KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Tyler City Council has unanimously approved an agreement with Bass Pro Outdoor World, LLC, to develop economic and infrastructural resources within the community. This partnership represents a significant investment in Tyler’s future as a key retail destination between Dallas and Shreveport. As part of the agreement, Bass Pro Outdoor World will receive a sales tax rebate, provided they meet the following performance criteria: $22 million in sales during their first year and 2% growth in sales annually for seven years. The rebate incentive will be capped at $1.5 million over seven years. This will create an economic environment that promotes growth and sustainability for both parties involved. Continue reading Tyler City Council partners with Bass Pro

MARSHALL – Our news partners at KETK report that Cabinetworks Group announced it is closing two plants, one in Marshall and the other in Jefferson. The two plants combined employ around 350 people, with the Marshall plant employing the most. Both plants will cease operations on Sept. 13. The company has offered severance and outplacement support to those being let go. Continue reading Cabinetworks closing two east Texas facilities

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report a 22-year-old is dead after a wreck between a motorcycle and a car on Wednesday morning. Tyler Police and UT Health EMS are on the scene at the 500 block of WSW Loop 323 and Brookside Drive. A preliminary investigation by TPD indicates the motorcycle was going west on the Loop while a Volkswagen was turning left onto Brookside from the Loop, and turned in front of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was identified as 22-year-old Abimael Marino from Tyler and his family has been notified of his death. The driver of the Volkswagen was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. The case remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — Tuesday evening, the Longview Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, along with the public, discussed ways to resolve the question of public safety when it comes to stray animals, according to our news partner KETK. The meeting comes after a man was found dead in February after being attacked by a dog, according to the Longview Police Department.

“The mayor said we have got to look at everything we are doing. We need to figure out if there’s anything we need to put in place to make sure our residents are safe as it relates to unrestrained animals,” Richard Yeakley, public information officer for the City of Longview, said. Continue reading Longview officials address stray animal concerns

TYLER — Brookshire Grocery Company (BGC) announced on Tuesday that they will be reopening the Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store in 2025. According to our news partner KETK, the announcement stated BGC will be reopening the museum and store at a new location on Arbor Ridge Drive, next to FRESH in Tyler. The company said that they plan for the museum to open in early 2025 and it will feature “reimagined storytelling of dozens of exotic animals from around the world, along with the unique history of BGC.”

According to BGC, the museum first opened in 1975, dedicated to Brookshire Grocery Company’s founder, Wood T. Brookshire, and his wife Louise and their love for outdoors, wildlife and traveling. Continue reading Brookshire’s to reopen wildlife museum in 2025

TEXARKANA — According to our news partner KETK, Texarkana High School band instructor has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on Tuesday after coercing students to participate in sexual activities. Officials said Sams communicated with several students through social media and messaging applications where he persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced them to participate in sexual activity.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Texas said Brandon Neil Sams, 48, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor while being a band instructor at Texas High School in Texarkana. Continue reading Texarkana band instructor sentenced for grooming students

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that Brookshire Grocery Company (BGC) announced on Tuesday that they will be reopening the Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store in 2025. According to the release from BGC, they will be reopening the museum and store at a new location, next to FRESH, on 6970 Arbor Ridge Drive in Tyler. The company said that they plan for the museum to open in early 2025 and it will feature “reimagined storytelling of dozens of exotic animals from around the world, along with the unique history of BGC.” Continue reading Brookshire’s to reopen wildlife museum

MARSHALL — One person is dead and another injured following a shooting on Tuesday, the Marshall Police Department said. The shooting occurred on Lafayette Road and East Grand Avenue where one person has succumbed to their injuries and another remains in the hospital. Marshall PD is investigating the case and asks anyone with information to contact them at 903-935-4575. “Please respect the privacy of the grieving families as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. We ask our community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or relevant information to the police department,” Marshall PD said.

TYLER – The Tyler Fire Department is teaming up with the South Tyler Rotary Club to go door-to-door on Friday July 19 and 26 to check smoke alarms, replace batteries and install free smoke alarms in homes that need them. Firefighters will concentrate on houses near Woldert Park and the Caldwell Zoo due to a recent house fire with no smoke alarms. The Tyler Fire Department reports that the risk of dying in a home structure fire is approximately 50 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms. They would also like to remind residents that if their smoke alarm sounds, they should get outside and stay outside. It’s important to respond rapidly. Continue reading Tyler Fire Department to conduct fire safety blitz

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report that a man was found guilty on Monday of capital murder in the deaths of two people who were shot after a trail ride in Cherokee County. According to the district attorney’s office, a witness testified that Devon Harris, of Shreveport, La., was driving back to Louisiana from a trail ride in Cherokee County with friends when they began arguing. Harris, also known as “Nooney Bugg,” pulled the car over on Highway 79 North near Rusk County, officials said, before he grabbed a pistol and shot both Ronnie Pearson, 20, and Jakari Hogan, 23. Continue reading Man found guilty of capital murder in double homicide

TYLER — The Shreveport National Weather Service reported record-breaking severe weather events after last Monday’s tropical storm that impacted several East Texas counties, according to our news partner KETK. “The 13 tornadoes that we got across East Texas were actually part of a bigger outbreak when Tropical Storm Beryl moved across the region,” Chris Nuttall, Shreveport National Weather Service lead meteorologist, said. The NWS Shreveport team oversees East Texas, Northern Louisiana, and Southwest Arkansas.

“That night when Beryl moved through, we issued 67 tornado warnings in the space of, really, about nine hours,” Nuttall said.

The NWS is anticipating an active hurricane season ahead. “There is no way to tell at this point whether a hurricane or tropical storm is going to move through our area, but the season is pretty long, we’re just at the start of it, it’s going to go until late October, early November,” Nuttall said. Continue reading NWS looks ahead after 13 reported tornadoes in East Texas

PALESTINE — Palestine ISD announced on Monday that a longtime teacher and staff member, Carmen Davis, tragically died in an auto accident on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK and Palestine ISD, Davis had served their district for 20 years, serving as a para professional for six years before becoming a teacher. The school said that in her 14 years of teaching Davis “inspired those who were in her classes.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Let us come together to honor her memory and the lasting legacy she leaves behind in the hearts of all she touched.” – Palestine ISD

Davis taught sixth and fourth grade math and science.

TYLER — A Tyler woman has been sentenced to prison for driving while under the influence causing her 9-year-old daughter’s death. According to our news partner KETK, Krystle Medeiros, 38 of Tyler, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to murder and two counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury. Medeiros’ daughter succumbed to her injuries the following day.

According to an arrest warrant, on Jan. 4 a red Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV “was driving on the wrong side of the roadway” causing a head-on crash on SH 64. Both occupants of the Trailblazer, Medeiros and her daughter, were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Continue reading Woman sentenced for drunk driving that killed daughter

TYLER – The Tyler Fire Marshals Office is asking for the public’s help in locating two possible arsonists. According to a release, Monday, around 2:30 a.m., two unknown persons are suspected of setting fire to a 2022 Ford F-250, at Texas Tire, on Tyler’s ESE Loop 323, across from the Tyler Fire Extinguisher Company.

Our news partners KETK, were provided a video of the arson incident. You can view it here.
 
If you can identify any of the suspects, please contact Tyler Fire Investigator Jay McClung at 903-595-7181, Tyler Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833 or Tyler Police/Fire Dispatch at 903-531-1000.
 

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — Polk and Nacogdoches County residents are now eligible for FEMA assistance for damages related to Beryl. Homeowners and renters can apply for serious needs assistance, a one-time $750 payment per household that can help pay for essential items including water, food, prescriptions, first aid, infant formula and diapers.

Texans can also apply for displacement assistance, that provides money to those who have immediate housing needs and cannot return to their home because of the disaster. The money given can be used to stay at a hotel, with family and friends or for other options while they look for temporary housing. Continue reading FEMA assistance now available for Nacogdoches, Polk County

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler will offer a new Master of Science in
marketing insights degree. Housed within the Soules College of Business, the graduate degree
program was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on
Colleges to launch January 2025. Registration is now open. Continue reading UT Tyler offers a new Master of Science in marketing

WHITEHOUSE – Our news partners at KETK report that Whitehouse Police Department Captain Jereld Frank Brewer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated on Saturday, the City of Whitehouse said. Brewer, 59, was arrested by Tyler Police Department for DWI after an accident on Saturday, according to the City of Whitehouse. Brewer is currently on administrative leave while an internal affairs investigation is being done, as city and police department policy requires. The City of Whitehouse offered no further comment until criminal and administrative investigations are completed.

Brewer was charged with driving while intoxicated and taken to the Smith County Jail. He was later released on Sunday after posting a $500 bond.

EAST TEXAS – Former President Trump was holding a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday ahead of the upcoming Republican National Convention when shots rang out. According to the Associated Press, a reported gunman and at least one other person are dead. Several East Texas Representatives and other officials have come out with the following statements of support in wake of the shooting which our news partners at KETK have assembled:

“Praying for President Trump, his family, and our country after this horrific act. May God be with President Trump and with our nation,” Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Tyler said.

State Senator Bryan Hughes, who represents Mineola, asked for the public to pray for Trump after what he called a failed assassination attempt.

“Today at a rally in Pennsylvania, there was a failed assassination attempt on President Trump. Please pray for President Trump and all those who may have been injured,” said Hughes. Continue reading East Texas representatives react to shooting

HAWAII – Our news partners at KETK report that two students from Stephen F. Austin State University were in Hawaii this summer to do groundbreaking research on dolphins with drones. Seniors Rachel Moore and Callie Lynn were chosen by associate biology professor at SFA, Dr. Jason Bruck to assist with project PHASM (Passive Health Assessment in Sea Mammals) and to help conduct a project to learn how to understand how dolphin whistle transmission is impacted by noise. “My time doing research at Dolphin Quest Hawaii was an incredible experience,” Lynn said. “The acoustic project I had the privilege of working on is something a limited number of people around the world have the ability to do. Not only was I able to participate in the project, but I was empowered to execute each phase on my own, which is a skill that will set me apart from others in my field upon graduation.” Continue reading SFA students research dolphins with drones

JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville police are looking for a man they say is armed and dangerous after a shooting early Tuesday morning on Elm Street. According to our news partner KETK, Damian Charles Smith, 28, has several warrants including one for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He’s the primary suspect in a Tuesday morning shooting that left one man injured. He’s described as 5’11” and 150 pounds. Cherokee County Crime Stoppers are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

TYLER – The city of Tyler has announced that starting the week of July 15, a contractor will have two crews working in the City of Tyler to replace traffic signal indicators and install retro reflective backplates. During this work, intersections will be in “red flash” mode and should be treated as all-way stops. Lane closures and work will begin at 8 a.m. each day and will be widespread throughout the City of Tyler, lasting multiple weeks. Motorists are asked to exercise extra caution when going through the intersections.The following intersections are anticipated to be worked on during the time of construction: Continue reading Traffic advisory for highway safety project

MINEOLA – Grab your boots and favorite hat, the rodeo has officially started, according to our news partners at KETK. The 61st edition of the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department Rodeo kicked off at 6 p.m. on Friday at their rodeo grounds along Highway 69. For the fire department and rodeo organizers it’s about more than raising money, it’s a heartfelt tradition. “Rodeo hasn’t changed, the world’s changed a little bit but rodeo’s a constant,” said J.R. Mclelland, Professional Rodeo Announcer. The 61st annual Mineola Volunteer Fire Department Rodeo is being held on Friday and Saturay this year. Continue reading 61st Mineola Fire Department Rodeo underway

LONGVIEW – Longview residents will soon have another way to cool down in the summer heat after the city counsel voted to approve a new pool, according to our news partners at KETK. Currently there is only one pool open to community members in the entire city of Longview. Thursday night Longview city council approved plans to build a new community park in Stamper P{ark. The path toward adding a new swimming center has been discussed for the past few weeks. The proposal narrowly passed with a 4 to 3 vote on Thursday. Continue reading Longview approves new public pool

HENDERSON COUNTY – An East Texas man was sentenced to 99 years in prison on Thursday, a day after a Henderson County jury found him guilty of assaulting a public servant according to our news partners at KETK. According to the Henderson County District Attorney, Hubert Eldon Case III, 41 of Gun Barrel City, was in jail in November 2023 when he struck a detention service officer in the face. Continue reading Man gets 99 years for assaulting officer

SABINE COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report that in a record-breaking severe weather event, 13 tornadoes touched down in East Texas as Beryl continued inland. NWS in Shreveport reported 67 tornado warnings on Monday. NWS Shreveport said weather events due to Beryl “are further proof that inland tropical impacts can also be quite extreme.” NWS said as of now, there have been no reported injuries in East Texas in relation to the 13 tornadoes

SMITH COUNTY – After Beryl caused many East Texans to lose food, recipients of SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, can now apply for replacement benefits. According to our news partner KETK, Acting Gov. Dan Patrick said Thursday, “The recent storms have impacted many families across the state. By providing these replacement food benefits, we will offer relief to those who need our help the most. As we continue our recovery process, it is vital that SNAP and WIC recipients have access to these benefits to continue to feed their families.”

SNAP and WIC recipients in the following local counties can apply for replacement benefits that will be put on their Lone Star Cards if approved:  Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Houston, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Polk, Rains, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood.

People must apply by calling 211 and selecting option 8 before Aug. 8. People can also mail a completed Form H1855 to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Families who use WIC can go to a WIC office to replace food benefits through July 31, a release from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission said.

TYLER – The Tyler City Council on Wednesday, accepted a donation for a new pavilion for the Heritage Garden from the Gertrude Windsor Garden Club. According to our news partner KETK, the donation is in the form of a pavilion, which is valued at $81,589.

Leanne Robinette, director of parks, recreation and tourism facilities said, “We have had a long-standing partnership with the Gertrude Windsor Garden Club, and we are very grateful and excited about the new structure. This is something that has been in the works for years. It’s going to be a great addition to the garden.”

City officials said they have $25,000 budgeted for installation of the pavilion. Installation is expected to be completed within the coming weeks.