KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW – Part of Judson Road could have traffic backups on Wednesday due to road work. Our news partner KETK reports that only two lanes will be opened for Longview drivers between Pegues Road and Montclair Street as asphalt repairs at the bridge over Guthrie Creek begin. The road work is expected to be completed by the end of the day.

SMITH COUNTY — Since the Smith County Burn Ban was issued a month ago, the County has seen 160 grass and brush fires, and nearly 80 reports of illegal burning. “It’s been a busy month across the board,” said Smith County Fire Marshal Paul Findley, who gave an update on fire conditions to the Commissioners Court on Tuesday. There have been 432 fire-related calls since August 1, and 40 citations have been given for illegal burning. A violation of the burn ban is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. “The emergency responders in the county are doing an outstanding job during an extremely busy time,” Findley said, adding that the investigators in the Fire Marshal’s Office are doing a great job. “You’ve got a great team out at the EOC.” He said their partnerships with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Constables’ Offices have also been great, with the other agencies helping them out tremendously on calls, both day and night. Continue reading Smith County burn ban update

TYLER – Tyler Police Department were involved in a deadlock situation with a man who had barricaded himself in a residence on West Jackson Street Tuesday. The suspect is now in custody after authorities introduced gas into the residence. The suspect, identified as Mark Johnson, 57, was arrested without further incident. Tyler Police Department PIO Andy Erbaugh confirmed with our news partner KETK that the Fugitive Task Force was serving a warrant for another agency and that this was not a Tyler PD warrant. Johnson was booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $300,000.

SMITH COUNTY – One person is dead after a two-vehicle crash Tuesday morning on Toll 49 and Highway 31 According to our news partners at KETK. According to DPS, the crash involved a passenger car and a truck hauling cargo. The driver of the passenger car was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the truck was taken to hospital for treatment.

EAST TEXAS — Starting Tuesday evening, from 7pm to 5am, the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NETRMA) will conduct lane closures along Toll 49 for Gantry maintenance. The scheduled work will run through Friday, September, 8. Drivers should expect brief delays.

TxDOT project updates:

SMITH COUNTY — This week, crews are scheduled to mill and inlay on SH 31 west starting at the county line and heading west. The work will begin at the bridge and will be in the eastbound lanes up to Loop 49. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. This crew will then move to FM 724, under Loop 49, for mill and inlay work. The crew will then move to Spur 235 from SH 31 to SH 64. On Friday, crews will mill and inlay on FM 2493, inside Loop 323, near Windsor St. and Hardwood Dr. Also, ditch work will be performed at various locations throughout the county. Continue reading Scheduled roadwork/maintenance

TYLER — Tyler Transit is set to host an open house meeting to notify the public of proposed service changes. The next meeting is to be held at the Glass Recreation Center, located at 501 W. 32nd Street on Tuesday, Sept. 12. from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Our news partner KETK reports the proposed changes include a price increase for all fixed routes and paratransit route fares, route modifications and the discontinuation of all Saturday services, except for paratransit medical services. Proposed fare changes are: Adults 12 and older: $2 (previously $1), Children 6-11: $1 (previously $0.50), Children 5 and under: Free, Seniors (65 and older) and people with disabilities: $1 (previously $0.50) Continue reading Tyler Transit to hold open house for October changes

LUFKIN – According to our news partner KETK a woman is dead after a pedestrian crash Monday night on Loop 287 at Denman Avenue overpass in Lufkin. According to police, the woman was attempting to cross the road just before the overpass around 9:10 p.m., and walked into the path of a southbound pickup truck. “The driver of the truck told officers he did not see the woman,” officials said. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the truck did not report any injuries. “Please keep the woman’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers,” officials said.

BULLARD — Bullard ISD released a statement announcing the death of Bullard Elementary School teacher Kathy Sleeper. Our news partner KETK reports that Sleeper spent 20 years as a part of Bullard ISD. For the last seven years she was a STEM teacher for the district’s elementary school. According to the district, Sleeper died Sunday after surgery complications. Throughout the day on Tuesday, the district said counselors and administrators will be on campus to support students and staff.

HARRISON COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK a 60-year-old man was arrested on Sunday night on charges of driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance. According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy initiated a traffic stop on FM 134 for speeding. While speaking with the driver, identified as Lange Livingston, of Karnack, authorities said he “admitted that he had been drinking heavily.” Officials said a search of the car found that he was in possession of crack cocaine. Livingston was arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail for driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance less than one gram.

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said a man is in the hospital after a shooting that happened in the 12500 block of Highway 31 near the Jungle Club on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK SCSO deputies responded to the scene around 3 a.m. on Sunday. The deputies were told that the victim had been shot and taken by private transportation to a local hospital. Officials said that the victim was unable to be interviewed by Smith County investigators because of his injuries which have left him in stable but serious condition. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing and according to the sheriff’s office more information will be released when it is available.

MARSHALL – Firefighters in Harrison County were battling for 6 hours on Saturday to contain a 15-acre fire burning near Union Missionary Baptist Church off of Highway 59 South. According to our news partner KETK, Harrison County ESD 3 Fire Rescue, HCESD4 and the Texas Forest Service responded to the fire located just north of FM 2625 on Saturday. Officials suspect the fire was started by a mechanical failure on a vehicle passing by. Pasture and timber were the only things damaged in the fire and fire crews planned on coming back on Sunday to ensure burning stumps and fallen trees don’t spread the fire. The Texas A&M Forest Service said the fire was 15 acres across and 70 percent contained as of 8:31 p.m. on Saturday.

JACKSONVILLE – According to our news partner KETK the City of Jacksonville has revealed several items in their proposed 2024 budget including a proposed decrease in their tax rate. According to the city, the tax rate would fall 4.266 cents from $0.68065 to $0.63799 if their proposed tax rate is put in place. The average Jacksonville homestead increased in value by almost $14,000 from last year and the city said the average tax bill will only be going up by $3.07 a month because of the proposed decrease in the tax rate. Jacksonville noted that residents can save $3 dollars by signing up for paperless billing and automatic bank draft for their water bill. There will be a public hearing at City Hall on the proposed tax rate on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. To learn more visit the City of Jacksonville online. Continue reading Jacksonville reveals proposed 2024 tax rate, budget items

CADDO MILLS — A Friday night high school football game between Caddo Mills and Bullard was called early due to several injuries. Two medical helicopters were dispatched during the game. The injured players were said to be from the Caddo Mills team. In a Facebook post Saturday, Caddo Mills Superintendent of Schools, Luke Allison, posted an update: “I am happy to report that both boys were released early this morning. No internal injuries and no spinal damage. We all witnessed a miracle and the power of people coming together to pray. There is no other explanation! In addition, we had another student taken to the hospital, by parents, last night during the game. That young man has been released as well, and we are hearing great things. Continue reading Hospital releases football players after game-stopping injuries

LUFKIN — Authorities arrested a man after reports of shots fired near Coston Elementary in Lufkin. According to our news partner KETK, Lufkin Police arrested 20-year-old Cristian Salazar who admitted to shooting an AR-15 in his backyard on Avalon Drive. Avalon Drive is near the elementary school playground. During the investigation, the school was placed on a lockout as a precaution. Salazar was arrested and taken to the Angelina County Jail and charged with deadly conduct.

RUSK — Our news partners at KETK report that a stolen ambulance that crashed into a gas station on Thursday, according to Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman. The San Augustine EMS ambulance was reportedly stolen from CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Hospital in Lufkin and crashed at the Kim’s Convenience Store at 1580 Dickinson Drive in Rusk. According to Selman, the Lufkin Police Department started a pursuit and followed the ambulance into Rusk. Continue reading Stolen ambulance crashes into gas station

TYLER — Authorities have arrested two teenagers in connection with a Wednesday afternoon shooting at Southwest Pines Apartments. According to our news partner KETK, they’ve been identified as 19-year-old Dunruntre Hodge and 18-year-old Xavier Washington. Both have been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and evading arrest/detention in a vehicle. Both were booked into the Smith County Jail. Hodge’s bond was set at $400,000. Washington’s bond total was $320,000. Police say two vehicles were driving through the complex Wednesday afternoon shooting at each other. One person, a male, suffered a single gunshot wound and was taken to a Tyler hospital. He was treated and released. Continue reading Two suspects arrested following shooting at Tyler apartments

HARRISON COUNTY — The Texas Rangers are conducting an officer involved shooting investigation. According to officials, a DPS trooper was conducting a traffic stop on US Highway 259, in Gregg County, around 10:30 Monday evening. The driver fled, prompting a pursuit, which eventually ended on FM Road 450 in Harrison County. The suspect fled on foot into a wooded area, followed by an exchange of gunfire. The suspect, identified as John L. Stanford, 39, of Avinger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

TEXARKANA – According to our news partner KETK a man is dead Thursday morning after Texarkana police said a Western Waste Management truck did not see him while going to empty a dumpster. Officials said the incident happened around 5:45 a.m. near the intersection of Summerhill Road and New Boston Road, and the truck “pulled into the alley behind a business to empty the dumpster and did not see the homeless man who was lying asleep on the ground in front of the dumpster.” He was pronounced dead at the scene.

SMITH COUNTY — Jails in East Texas have been hurting for quite some time now due to staffing shortages. That’s why Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith is proposing another strategy to try and get the facility back up to full strength. “We’re 37 [employees] short in the jail right now,” said Smith. Smith went in front of the commissioner’s board earlier this week to present the current jail report. While filling open positions is still a problem, Smith told our news partner KETK that the biggest issue with the open jobs is that there is no relief factor. “That’s what got us in this situation,” added Smith. This means the jail doesn’t have enough staffing to cover every shift, especially when an employee calls out sick or goes on vacation. This also leads to more employees having to work overtime. Continue reading Smith County Jail aims to use mass hiring strategy

TYLER — One person was taken to a Tyler hospital with a gunshot wound, and several were detained following a shooting at Southwest Pines Apartments on Walton Road around 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, occupants of two vehicles were shooting at each other while driving through the complex. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital in a private vehicle. A vehicle that was allegedly seen leaving the complex was pulled over near the intersection of Loop 323 and Copeland Road. The two people who were in the car were detained and police found what they believe may be evidence of the shooting. The vehicle was then towed, according to Andy Erbaugh, Public Information Officer with the Tyler Police Department. Two adults and two juveniles were also detained at the apartment complex.

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Jason Charles, 25, of Tyler, who was arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter on January 15, 2022. A Smith County Grand Jury returned an indictment for Intoxication Manslaughter, a Second Degree Felony, alleging that the offense occurred on January 14, 2022. Charles posted bond on February 15, 2022. Court records allege that he violated his bond conditions, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. If anyone has any information that would lead to his arrest, please contact Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

KILGORE — A student from Kilgore College and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society has been named a 2023 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. According to our news partner KETK, Annabelle Phillips of Hallsville will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship program is built to help new members of Phi Theta Kappa pay for expenses while they pursue their associates degree and help students develop leadership skills.
Continue reading Kilgore College student gets scholarship from Coca-Cola

TYLER – ERCOT is asking its customers to conserve electricity use due to a high level of unexpected thermal generation outages and a low wind generation forecast. According to our news partner KETK, They are asking for conservation efforts between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday. ERCOT said they will continue to closely monitor conditions throughout the day.

LONGVIEW-The Longview area is experiencing widespread power outages Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, SWEPCO reportsrestorations have been made for close to 5,000 customers, and work continues to get power back to another 1,000 customers. A traffic alert has been issued by the Longview Police Department in the area of WEST Marshall and Gilmer Road. Several lanes have been closed due to a power line that is down in the intersection.
Continue reading Longview officials report 1,000 without power

TYLER — A high-friction surface treatment was recently installed on the Grande Boulevard reverse curve. The treatment is one of two safety improvements recommended by the West Grande Boulevard Reverse Curve Study presented to the City Council in October 2022. According to a City of Tyler news release, an LED Curve Warning system is also being installed, with funding from the Highway Safety Improvement Program administered by the Texas Department of Transportation. New signage, striping, and illuminated chevrons that light up as a vehicle enters the curve are scheduled to be installed later this fall. “The combination of the high friction surface treatment and the LED Curve Warning system are safety enhancements identified to address past crash history in this area,” said Traffic Engineer Cameron Williams. Continue reading High friction surface installed on Tyler roadway

WINONA — The Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a new sheriff substation in Winona. The city said it is much needed in the area. “It’s not just for the city of Winona, it’s for the whole area,” said Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith. According to our news partner KETK, one of the main issues that local officials in Smith County want to solve with the new substation is people speeding through Winona. “I can tell you right now, the citizens and the ones driving through Winona in the morning through the school zones in the big trucks going 60-70 near downtown Winona, that’s going to come to a screeching halt,” said Smith. Continue reading Commissioners approve sheriff’s substation for Winona

COFFEE CITY — The number of police officers in Coffee City equals about 20% of the town’s population. The population is 249, according to the city limits sign. But Coffee City has more than 50 full-time and reserve police officers. Records show the officers wrote more than 5,100 citations last year, and the town collected more than $1 million in court fines. More than half of the 50 police have been discharged in some way from their previous jobs, as shown from open records requests. Those prior disciplinary actions range from excessive force, public drunkenness, untruthfulness and association with known criminals. Police Chief John Jay Portillo says many were victims of internal politics. According to KHOU, a spokesperson for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement confirms the agency has an open investigation into the Coffee City Police Department but would not say if it concerns hiring practices or any other issues.

TYLER – ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity use due to a high level of unexpected thermal generation outages and forecast low wind generation, according to our news partners at KETK.The issued appeal asks Texans to conserve between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., and said they expect similar conditions to persist through tomorrow and “ask Texans to stay tuned for additional communications.” ERCOT recently issued conservation appeals four days in a row due to “tight grid conditions” and forecasts that showed potential to enter emergency operations.ERCOT said they will continue to closely monitor conditions throughout the day.