KTBB News, Weather, Talk

PALESTINE — The Texas Association of School Boards announced their five public school superintendents selected as state finalists for the Superintendent of the Year award. According to our news partner KETK, Westwood ISD Superintendent Wade Stanford is one of the five finalists. Stanford and four other four others will go to the next stage of the competition for Superintendent of the Year. The winner is going to be announced Friday, Sept. 29. Stanford, who has more than 38 years of experience as an educator, joined Westwood ISD as Superintendent in 2016, after four years as the assistant superintendent of Marble Falls ISD.

TYLER – Tyler Police have issued a warrant for a third suspect in the Liberty Arms apartment complex shooting. According to our news partner KETK, Delon Williams is wanted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct. Back in May, police received multiple reports of shots fired at those apartment buildings. Authorities were able to identify two of the suspected shooters, making one arrest. 21-year-old Marcus Gray was arrested in June. With the warrant issued for Delon Williams, TPD are still looking for Kerick Johnson for his involvement in the shootings. Tyler Police Department asks that anyone having knowledge of the location of Williams or Johnson to please contact them.

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK , Tyler Police Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said, a body was found in the woods behind Aldi at Highway 31 East and Loop 323. There is no indication of foul play, Erbaugh said, and the body is being sent for autopsy.This is the second body found in Tyler this week– the first was in the woods near a Walmart at the 200 block of SSW Loop 323 on Monday.

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man pleads guilty to leaving his baby beside the road while drunk. Paul Hanna, 38, admitted to child abandonment and endangerment in the incident that happened on the night of January 10th. A motorcycle rider found Hanna’s 1-year-old daughter in her car seat on the side of a road. The biker went to a nearby home and called 911. The little girl was picked up by family members. Hanna was found in his car at a nearby convenience store. He told officers his daughter was at his home with a full-time nurse who was also watching his 4-year-old son. Officers found him to be “uncredible and intoxicated.” Hanna faces up to 20 years in prison.

LONGVIEW — A man was arrested in Longview after a shooting left someone with life-threatening injuries last Wednesday. According to the Longview Police Department and our news partner KETK, officials were told about a shooting victim who was being treated at a Tyler hospital for a gunshot wound. During the investigation, detectives determined the shooting happened within the city of Longview. They issued a warrant for 25-year-old John Lee Smith III for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Smith was reportedly out on a $125,000 bond for murder and felon in possession of a firearm at the time. Longview SWAT served the warrant at a local residence last Friday and Smith was taken into custody without incident. The investigation is ongoing.

SMITH COUNTY — A Henderson man was indicted on one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and one count of sexual assault of a child by a grand jury in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, Russell Lewis Evans, 22, was arrested on April 6 and booked into the Smith County Jail on a $1 million bond. He was indicted on both counts on June 29. According to Evans’ arrest warrants, the abuse started when the victim was under 10-years-old. The warrants detail several instances of abuse over the years as told by the child. The warrants also stated that after each instance, Evans would threaten the victim, warning them about ever telling anyone of the abuse. One time even saying he would shoot the child in the head if they told anyone, according to the warrant. Continue reading Man indicted for continuous sexual abuse of a child

TYLER — A Tyler man has been indicted by a Smith County grand jury in connection to a 2022 aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon. According to our news partner KETK, Adan Orozco, 41, was arrested in April in connection with a kidnapping that took place in September of 2022. According to an arrest warrant, Orozco opened a woman’s car door and pointed a pistol at her. Orozco allegedly “pushed the barrel of the pistol into the left side of her head with the pistol and walked to the passenger side of her vehicle,” and then said “you aren’t leaving until I say you’re going to leave,” according to an arrest warrant. Continue reading Tyler kidnapping suspect indicted

TYLER – During the summer recess, United States Republican Congressman Nathaniel Moran recently announced he was running for re-election. He also took this opportunity to visit voters in his district. Monday afternoon the congressman talked to KTBB’ Chuck McKinley about the response he was getting from constituents on his re-election announcement. Moran said from the road, “The response has been great. As we traveled around our 17 counties last week, we did 9 official stops. As we talked to folks, what we focused on was the accountability for the promises we made. And what had taken place the first 8 months. And to make sure they knew we were going to be accountable to the promises we made and that we were going to keep those promises and fulfill the obligations they sent us to Washington, D.C. to do. So, transparency in those conversations, a lot of positive response from the folks who came out.”
Continue reading No recess for Congressman Nathaniel Moran

TYLER – A Smith County grand jury hands up an indictment for aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon. According to our news partner KETK, 42-year-old Adan Orozco was indicted for the September 2022 kidnapping of a women. The warrant said Orozco pointed a gun at the women and physically assaulted during the kidnapping. He was booked into the Smith County jail and his bond was set at $300,000.

SMITH COUNTY – The third and final indictment was handed up by a Smith County grand jury in regards to a diesel theft ring. According to our news partner KETK, 29-year-old Ramon Perez-Torres was indicted for reportedly stealing over 93-hundred gallons of diesel from June to Sept. of 2022. He indictment follows those of Duniesky Ondarza Gonzalez and Camila Cruz Concepcion, in their connection to the illegal enterprise. Perez-Torres’ pre-trial date is Sept 18.

TYLER — Tyler Police continue to investigate a shootout at Rose Rudman Park on Copeland Road. It happened around 3:00 Monday afternoon between two groups of people, one at the park and one in a vehicle. According to Tyler PD and our news partner KETK, the suspects in the vehicle reportedly shot at the group in the park and then the park group returned fire. Wille Ogilvie,18, was shot in the lower back area. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The preliminary investigation determined that just prior to the shooting, several individuals had been involved in a physical altercation at the park with an unidentified person or persons. Evidence from the investigation led detectives to a residence in the area. A search warrant was obtained and officials seized multiple weapons, including pistols and long guns. Officers arrested Jace Ogilvie, 17, for deadly conduct. He was booked into the Smith County Jail. Further arrests and charges are pending as the Tyler Police Department continues the investigation.

HENDERSON — A 16-year-old is dead after a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 19, according to our news partner KETK. On Sunday around 7:40 p.m., DPS responded to a crash that took place on SH 19 .3 miles east of Athens. The investigation indicated the teenager was driving a 2008 Chrysler Sebring eastbound when they lost control of the vehicle and traveled into the westbound lanes. While in the westbound lanes, DPS said the teenager was struck by a 2021 Lincoln Corsair and was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace Milton Adams. There is no further information available at this time.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department have confirmed that a dead body was found in the 200 block of SSW Loop 323 on Monday, According to our news partner KETK. The body was found in the woods near a Walmart in the area. Tyler PD is responding to the scene and this story will be updated when more information is available.

WINONA — Winona Elementary will be closed on Monday due to flooding in some areas from overnight rain. According to our news partner KETK, the district said all other campuses will remain open, and elementary staff will report to work at their normal time. Classes at Winona Elementary are expected to resume Tuesday.

MARSHALL – The Harrison County Sheriff’s office said one person is dead after a shooting on Frances Street in Marshall on Saturday. According to the sheriff’s office, and our news partners at KETK, deputies first broke up an aggressive crowd before being called to a local emergency room to break up a fight involving over 50 people. The fight reportedly involved family members of the victim and suspect in the shooting. Deputies and K9 Pato arrived at the emergency room and dispersed the crowd, officials said.
The city of Marshall is investigating the shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.

TYLER – One person is undergoing surgery at a local hospital after a shooting took place at an apartment at 5621 Old Bullard Road, according to the Tyler Police Department and our news partners at KETK. A Tyler PD press release said a female with multiple gunshot wounds was found in an apartment by officers who were responding to reports of a shooting around 12:40 p.m. on Saturday. Continue reading 1 injured after apartment shooting in Tyler

KILGORE — The first day of classes isn’t the only big event from Kilgore College on Friday according to our news partners at KETK. They partnered with the University of Texas Tyler for a manufacturing technology program to help fill a need in the community and held a ribbon cutting at the new Advanced Manufacturing Institute in Longview.“It’s been a long journey, we’ve built this program with our industry partners who helped us with the curriculum, they came in and told us what they needed,” said D’wayne Shaw, Executive Dean of Professional and Career Education. Continue reading Kilgore College partners with UT Tyler for manufacturing technology program

TYLER – SPCA of East Texas is asking for support after they lost over $4,000 worth of vaccines and medications on Thursday according to our news partners at KETK. The nonprofit said that an electrical circuit failed and stopped providing power to their vaccine refrigerator, ruining the vital medications and vaccines contained inside of it. “These vaccines and medications are essential to our mission and now we are scrambling to try to replace all of them, however, it is very costly. If you are able, please consider donating to help us replace the vaccines and recoup following this financial crisis.” To donate visit SPCA of East Texas online.

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that Gov. Greg Abbott has announced 11 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants that will award more than $2.7 million to 11 North East Texas schools. “Texas’ continued investment in our skilled, young, diverse, and growing workforce is crucial to remain the Best State for Business,” said Gov. Abbott. “These grants will help provide the tools and equipment Texas students need to develop valuable skills so they can flourish in high-demand industries. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for partnering with these schools to provide Texas students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and create a brighter future for generations of Texans.” Continue reading $2 million in grants for East Texas schools

HARRISON COUNTY, Texas – Two women were arrested Thursday night in Harrison County after one of them slipped her hand out of a handcuff and allegedly attacked a deputy during a suspicious person stop. Our news partners at KETK report the sheriff’s office said that a deputy stopped after seeing two women, later identified as Summer Williams, 32 of Longview, and Chrys Creed, 34 of Longview, walking in the middle of the road while patrolling on Amos Road. Continue reading 2 women arrested after slipping out of handcuffs

TYLER — The 2023 Tyler Film Festival is taking place for three days from Sept. 7 to 9 at Liberty Hall in downtown Tyler, according to our news partners at KETK. Tickets are on sale on the Tyler Film Fest website and as well as on the Liberty Hall Tyler website. The selected films are no longer than 15 minutes and range in genres from comedy, drama, documentary to science fiction and more, according to the City of Tyler. The following is the line up for the films playing throughout the three nights of the festival: Continue reading Tyler Film Festival releases its film lineup

SMITH COUNTY — 17 men were arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail on Wednesday and Thursday on charges of solicitation of prostitution, according to Sgt. Adam Albritton, Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division, Rains County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Attorney General’s Office assisted with the operation. Continue reading 17 men arrested in Smith County prostitution sting

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that an East Texas man was sentenced to serve 199 life sentences and two 20-year sentences on Wednesday for felony sexual offenses against children.
Clayton Paul Williams, 36 of Garrison, was indicted in August 2022 for aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child. The district attorney’s office said in a release that the abuse spanned more than two years. “Although there were likely additional offenses committed, the defendant has had to answer for and has been held accountable for what we believe is a significant majority of the acts he perpetrated against the child and as such, it is unlikely that he will ever be able to harm another child,” the district attorney’s office said. “It is only through the quick action of the victim’s family member, the immediate response of law enforcement, the assistance of Harold’s House and the unwavering cooperation and support of the victim’s family that this significant prosecution was possible.” Continue reading East Texas man to serve 199 life sentences for sex assault of child

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds citizens that all outdoor burning activity in the county is still prohibited. This includes the burning of trash, debris, and yard waste. Over the past three weeks, our county has experienced over 100 grass and brush fires, with almost 50 calls for illegal burning. The Smith County Commissioners Court voted on Tuesday, August 1, to issue a burn ban for the County. The burn ban order is in effect for 90 days, unless conditions improve and the Commissioners Court approves terminating the order early. Citations are now being issued as violations are discovered, punishable by a fine up to $500. To date, 33 citations have been issued by the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office for violations of the burn ban and illegal burning. Continue reading Fire officials urge caution as county enters fourth week of burn ban

TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) is encouraging customers to water or irrigate their landscaped areas at certain times to help with the city’s low water pressure issues. According to our news partner KETK, TWU said their water treatment plants see the highest demand for water between 3 p.m. and 9 a.m. so they are asking customers to voluntarily water their lawns and green spaces at night between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. to “help reduce the demand and stress on the water system.” Continue reading Tyler Water Utilities issues voluntary conservation notice

LONGVIEW – An employee at the Longview Fire Department resigned after reportedly sharing private patient information earlier this month. According to a notice from the Longview Fire Department, they “received information that an employee had potentially shared private patient information in violation of department policy and potentially state and federal laws” on Aug. 3 and immediately opened an investigation. Our news partners at KETK report the department prepared to put the employee on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as state law mandates an investigation before any punitive disciplinary action of public safety personnel. Continue reading Longview Fire employee accused of sharing private patient information resigns

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that conservative small business owner and rancher J. Scott Herod announced on Thursday he was filed to run for Smith County Commissioner Precinct 3, which is currently represented by Commissioner Terry Phillips, in the 2024 election. “Living and ranching in Precinct 3, I know the needs of my community ranging from land and utilities to its commerce. I welcome the opportunity to serve the great people who live and work in this area,” Herod said in a release. “As our county population continues to grow, I want to make sure effective and productive planning as well as conservative governing stays at the forefront of decision making and leadership.” Continue reading Rancher running for Smith County Commissioner Precinct 3

TYLER – ERCOT issued a notice on Thursday asking Texans to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.according to our news partners at KETK. “ERCOT is not experiencing emergency conditions at this time, but forecasts are showing a high potential to enter emergency operations this evening because of expected low wind-power generation and high demand,” officials with ERCOT said in a release. “Help from Texans to conserve electricity use will assist grid reliability.” Continue reading ERCOT asks Texans to conserve electricity use

LONGVIEW — One person was arrested for arson after a Tuesday house fire in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, crews responded to the scene on Alpine Road and reported when they arrived to have found heavy smoke and fire conditions with the possibility of someone still inside. “Once the person who was thought to be in the structure was located in a detached garage a defensive attack was initiated due to the instability of the structure, which later suffered a partial roof collapse,” officials said. One firefighter was treated on scene for a burn injury. Robert Haats, 32, was later arrested for arson and taken to the Gregg County Jail. Bond was set at $20,000.

LONGVIEW — A former Longview police officer pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to entice a child for sexual activity. According to our news partner KETK, Seth Estes Vanover, 51, of Diana, faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. Vanover was arrested at the Longview Police Department in October 2022 where he was employed as a law enforcement officer at the time. He was caught through an undercover operation by an FBI agent who was working to “identify adults seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children.” The agent posed as the parent of an 11-year-old child and posted a notice in a public chat room, which Vanover reportedly answered with a private message. Continue reading Former police officer pleads guilty to attempting to entice child