KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed a new world record for the longest lightning flash or “megaflash,” which struck from East Texas to Kansas City. According to our news partner KETK, he extensive 515-mile-long lightning flash struck during a severe thunderstorm complex on Oct. 22 of 2017. The flash could be seen from southeast of Dallas, near Athens and Corsicana, across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and into Missouri, near Kansas City.

“This new record clearly demonstrates the incredible power of the natural environment,” WMO rapporteur of Weather and Climate Extremes Randall Cerveny said. “Additionally, WMO assessment of environmental extremes such as this lightning distance record testify to the significant scientific progress in observing, documenting and evaluating such events.” Continue reading Longest lightning flash ever recorded in East Texas

LUFKIN — A U.S. District Court has ruled in favor of a preliminary injunction, preserving all women’s varsity teams at Stephen F. Austin State University, following a Title IX lawsuit after several sports teams were cut.

“The court finds that the financial burden self-imposed by SFA does not outweigh the harm suffered by plaintiffs. Therefore, the court finds that plaintiffs satisfied their burden for issuance of a preliminary injunction,” the order said.

According to our news partner KETK, this comes a month after several SFA student-athletes filed a class action lawsuit against the university, which had eliminated its varsity women’s beach volleyball team, the Ladyjacks bowling team, and the men’s and women’s golf teams. Continue reading Temporary injunction stops SFA from eliminating women’s sports programs

TYLER– Brookshire Grocery Co. and its customers have raised $100,000 to support communities affected by the recent floods in Central Texas, which claimed the lives of more than 100 people. According to our news partner KETK, in July, customers and employee partners at Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market and FRESH by Brookshire’s stores in Texas contributed to the flood relief campaign by purchasing donation coupons at checkout.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who were affected by this devastating natural disaster,” Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Co., said. “It was important to our company to step up and help our Texas neighbors during this critical time. We are proud to be able to donate $100,000 to the victims and their families and hope it makes a meaningful difference to those affected.”

The funds raised will benefit the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue), both of which provide aid to those impacted by the floods.

MARION COUNTY – The Texas Game Wardens have confirmed that one person died in a jet boat crash on Lake O’ the Pines in Marion County on Saturday.

According to our news partner KETK, the boat was taking part in a race event at around 3:40 p.m. on Saturday when it was involved in a crash that left the boat’s operator, Michael E. Roland, 62 of Bossier City, La. dead. Game wardens are currently investigating the crash and the Bowie County dive team removed the jet boat from the lake on Sunday.

The Lake O’ the Pines Chamber of Commerce held the 9th annual Squirtin’ in the Pines boat races at the Hurricane Creek Recreation Area on Saturday.

UPDATE: The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 88-year-old Syndey Alvers was found dead shortly before dark on Friday.

According to our news partner KETK, Alvers was found lying dead less than a mile from his home in a pasture surrounded by tall grass and brush. The sheriff’s office said that it appeared he had been dead for sometime when he was found. The sheriff’s office and the Texas Rangers are investigating his death and autopsy has been ordered to help determine how Alvers died.

CHIRENO – The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is currently searching for an 88-year-old man with dementia who was last seen leaving his home in Chireno on Thursday. Continue reading UPDATE: Missing 88-year-old found dead in Nacogdoches County

TYLER — A corner wall of the Carlton Hotel Garage building has collapsed onto Elm Street in downtown Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the collapse of the corner comes after several bricks were first seen falling from the building on July 24. That incident prompted the patrial closure of Elm Street, which was still closed to traffic when the corner fell this week.

After the first bricks fell on July 24, the building’s owner NORF Companies, put out a statement ensuring that the public’s safety is their first priority and that they’re assessing the building’s condition. Continue reading Corner wall of Carlton Hotel garage collapses in Downtown Tyler

EAST TEXAS — Students in ten East Texas school districts are heading back to class on Monday and their safety is top of mind for every parent. according to our news partner KETK, as the back-to-school rush begins, the Lufkin Police Department is reminding drivers to slow down and lookout for young pedestrians.

Sgt. Eddie Ibarra, the Lufkin Police Department’s head of traffic told KETK that “yellow means slow down, it doesn’t mean speed up to beat the red light.”

According to TxDOT, last year there were 781 crashes, 11 of them involving school buses and two people were killed in Texas school zones. Continue reading Phones down, drive safe in school zones

HENDERSON — Henderson ISD is mourning the loss of Brandon Harris and Damon McGee, who were part of the district family. According to our news partner KETK, the cause of death for Harris and McGee has not been released.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, former teachers and classmates, and all those grieving during this incredibly difficult time,” Henderson ISD administration said. “We stand together as a community, offering our deepest condolences and support.”

“On July 28, Brandon was involved in a tragic incident,” the GoFundMe created for Harris said. “He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly succumbed to his injuries on July 30.”

LINDEN — According to our news partner KETK, a Hughes Springs man was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 on Wednesday and has been sentenced to 60 years in prison.

Vincent Riddle was arrested on March 24 and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14, according to Cass County Jail records. The Cass County Criminal District Attorney’s Office said Riddle’s trial was scheduled to start in front of a jury on Wednesday morning, however, the defense and prosecution reached a plea agreement before opening statements could begin.

The court held a preliminary hearing to decide who the proper ‘outcry witness’ would be in this case in regards to evidence. The DA’s office said hearsay evidence is usually inadmissible, but Texas law allows exceptions to the hearsay rule for this certain type of testimony.

“Under Texas law, the first adult who the child told about the abuse in sufficient detail is allowed to testify about what the child told them,” the DA’s office said. Continue reading ETX man gets 60 years for sexual assault of a child

CHIRENO – The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is currently searching for an 88-year-old man with dementia who was last seen leaving his home in Chireno on Thursday.

According to our news partner KETK, Syndey Alvers, 88 of Chireno, was last seen leaving his home in the 4000 block of County Road 350 in Chireno on Thursday afternoon. He was last seen walking away from the home while wearing a white shirt with red lettering, blue jeans and house shoes. Alvers has dementia and his family last heard from him at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The sheriff’s office was notified of his disappearance at 1:30 p.m. on Friday and responded to his home to help search for him.

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chireno Volunteer Fire Department, Melrose Volunteer Fire Department, Swift- Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department and Hudson Rescue are currently searching near his home with the help of community members. Anyone who’s seen Alvers since he left home is asked to call the sheriff’s office dispatchers at 936-559-2600.

POLK COUNTY – A man was sentenced to 25 years in prison as a habitual offender for engaging in organized criminal activity, which involved stealing and selling copper materials, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Raymond Leroy Smelley Jr. was booked on Nov. 14, 2024, and was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, theft of material less that $30,000, and theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000.

The evidence presented to the jury proved Smelley and others stole telecommunication wire from Highline before selling the copper material for profit, the DA’s office said. Continue reading Man sentenced to 25 years for copper theft

OWENTOWN – Our news partner KETK reports that Smith County Emergency Services District 2 has confirmed that a cyclist was injured on Friday in a presumed hit-and-run crash on Highway 271.

According to the district, a passerby noticed a cyclist bleeding and foaming from the mouth in the 12990 block of Highway 271 in front of the Southwest Food Brookshire’s Distribution Center in Owentown, south of Winona.

The passerby called 911 at around 9:06 a.m., and fortunately, an EMS crew was passing by when they made the call. EMS deployed a Lucas device on the cyclist to do CPR on him automatically. Continue reading Smith County officials investigating hit-and-run

RUSK COUNTY – The owner of a stolen John Deere Tractor and front-end loader is offering a substantial reward for any information leading to the tractor’s return, according to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK.

The stolen tractor is reportedly a 2009 green John Deere 6115D cab tractor and was stolen from FM Road 225 in Rusk County on July 25. According to officials, the owner of the tractor is offering a $4,000 reward for information that leads to the tractor being returned or the arrest and indictment of the person who stole it.

Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Larry Hand at 903-571-3488.

LINDALE – According to a report from our news partner KETK, Eastbound lanes on I-20 near Lindale are now open, and traffic is flowing normally. Continue reading UPDATE: Traffic issue on I-20 near Lindale resolved

HENDERSON COUNTY – Three people were arrested Thursday night after a traffic stop led Henderson County authorities to find two young children home alone with large amounts of suspected cocaine and marijuana, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Around 11:09 p.m., investigators from the Henderson County Sheriff’s office stopped a SUV in the 5900 block of County Road 3925 in Athens, where three suspects were detained, Karl Tremayne Dora, Brealzane Hernandez-Walker and Jkeyvia Ntoi Hurd.

While investigators were searching the SUV, they found a gallon-sized Ziploc bag filled with a large amount of suspected methamphetamine. This search led officers to search Dora’s home where they found two young children alone inside. Continue reading Children reportedly found home alone with drugs, three arrested

TYLER — The Smith County Emergency Management Office is hosting a Community Preparedness Night to educate residents about the importance of being prepared for a disaster. According to a news release from Smith County, the free event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 7, at UT Health Northeast in the amphitheater of the main building.

Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore will talk about recent disasters, preparedness and public education, supporting vulnerable populations, training opportunities and hazard mitigation. They will talk about how you can volunteer with Smith County CERT, how to provide input in the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, and signing up for life-saving disaster alert systems. Continue reading Smith County Community Preparedness Night

CARTHAGE — A lawsuit filed in Panola County accuses several officials of misconduct, racketeering and operating a “duck fund” to trade favorable trial outcomes for cash. According to our news partner KETK, the lawsuit was filed on July 8 in the 123rd Judicial District Court by Lisa and Steven Broomfield, joint permanent managing conservators of a minor child, amid ongoing family court proceedings.

The lawsuit was filed against current County Court at Law Judge and former Acting Assistant District Attorney for Panola County Eric Scott “Rick” McPherson,  former Acting Assistant District Attorney for Panola County Joey Fenlaw, f ormer Panola County District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson along with 10 unnamed Panola County officials and agents. Continue reading Panola County officials accused of misconduct, racketeering

HENDERSON COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, a former Eustace police officer was sentenced on Thursday to 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography in the 392nd District Court. Mitchell Burris was arrested in January on four counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of possession with intent to promote child pornography. The arrest came after authorities obtained three videos reportedly depicting minors engaging in sexual conduct.

In December 2024, investigators examined the items collected during the search warrant, where they reportedly found screenshots of several videos of infants and young child pornography. Investigators contacted Eustace Mayor Dustin Shelton, who reportedly identified the man as Burris.

“While looking through the content folder, [the investigator] observed a photo of a white male’s face sitting inside a car. The background of this photo appears to be a police car,” the affidavit stated. “While looking through the folder, there was another image of the same male, in the suspected police car from a different angle.” Continue reading Former Eustace officer gets 20 years for child porn

SMITH COUNTY — Two men who planned to kidnap, rape and murder a Texas woman have now both been sentenced to decades-long prison sentences. According to our news partner KETK, Brad McKinney, 53 of Kilgore, was sentenced to 25 years in state prison on Thursday after he was found guilty of conspiracy to commit capital murder on June 23. Dustin Adlai Yates, 52, was sentenced to 30 years in state prison for conspiracy to commit murder on July 15.

According to an arrest affidavit, Yates contacted McKinney to gather information on Yates’s ex-girlfriend and would pay him for his services. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office arrested Yates on Dec. 27, 2024 for stalking, after his ex-girlfriend informed them that Yates was contacting her by email on Oct. 31, 2024.

Yates was attempting to contact her despite warnings from the Houston Police Department not to contact her following a family violence case. The woman sent screenshots of the following messages from Yates on Dec. 1, 2024, to detectives: Continue reading Men sentenced for kidnapping, murder plot

BULLARD — The City of Bullard announced on Thursday that some residents may encounter little to no water pressure due to a water main break, according to our news partner KETK.

The city said its utility department is currently working on repairing the issue, and thanks its residents for their patience during this time.

TYLER — The Hill Creek Branch bridge on Park Road 16 in Tyler State Park has been closed as of Wednesday, July 30, after routine inspections revealed erosion in parts of the structure. According to a news release, officials said out of an abundance of caution, TxDOT officials made the decision to close the bridge immediately to ensure visitor safety. Plans for repairs are currently underway, with construction expected to be completed in Fall 2025.

“Safety is always our top priority,” said Jeff Williford, Public Information Officer for the Tyler District. “TxDOT routinely inspects every bridge in the state to ensure they meet all safety standards and remain safe for the traveling public.”

CANTON – Two parents were arrested on Monday in Van Zandt County after a child was found in a hot car, sweating and bleeding from the nose, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

On Monday, deputies from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s office responded to the Wagon Train RV Park on 7869 Interstate 20 South Service Road in Canton to help DPS on a vehicle pursuit. Once arriving, deputies were made aware that the driver had fled from DPS, abandoned it and officers located it at the RV park.

“DPS advised that when they approached the vehicle that they observed a child inside the vehicle while the vehicle ignition turned off, and the child appeared to have been bleeding from the nose and to be very hot and sweating,” the sheriff’s office said. Continue reading Parents arrested for abandoning children in a hot car

TYLER — The City of Tyler is updating road markings at three busy intersections as part of its annual road safety enhancement project, according to our news partner KETK. These updates include the addition of new turn lanes, bike lanes, and parking spaces, aimed at reducing accidents and improving traffic flow.

The intersections affected include West Houston Street and Fair Park Drive, where a new turn lane, bike lane and parking spaces have been added. This area is near the Rose Garden, Brookshire’s Center and a football stadium. On Rieck Road, between South Broadway Avenue and New Copeland Road, a two-way left-turn lane has been introduced to address a history of run-off-road crashes. Additionally, a turn lane has been removed at the Walmart driveway on Shiloh Road to better reflect current driving patterns and improve traffic flow, the city said.

These changes are expected to enhance safety and reduce confusion at intersections, contributing to a more efficient transportation network in Tyler.

TYLER – UT Health Tyler and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital have confirmed that parts of their facilities are running on generator power. According to our news partner KETK, the power outages happened on Wednesday after a power line was cut when a gas company doing maintenance work.

UT Health East Texas said in a release, “Our emergency generators are fully operational for affected areas, and all critical systems, including life-support equipment and patient monitoring systems, are functioning without interruption. Patient care and safety remain our highest priority. At this time, essential services are continuing, and our clinical teams are closely monitoring all areas of the hospital.” Continue reading Parts of Tyler hospitals on generator after power line cut

RUSK COUNTY — A pipeline explosion has been reported near a church camp in Rusk County. According to our news partner KETK, Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez said the explosion was beside the Whispering Pines Church Camp. Valdez said the camp was not operating at the time of the incident. Henderson Fire Department and three volunteer fire departments were at scene early Wednesday evening. Rusk County ESD#1 Spokesperson Patrick Dolley said a person was working in the area of the pipeline. They hit it, causing a fire. The fire was contained and no injuries were reported.

TYLER – BlueCross BlueShield of Texas announced on Wednesday that they have reached an agreement with CHRISTUS Health, ensuring patients can continue to receive in-network care. The insurance company said all CHRISTUS Health doctors, hospitals and other facilities will remain in their network.

CHRISTUS released the following statement Wednesday on the agreement:

“CHRISTUS Health is pleased to announce that we have reached a new contract agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, ensuring that patients can continue to receive in-network care at our hospitals, clinics and health facilities.  Our priority has always been to provide compassionate and high-quality care to all who may need us. We’re proud to offer that care without disruption to our patients covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.”

LONGVIEW – Two Mexican nationals illegally living in Longview, have been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the East Texas, according to a press release from the Acting U.S. Attorney’s office.

On May 2, 2024, two men were detained by law enforcement as passengers in a vehicle for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers deployed a K9 to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle, resulting in a positive alert for the presence of a controlled substance. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 2,972 grams of methamphetamine hidden in an interior void in the vehicle.

Immigration records revealed that both men were unlawfully present in the United States and that one of them, Julio Cesar Tello-Olmos, 49, was previously deported twice, onece following convictions for two separate felony DWIs. Continue reading Mexican nationals sentenced to prison for drug trafficking