KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit will receive two bullet-proof vests, thanks to a nationwide Groupon Event. The Sheriff’s Office says two dogs, Lanny and Endy, will receive their vests, which will protect them from both stabbings and bullets, in approximately 14 weeks. The “Occasions” campaign for Groupon Grassroots, which was launched to outfit police K9s with bullet and stab protective vests, runs through March 5th.
Continue reading SCSO K9 Unit to Receive Bullet-Proof Vests

TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for a teenage girl who has been missing since Christmas Day. KETK reports authorities are searching for Antonia Lobato, 14. She is a Hispanic female with brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet 2 inches and weighs 120 pounds. At this time, there is no description of the clothing in which she was last seen. Anyone who knows of her whereabouts should contact Tyler Police at 903-531-1000.

HENDERSON — Rusk County officials are knocking on wood and crossing their fingers that the county’s lack of fatalities on roadways since the new year will continue. Sgt. David Roberts, spokesman for the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, said Thursday that no fatal wrecks have occurred in the county since Jan. 1. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, almost 30 people were killed on Rusk County roadways in 2013, prompting county officials to take action. Roberts said he can’t pinpoint one reason for the change, but said educating young people about the dangers of texting and driving has resulted in a change in attitude of students.

BRYAN (Staff/AP) — Aggie defensive lineman Isaiah Demarcus Golden, a former Carthage star, has been arrested after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana. According to KETK, Bryan Police say an officer was on patrol Saturday in the 3600 block of Wellborn Road in Bryan when he reached the Reveille Ranch Apartment Complex. While walking through the complex, the officer came near a building and heard a man yelling on the other side of the building. When authorities got closer, they found a silver two-door Infinity sports car with its lights on. The officer made contact with the four men in the vehicle and reported that he smelled a strong odor. Continue reading Aggie Lineman, Former Carthage Star Faces Marijuana Charge

TYLER — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples stopped in Tyler over the weekend. KETK reports he went to the elections office to try and encourage East Texans to take part in early voting. Staples is currently running for lieutenant governor. He says if elected, he hopes to tackle the issues affecting all Texans. Staples said, “We’re tired of politicians not listening to states and not listening to taxpayers. We know that the president, he’s said that he’ll ignore the Constitution and just enact policies through executive order. I want to fight for Texas.” Staples is running against Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, State Senator Dan Patrick, and incumbent Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst. Early voting wraps up on February 28th.

TYLER — Police have identified the person killed in a truck/pedestrian accident in Tyler as Eddie Joe Shands, 74, of Tyler. The mishap was reported shortly after 9:15 Sunday night in the 1600 block of South Vine. The pickup truck was heading south on Vine Street when the victim was hit. Tyler police say the man was not at a crosswalk when the accident occurred. The driver remained at the scene and talked with investigating officers. The accident remains under investigation.

TYLER — Some East Texas physicians have announced their support for incumbent Matt Schaefer for the Texas House. According to KETK, the doctors say Schaefer has experience serving and is a fighter. One doctor commented, “He’s willing to stand on principles and willing to stand up against powerful lobbyist groups…a man of faith, man of service, and man of principle. All good things.” Schaefer remarked, ” I want to return control to doctor and patient and to the states and to local health care facilities, not to Washington.” He added, “When I got down to Austin, I’m going to make good decisions that are going to be good for patients, that are going to be good for nurses and doctors and people who are sick and people who are well.” In the hotly contested District 6 GOP race, both Schaefer and challenger Skip Ogle have racked up noteworthy lists of backers.backers.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in Smith County by the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on Northeast Loop 323 in Tyler, between the Loop 323 Extension and Commerce Street. A second crew is scheduled to continue edge work on Farm Road 15 between Troup and the Rusk County Line. Elsewhere, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to continue edge work on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 near the Wood County Line and Farm Road 16 east of Winona. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

PALESTINE — Four Louisiana men have been jailed in East Texas for allegedly engaging in organized criminal activity. KETK reports the men, ages 20, 21, 26, and 29, were arrested Saturday in a counterfeiting operation in Palestine. It all began at 8:30 a.m., when police officers were called to two convenience stores on Palestine Avenue in reference to a suspect attempting to pass a counterfeit $50 bill. In both cases, the suspect fled the scene before officers’ arrival and left in a tan Chevy Impala with no license plate. Continue reading Palestine Police Arrest Four Louisiana Men in Counterfeiting Case

MARSHALL — A body has been found on a roadside in Marshall. According to KETK, just after 10:00 Saturday night when Marshall police were told a woman’s body was found lying off the roadway on Scotts Quarters Road near the intersection of Loop 390. She has been identified as Sharon Leonard, 52, of Marshall. Police, fire, and ambulance personnel were called to the scene. Leonard was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Judge Clarice Watkins. Police and crime scene investigators were called and began an investigation immediately. Continue reading Body Found on Marshall Roadside

TYLER — Tyler celebrates Black History Month by welcoming back one of its own icons, football hero Earl Campbell. The Tyler Rose keynoted the 13th Annual City Wide Black History Program Saturday evening at the Rose Garden Center, organized by the African-American Cultural Events Committee. Going back to his early days in the Tyler area, Campbell mixed reminiscences about his life with his personal philosophy. Campbell said there have been three keys to his success; God, the way his mom and dad raised him, and the fact that he came from Tyler. The high school, college, and pro football legend offered up such comments as “There’s nothing special about me,” “I’m just a citizen of this great country,” and “I try to do my best.” Continue reading Earl Campbell Keynotes Black History Celebration

KILGORE — A settlement has been reached between the Kilgore ISD and a student who was outed by coaches. Wayne Yang with the Texas Civil Rights Project says five years ago, two coaches locked then 16-year-old Skye Wyatt in a locker room and demanded she admit she’s gay, and then told her mother against her will. Yang says, “It was really a terrible thing to do, and it caused a lot of strife and a lot of emotional damage, and for a time, ripped her family apart.” Aside from a monetary settlement, the school district has agreed to maintain policies that would prevent discrimination over sexual orientation, protect privacy, and allow training provided, in part, by the Texas Civil Rights Project.

TYLER — Local builders say homeowners who may be ready to start updating and upgrading can find plenty of inspiration at The Tyler Area Builders Association’s 34th Annual Home Products Show. It began Friday and continues through today at Harvey Convention Center. “The economy is improving, which means many homeowners are finally ready to do those upgrades or updates they may have postponed for the last few years,” said TABA Executive Vice President Libby Simmons. Today’s hours are 1-5 p.m. You can log on to http://www.tylerareabuilders.com for more information.

TYLER – Early voting for the March 4 Primary continues this weekend in Smith County at all five early voting locations. You can visit the Elections page of the Smith County Web site at http://www.smith-county.com/Government/Departments/Elections/Default.aspx to view sample ballots or look up your voting precinct. You can also call the Smith County Elections office at 903-590-4777. Continue reading Early Voting Open This Weekend in Smith County

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek the public’s help in locating Jacob Hamilton Garrett, a 14-year-old from Whitehouse who was reported as a runaway by his family on February 14. The Sheriff’s Office has received reports from his school that he has been texting fellow students, but there have been no confirmed sightings of Garrett. Garrett is 5’6” and weighs 125. The last available photo of him shows him with shorter dark brown hair, but he reportedly now has longer hair with blond coloring added. Continue reading Officials Seek Whitehouse Runaway

WOOD COUNTY — A Silver Alert has been discontinued for a missing Wood County man. According to KETK, Department of Public Safety officials say they have found Robert Eugene Searer, 77. A Silver Alert was issued for Searer on Tuesday, when he was reported missing. Searer was found at 11:00 Friday night near Paris, Texas. Wood County officials say that Searer is alive and well and has been reunited with his family.

LONGVIEW — One person is injured in a shooting at a Longview gentlemen’s club. It happened at 1:30 Saturday morning at the Pleasure Palace in the 1300 block of East Marshall Avenue. Kristie Brian with the Longview Police Department tells KETK there was a fight inside the club. Shortly after the fight broke out, one person fired a shot and hit a man. That man was taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Brian also says the wounded man and all witnesses are being uncooperative at this time. We will update you as soon as more information becomes available.

AUSTIN — A gastroenterologist at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Marshall has been disciplined by the Texas Medical board for unprofessional conduct in the workplace. That’s according to our news partner KETK. At its February 7 meeting, the board disciplined Dr. William Gibson “Bill” Simpson, 53, of Marshall. The board found Simpson violated professional boundaries with a female patient and admitted to having a sexual relationship with the patient. Continue reading Marshall Doctor Disciplined by Texas Medical Board

TYLER — Leadership Tyler has bestowed its Distinguished Alumni Award for 2014 on Henry Bell, chief operating officer of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. The honor was presented Friday night at the annual Leadership Tyler Reunion at Hollytree Country Club. Bell has been with the Chamber for 25 years and is involved in numerous local activities. Donna Spann, last year’s Distinguished Alumni Award winner, praised Bell for his knowledge of the community. Spann also called Bell “very instrumental” in Leadership Tyler’s restructuring process of several years ago, which changed the program’s focus and expanded its offerings. Continue reading Bell Wins Leadership Tyler Distinguished Alumni Award

KAUFMAN — The judge says things could change, but for now, the capital murder trial of former Kaufman County Justice of the Peace Eric Williams (pictured) will take place in October. Williams’s attorneys say evidence is still being gathered and they worry without a delay they won’t be ready. Judge Mike Snipes says October is still a long way off and he wants to keep the case on schedule. Snipes said, “Both sides getting a fair trial is my paramount concern. There are other concerns as well, such as the defendant’s right to a speedy trial, the public’s right to closure of this case.” Williams is charged in the revenge murders of Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his assistant Mark Hasse, along with the murder of McLelland’s wife.

TYLER — The 2014 Tyler Cattle Baron’s Gala Committee announced Friday that William Clark Green is the Late Night Entertainer for the 27th annual event. Green has spent the past few years touring heavily in the booming Texas scene with a range of songs pulled from true‐to‐life experiences, according to a news release. His critically acclaimed third release is entitled “Rose Queen.” The 2014 Tyler Cattle Baron’s Gala will be held June 14 at the Rio Neches Ranch. The gala is the principal fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, Tyler. Joe Nichols is the headline entertainer for the event.

KILGORE (Staff/AP) — Kilgore Police Chief Todd Hunter, three Kilgore police officers, and a Gregg County sheriff’s deputy remain on paid leave following a deadly incident Tuesday that remains under investigation. Among new developments Thursday, KETK reports a motive was revealed as to why 37-year-old Randy Vinson killed his sister-in-law before being shot and killed by law enforcement. The Kilgore Police Department says Randy Vinson, while on drugs, shot and killed 32-year-old Elizabeth Vinson because she was kicking him out of her home over his alleged drug abuse. Autopsy results show both of them died from multiple gunshot wounds. Continue reading Investigation Continues in Kilgore Slayings

TYLER — James Calvert was back in a Smith County courtroom Thursday for a pretrial hearing. KETK reports the 42-year-old is accused of killing his ex-wife in 2012. She was found shot dead in a house off Bain in Tyler. Police say Calvert then took off with their son to Louisiana. Law officers caught up with him there and made the arrest. Calvert is charged with capital murder, kidnapping, and evading arrest.

FORT WORTH (AP/Staff) — Hundreds of items from the estate of the celebrated Kilgore-raised pianist Van Cliburn are scheduled to go up for auction next month. The New York auction house Christie’s has scheduled a March 4-5 auction of the Van Cliburn collection. The items were left behind in Cliburn’s Fort Worth-area mansion when he died a year ago this month. It’ll be the second auction of items from the Cliburn collection. Bidders bid more than $ million for 166 lots of antiques, jewelry and other items in May 2012. Among the items available in this latest bidding is a 144-year-old piano bought by Cliburn’s mother, Rildia Bee O’Bryan Cliburn, in the 1940s and given to her son.

TYLER — Drivers who have used Toll 49 without paying may find themselves in court soon. Beginning this month, the Smith County district attorney’s office will initiate legal proceedings against vehicle owners who have repeatedly ignored requests for payment, according to a news release from the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority. “The vast majority of our customers pay for their use of Toll 49,” says Everett Owen, Interim Executive Director of the NET RMA. “Those customers who pay their fair share expect that we are enforcing the law.” Continue reading Charges to Be Filed against Toll 49 Scofflaws

TYLER — Tyler residents may have noticed some new solid waste trucks on the streets. According to city staff, they not only have a new paint job, but also make an impact on the city’s budget and air quality as they are fueled by compressed natural gas. Continue reading New CNG Solid Waste Trucks

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department will be participating in the Texas Warrant Roundup. During the 2013 roundup there were 197 arrests made, and 1,945 warrants cleared. If you have warrants, police encourage you to pay your fines now so you won’t get caught in the statewide warrant roundup that begins March 1st. You can go online at http://court.longviewtexas.gov/municipal-court to pay your fine or settle up by phone at 1-800-444-1187. You can also pay in person at the Municipal Court Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The court is located inside the Longview Police Department, at 302 W. Cotton St.

HENDERSON — An East Texas man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for assaulting a public servant. KETK reports that a Rusk County jury Thursday sentenced James Earl Piland, 40, after he struck an officer who was responding to a domestic disturbance call. On April 21, 2013, Officers Brad Loden and Marilyn Wilson with the Overton Police Department were investigating the disturbance. When they questioned Piland, officers say there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from him, and then Piland punched Officer Loden in the collarbone. The jury deliberated for about an hour and a half Wednesday before returning a guilty verdict. Officials say Piland’s sentence was partially due to prior convictions of DWI and unauthorized use of a car.

TYLER — McKinney-based State Senator Ken Paxton checked in Thursday with KTBB on his run for state attorney general in the March 4 GOP primary. Paxton says his platform relates to defending the state against federal intrusion as outlined in the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. “I think that’s become a critical role for the attorney general in this state,” said Paxton during a phone interview. “If we don’t push back on our 10th Amendment rights, the federal government will completely intrude, both economically and politically, into the state.” Paxton says a prime example of this has been his fight against Obamacare. Continue reading Paxton Makes His Case for Attorney General

DALLAS (AP/Staff) – A search of a North Texas lake did not find weapons or evidence linked to the killings of the Kaufman County district attorney, his wife, and an assistant D.A. A law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday that a dive team came up empty in a search of Lake Tawakoni, east of Dallas. The official was not authorized to discuss the case publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Authorities were acting on a tip in the deaths last year of District Attorney Mike McLelland, his wife Cynthia, and prosecutor Mark Hasse. Ex-Justice of the Peace Eric Williams (pictured) and his wife Kim are charged with capital murder. Spokesmen for state and local authorities confirmed a search on Wednesday but declined to elaborate.