls and 17,000 adults in 32 northeast Texas counties. Continue reading New Girl Scout Official in Northeast Texas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats are refusing to let supporters of the Keystone XL oil pipeline to use an energy efficiency bill as a vehicle to attempt winning congressional approval for the controversial project. Majority Leader Harry Reid used a parliamentary move Wednesday to block a Republican amendment on the pipeline as well as a measure to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing new greenhouse gas regulations on coal-burning power plants. The proposed Canada-U.S. pipeline would extend from Alberta to the Texas Gulf Coast. It would run through eastern Smith County. The Obama administration announced last month it was delaying a decision on the pipeline’s fate indefinitely. Reid has offered supporters a vote on a stand-alone bill that deals with only the pipeline. All 45 Senate Republicans and as many as a dozen Democrats support the project. Environmental groups oppose it.

TYLER — Tyler is getting a visit today from former President George W. Bush. Grace Community School will take over the University of Texas at Tyler’s Herrington Patriot Center for a full-scale, 40th Anniversary celebration event. Bush will keynote the event, speaking to the crowd and also participating in a conversation with Grace Headmaster Jay Ferguson. The evening will also include special music performances from Grace Community School’s state-recognized fine arts department and a multi-media presentation to recognize and honor the founders of the school. The event kicks off at 7:00pm, and you can go to http://www.gracetyler.org to get tickets.

TYLER — Tyler police say a woman has been arrested after her child was found unattended in a hot vehicle. Police responded to Sam’s Wholesale on SSW Loop 323 in reference to a three- year-old child left unattended in a vehicle just after 1:30 Wednesday afternoon. A witness who observed the child in the vehicle found Investigator Cory Hoover with the Smith County District Attorney’s office in the parking lot and notified him of the situation. According to police, Hoover immediately went to the vehicle, located the child strapped in a car seat, and found the door to be unlocked. Hoover removed the child from the vehicle, and he stated the child was very lethargic and ringing wet from sweat. Continue reading Mother Arrested after Child Is Found Unattended in Vehicle

LONGVIEW — Authorities have released the names of the people injured in Monday’s major crash involving a Spring Hill ISD bus. Longview Police Public Information Officer Kristie Brian said Marion Stephens, 86, of Longview, was seriously hurt in the accident and hospitalized with life-threatening injures on Monday. James Krutza, 82, of Longview, was taken to a hospital by private vehicle after the crash. Their current conditions are not being released following a request by KETK; however, police now say Stephens is expected to live. Continue reading Authorities Release Names of People Injured in School Bus Crash

SMITH COUNTY — Officials broke ground Wednesday on Saige Meadows, located off U.S. 69 near I-20 in Smith County. The project is termed the latest venture designed to bring quality, affordable housing options to East Texas working families while also providing jobs for sub-contractors and skilled laborers who will work on the project. “What is so wonderful about this community is that rents are held to an affordable level, which means families that cannot afford to pay market rate rents or buy their own homes yet will have a new, safe, clean, and comfortable place to live,” said Lindsey Wolfson, PR representative for Anthem Builders, which will oversee the project. “We hope to alleviate some of the financial burden to our residents so that they can save money, take care of their families and ultimately have an opportunity to own their own homes.” Continue reading Officials: Saige Meadows Is an Investment in the Community

TYLER — Smith County has received the 2014 Excellence Award from the Texas Association of Government Information Technology Managers (TAGITM). According to a news release, the award is for developing a first-of-its-kind electronic bond posting system that has streamlined the process of bonding individuals out of jail and saved the county thousands of dollars in labor. The “Smith County eBond Program” is one of just three projects in the state of Texas to receive the Excellence Award, which highlights outstanding innovation and the advancement of information technology in local governments in Texas, according to the release. Continue reading County Receives Technology Award for New eBond Program

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – A man sent to death row for torturing and drowning a Tyler woman in his bathtub and then stuffing her body into a barrel and dumping it in a ravine has lost an appeal before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The court Wednesday rejected an appeal from Troy Clark, 46, calling it an abuse of the writ process, without considering the appeal’s merits. Clark was condemned for the May 1998 slaying of a former roommate, 20-year-old Christina Muse. Evidence showed Muse was hit with a stun gun, beaten with a board, bound with duct tape and kept in a closet before she was drowned at Clark’s Tyler home. Records indicate Clark and a friend were using and selling methamphetamine and worried she would snitch on them.

TYLER – A jury has found Ricky Neal Jr. guilty of murder in last year’s slaying of a former area football star. After a lengthy day of deliberations Tuesday, with no decision, the panel returned to work Wednesday. Neal was accused of murdering Chris Mass, 23, and shooting at Jonathan Lamone Dews, 29, in February 2013 in the Broadway Square Mall parking lot. According to KETK, several key points were made during Tuesday’s defense testimony. Among them: an investigator was led to believe Neal and Mass didn’t know each other. Also, detectives said video inside the mall showed Neal didn’t communicate with Mass and did not provoke him; and Neal admits to shooting Mass. Continue reading Ricky Neal Jr. Found Guilty

TYLER — The trial for a Tyler man accused of killing another Tyler resident continues after getting underway Tuesday. According to KETK, police say Christopher Wiley, 39, shot and killed Rodney Walker, 52. It happened at Wiley’s Azalea District rental home along East First Street last July. Officers say after Wiley killed Walker, he tried to commit suicide. Police arrested him shortly after he was taken to a local hospital.

TYLER — As TxDOT crews make progress to widen Highway 64 just west of Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, city officials are issuing an advisory to airport users. Officials say construction is expected to be complete by the end of May; meanwhile, airport customers should plan to add about 10 minutes to their travel time to the airport. “We’re very pleased with these highway improvements,” said airport manager Davis Dickson. “Having the five-lane highway extended to Toll 49 will certainly make it more convenient for our customers coming in from the west. Since the new terminal was constructed in 2002, TXDOT has been very proactive with planning for highway improvements on Highway 64 West to accommodate airport growth.” Continue reading Construction Advisory for Airport Customers

SWAN — A body has been found in a burned building in the Swan area of Smith County. Just before midnight Monday, the Sheriff’s Office received several 911 calls reporting a blaze in the 11000 block of County Road 495. Units from the Lindale fire department responded. The fire was isolated to a building detached from the home. During their efforts to extinguish the blaze, firefighters discovered the body of what appeared to be an adult male. Continue reading Body Found on CR 495

LUFKIN – The senior pastor of Lufkin’s First Baptist Church has been accused of injuring his wife. Arrested Tuesday was Andrew Pitman. He is accused of injuring his wife’s arm after he pushed her into a door. Pittman has been charged with Class A assault causing bodily injury. His bond was set at $1,500.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview announces temporary street closures in the downtown area during AlleyFest and Historic Depot Days, which will be held May 9 and 10, in downtown Longview. Street closures will be done in phases in preparation for the event. Streets closed from 6:00pm, Wednesday, May 7 until 3:00pm, Sunday, May 11:• Fredonia Street from Methvin Street to Cotton Street• Tyler Street from High Street to Green Street. Continue reading Some Longview Streets Closed for AlleyFest

CARTHAGE (AP) — A former mortician whose killing of a rich widow shook an East Texas town and later inspired a movie has been released on bond. A judge set a $10,000 bond for Bernie Tiede Tuesday after recommending a reduction of his life prison term. Jail records show Tiede was released on bond Tuesday afternoon from the Panola County Detention Center in Carthage. Tiede, who’s now 55, was convicted in 1999 for the shooting death of his 81-year-old longtime companion Marjorie Nugent in Carthage. The case inspired the 2012 dark comedy “Bernie” that starred Jack Black in the title role and Shirley MacLaine as Nugent. The judge has agreed to let Tiede live with filmmaker Richard Linklater, who co-wrote and directed the film. Tiede will be under strict bond conditions. Continue reading Bernie Tiede Freed from Prison Early

TYLER — May is National Building Safety Month, and officials with the city of Tyler say they’re pleased to announce that building permits are up 15.1 percent from this time last year. Not only are permits of all types (commercial and residential building, electrical, plumbing, etc.) increasing, but the number of inspections is on the rise as well. “This rise in permits and inspections means a great boost for our local economy,” said Development Services Engineer Michael Wilson. “These homes and businesses bring in more jobs and area attractions.” Continue reading Construction Permits Up during National Safety Month

TYLER — A new committee has been tasked to take a proactive approach to planning for all Smith County election events, according to county officials. According to a news release, the Smith County Election Preparation Committee (EPC) will meet Wednesday to discuss what is currently working within the Smith County election process, what aspects can be improved, and what goals can be set for the future as Smith County continues to grow. “We want to look at each election event from the moment the voting machines are turned on to the moment the final tally is submitted to the state,” Smith County Elections Administrator Karen Nelson said. Continue reading New Committee Seeks Input on Smith County Election Process

CENTER (AP) – An East Texas man suspected of stealing a pickup truck has been fatally shot by officers after the fleeing vehicle hit a Department of Public Safety trooper. DPS says another trooper and a Center police officer shot and killed Jonathan Swindle, 38, of Shelbyville to end Sunday night’s pursuit. Trooper Zachary Mills of Center was listed in good condition Tuesday at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. DPS spokesman Tom Vinger says Mills was out of his patrol car when he was struck while in a ditch as Swindle drove off a road and around a spiked strip near Center. Another trooper and a Center officer then shot Swindle. DPS did not identify that trooper. Center police did not immediately return a message Tuesday.

LONGVIEW — A police officer in Longview has resigned from his position on the squad and a lieutenant has been placed on leave as a result of an investigation into allegations of alleged sexual contact while on duty. According to the Longview Police Department, Patrol Office Adam Vanover submitted his resignation Friday, April 25th after an investigation stemmed from allegations he had engaged in sexual conduct while on duty. Also, Lt. Ronald Buckner, a 34 year veteran with Longview Police Department, was placed on leave after he was accused of being involved in the situation concerning Vanover. Longview Chief of Police Don Dingler said they have reason to believe Vanover downloaded and received explicit material on the department’s computer equipment while on duty as well as engaged in sexual contact. Continue reading One Officer Resigns, One on Leave Following Investigation

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has received a research grant to study harvester ants through the Texas Ecolab Program. With the $6,000 award, the UT Tyler Department of Biology, led by research associate Dr. Katrin Kellner, will study the population genetics of two Texas red harvester ant species, Pogonomyrmex barbatus and Pogonomyrmex comanche. The survey will reveal if populations of these ants are endangered and need further protection status. They currently are listed as “Species of Interest.” Continue reading UT Tyler Biology Department Receives Grant

TYLER – Today is the last day for early voting in the May 10 municipal elections around East Texas. In Tyler, Martin Heines faces Joel Rando in the race for mayor; Don Warren and Eleno Licea square off in the bid for City Council District 4, which Heines represented until recently. In the Tyler school board elections, incumbent Orenthia Mason faces Cedrick Granberry in District 2, while incumbent Ross Strader is challenged by Barbara Smith in District 5.

LINDALE — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith will hold a town hall meeting Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Lindale High School cafeteria, located at 910 East Hubbard. Sheriff Smith conducted a town hall in Whitehouse on April 24 and held four during 2013. “The town halls have been well-received,” said Smith. “They provide the citizens an opportunity to know how their Sheriff’s Office is being run, and give me the opportunity to hear their ideas regarding how we can better serve their needs. It is my hope that everyone in the Lindale area will take just 90 minutes to join me on May 6.” Smith said additional town halls are scheduled for May 13 at Chapel Hill High School, and May 22 at the New Harmony Community Center.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing teenager who may be a runaway. According to Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Don Martin, Luz Gonzales, 14, was last seen Tuesday, April 29, at Hogg Middle School. Gonzalez was spotted wearing a burgundy hooded sweater, khakis, and silver shoes. The teen has black hair and brown eyes and stands 5’1. She weighs about 105 pounds. Authorities say she may have run away with a Facebook friend. Contact Detective Chris Miller at the Tyler Police Department, (903) 531-1000, or Tyler/Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833 if you have any information on her whereabouts.

LONGVIEW — One person sustained what are termed life-threatening injuries in an accident involving a Spring Hill ISD bus in Longview. KETK reports the accident occurred at Spring Hill Road and McCann Road. According to the Longview Police Department, the driver of the school bus, identified as school district mechanic B.J. Benton, failed to yield the right-of-way, striking a pickup truck. That truck then went flying across the roadway, hitting another truck. The injured person, who was driving the first truck, was taken to a local hospital. The driver of the second truck was not injured. Benton was also uninjured and is being cited for failure to yield, along with being suspended from the driver’s position at SHISD pending toxciology reports, which is standard procedure. No children were on the bus at the time of the crash.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department confiscated nearly $35,000 in cash after a Friday afternoon traffic stop, according to authorities. KETK reports that Sergeant Jarod Sears executed the stop on a car which was traveling on Interstate 20. According to police, after an initial interview of the driver, Sears became suspicious of the driver’s actions and storyline. Officials say Sears got the driver’s consent to search the vehicle and then found $34,970 in U.S. currency hidden within the vehicle. The money and vehicle were both seized by police due to suspected money laundering common with drug trafficking operations. The driver has not been charged with a criminal offense at this time.

TYLER — Officials from online, nonprofit university WGU Texas announced Monday that in addition to its well-known Finish to Go Further program, the university is launching a brand new Pursuit of Excellence Transfer Scholarship. During a news conference at Tyler Junior College, officials said the move aims to encourage emerging leaders in East Texas to continue their education at WGU Texas. “We’re all working together to increase post-secondary completion rates in East Texas and across the state,” Dr. Bill Holda, President of Kilgore College. “Through WGU Texas’ Pursuit of Excellence Transfer Scholarship, we will be able to recognize the truly outstanding students who graduate from our local community colleges and provide them a high quality and affordable avenue to further their education and future career.” Continue reading WGU Texas Announces Over $55,000 in College Scholarships