KTBB News, Weather, Talk

PAYNE SPRINGS – The police chief and an officer with the Payne Springs Police Department have been arrested on drug charges, officials confirmed on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says Payne Springs Chief of Police April Meadows and Officer Jonathan Hutchison (pictured) were arrested Thursday morning after search warrants on their homes revealed controlled substances inside. Hillhouse said authorities are still investigating and there is no evidence at this time showing that either suspect took drugs previously seized by the Payne Springs Police Department, but that they were dealing them “under the pretense of their professional capacity.” Both suspects have been charged for the delivery of a controlled substance and money laundering.

ATHENS – A new trial date was set on Wednesday for an 82-year-old driver in a fatal Athens ISD bus crash case. According to our news partner KETK, John Stevens was charged with criminally negligent homicide and injury to a child after the January 2019 crash with a Union Pacific train killed 13-year-old Christopher Bonilla and injured nine-year-old Joselyne Torres. The case, which has been repeatedly delayed, had previously been set for a jury trial on Feb. 22, 2022. Stevens’s new trial date is Oct. 16, 2023.

TYLER — City Councilman Bob Westbrook and Fitzpatrick Architects share this year’s Brick Award, handed out each year by Heart of Tyler. According to a news release, Westbrook, a longtime restaurateur, spent “countless hours” helping organize two events benefiting the local restaurant scene, specifically downtown. The release says the HOT August Nights dinner raised money for the city’s downtown facade grant and the Rose City Music Festival featured offerings from some 30 restaurants after Westbrook called on them to participate. Heart of Tyler officials say Fitzpatrick Architects “has an active role in almost every ongoing project in the downtown area” and is now based on the downtown square. Continue reading Heart of Tyler honors two with Brick Award

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing 15-year-old. Eric Duran is a listed runaway juvenile who was last seen on February 24. He is described as a Hispanic male, brown hair, brown eyes, 5’04, and 110 lbs. Eric does have ties to the immediate Tyler area. If you have any information as to his whereabouts, call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600 or or Detective Jennifer Stockwell at 903-533-1880 ext 26. Officials reiterate that anyone who harbors a child and is criminally negligent about whether the child is younger than 18 years of age, and has voluntarily left home without the consent of a parent or guardian, can be charged with harboring a runaway, a class A misdemeanor.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office seeks your help finding Latravion Dewberry, a listed runaway juvenile who ran away from his residence on February 19. He is described as a black male, black hair, brown eyes, 5’09, and 145 lbs. Latravion was involved in an incident in which he was shot multiple times in December and is still healing from his injuries. Officials say Latravion’s mother is clearly concerned for her son’s welfare and safety and worries that he is around further situations where he’s at risk of death or further bodily harm. It is unknown where Latravion went, but he does have ties to the immediate Tyler area. Continue reading Officials seek missing gunshot victim

TYLER — The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden has been presented with the 2023 Texas Recreation & Park Society Lone Star Legacy Park Award. According to a city news release, a Lone Star Legacy Park is classified as a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. Officials say to qualify for consideration, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played, and rested on its grounds. Lone Star Legacy Parks must be at least 50 years old and open to the public, and must have a significant role in the community’s history, according to the release. The Rose Garden was one of seven parks and open spaces to receive this designation in 2023. Bergfeld Park received the award in 2014.

TYLER — Starting April 1, Tyler Transit is altering the South Tyler Route, also known as Route 12, to provide service to the Department of Veteran Affairs and other businesses along Centennial Parkway, according to a news release. The pilot route will utilize the second entrance into the Villages at Cumberland Park, instead of entering at the first light, and go north (in the opposite direction) every half hour. Tyler Transit will move signage and bus stops across Centennial Parkway to the north side before April 1. Continue reading Tyler Transit altering Route 12 to service veterans

TYLER — The latest poll by The University of Texas at Tyler revealed that border security, gun control and education were currently the most important policy concerns on the minds of Texas voters. UT Tyler’s poll began on Feb. 20, days after Gov. Abbott’s State of the State address to announce legislative priorities for 2023. The survey ended on Tuesday, Feb. 28, with 1,190 total interviews of registered voters in Texas that were completed online or by phone. “Border security, gun control and education were all identified as the most important policy concern more often than they were in October. Inflation and reproductive rights continue to be top five issues, but they were mentioned less often,” said Dr. Mark Owens, associate professor of political science and director of the UT Tyler Center for Opinion Research. Continue reading UT Tyler poll reveals top concerns for voters

PALESTINE — A Palestine man was arrested on Wednesday after a 12-hour standoff with police. According to our news partner KETK, just before 2 a.m., Palestine Police Department officers were called to W. Louisiana Street in reference to a report of a domestic disturbance, with a woman reporting that she had been assaulted by a man at the residence. After officers arrived, an a woman exited the residence and was taken to an emergency room by EMS for treatment. At that time, officers reportedly learned that a 3-year-old girl was still inside the residence. “Officers made verbal contact with the suspect through the door, who made numerous threats to shoot officers if they did not leave,” according to the Palestine Police Department. Continue reading Palestine man arrested after 12-hour standoff with police

RUSK COUNTY — A man and woman were arrested Wednesday after a high-speed chase with law enforcement in Rusk County around 11:30 a.m. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez says the Tatum Police Department tried to stop a Harley Davidson motorcycle on Highway 43 heading toward Henderson but the driver did not stop. He said the Sheriff’s Office and DPS joined in on the pursuit. The chase came to an end near the intersection of CR 2142 and FM 1797. RCSO said the pursuit reached speeds of up to 100 mph on straightaways. Near the end of the chase, officials found about one ounce of methamphetamine, a pistol, and about eight knives, according to Valdez. Continue reading Two arrested after high-speed chase, suspected meth seized

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview will host an E-Waste Recycling event from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 1, at Teague Park. Vouchers are required to participate and are available online. The activity is being held in conjunction with Keep Longview Beautiful’s Love Longview event. The recycling offering is performed with funds from the city’s Sanitation Division and a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enforcement action grant, but is not a response to an enforcement action, according to officials. The event is for Gregg County residents. No commercial waste will be accepted. Vouchers are required to participate and are available online. Click here to link up with additional information.

TYLER — Area superintendents and school board members gathered Wednesday in Tyler to share their thoughts on the school voucher plan being discussed at the state capitol. That’s according to a Tyler ISD news release. “East Texas, particularly in Smith County, has always enjoyed a special and cordial relationship among the different school options that have existed successfully over the past 50+ years,” Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “Educational independence and relationships already exist as a foundation for daily life. And yet, instead of building upon those partnerships, we see attacks at that collaboration when competitive teacher salaries in alignment with other professions should be the focus of any statewide political campaign tour.” Continue reading East Texas superintendents, board members question school voucher plan

AUSTIN — Continuing to reflect a statewide trend, both Tyler and Longview show increases in monthly sales tax allocations over a year ago, according to the latest report from Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. For the month of March, Tyler gets $4,756,454.89, up from $4,185,356.79 in March 2022. Tyler’s year-to-date figure is $16,002,422.59, rising from $15,245,737.53 in March of last year. Longview’s March figure is $3,390,172.78, an improvement from the $3,109,664.00 reported at this time last year. For the year to date, Longview comes in at $11,893,289.13, compared to $11,119,750.26 at this time in 2022.

TYLER – The Feeding Texas network, made up of 21 food banks across the state, is calling on state lawmakers to update the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Vehicle Asset Test today in a virtual day of advocacy. The East Texas Food Bank is among those joining in the action. According to a news release, eligibility for SNAP is primarily based on income and family size. Texas also chooses to use a Vehicle Asset Test, which places a limit on the value of the vehicles a family may own and still qualify for the program. In the 26 counties served by the East Texas Food Bank, officials say 500 East Texas households were denied SNAP in 2019, and that number grew to 2,399 East Texas households in 2022 due to the Vehicle Asset Test. Continue reading Food banks call for updated Vehicle Asset Test

TYLER — On Wednesday, March 8, the Tyler City Council voted to approve a $685,432.47 contract with Missouri petroleum, LLC, for the 2023 ONYX Sealcoat Project, according to a news release. The 2023 ONYX seal coat project includes 32.85 lane miles of work on 73 City Streets.  “ONYX is a street surface preservation sealant to prevent the surface from further deterioration,” said City Engineer Darin Jennings. “Unlike the overlay and most seal coat streets, the streets being done with ONYX are in relatively good condition but are losing their asphalt content on the surface and showing cracks. Continue reading City Council addresses street improvements, fire department upgrades

TYLER — Smith County authorities seek help solving a recent burglary. Officials say on February 25 at approximately 4:06 a.m., three black male suspects broke into the Indian Creek Mart Convenience Store on Spur 364 in Tyler. The suspects took cash as well as a large quantity of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. They used large bolt cutters to break in and were seen wearing gloves with their faces covered by ski masks. Officials say one suspect was wearing a very distinguishable Nickelodeon Rugrats jacket and another suspect had a bright orange face covering ski mask. Continue reading Authorities seek burglary suspects

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler has earned the 2023-24 Silver Military Friendly School designation. According to a news release, that means UT Tyler is within the top 20% of participating schools in the Tier 2 Research Institutions Category. “It’s an honor to be recognized in this way for our support of student veterans, active, reserve and National Guard personnel and their families,” said Coby Dillard, UT Tyler director of military and veterans affairs, as quoted in a news release. “Our designation is a great testament to all the tireless, student-led efforts to make UT Tyler a truly military-inclusive institution.” A celebration ceremony hosted by the UT Tyler Military and Veterans Success Center will be 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9, at the UT Tyler Alumni House, located on the UT Tyler campus. Continue reading UT Tyler earns Silver Military Friendly School designation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran tells KTBB he’s joined another Texas congressman in an effort to shield the U.S. from undue foreign influence, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moran said, “I recently signed on to a piece of legislation by Chip Roy that’s trying to get the United States out of the World Health Organization. There are so many of these world organizations that are trying to impose their political views on us. We need to continue hold not just our governmental accountable. But we need to hold those entities around the world that are trying to influence our government accountable.” Continue reading Moran discusses budget, foreign influence

TYLER — A Tyler man was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Monday in connection to a 2021 fatal hit-and-run crash, according to our news partner KETK. Juan Jesus Juarez, 24, was sentenced for an accident involving death. He was convicted in February for the crash that happened in Jan. of 2021. The District Attorney’s Office said Juarez was driving the car with his two friends inside, and they had reportedly had drinks. “While drunk, speeding, and not paying attention Juarez drove through a T-intersection in a residential area,” the DA’s office said. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to prison in fatal hit-and-run crash

OVERTON — Overton ISD is the latest of many East Texas schools to transition to a four-day school week for the upcoming school year. According to our news partner KETK, in a 5-1 vote, the school board approved the switch at their meeting on Monday evening, making the district the 21st to make the change in East Texas. With the addition of Overton ISD, at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, there will be more than 15,000 students in East Texas operating on a four-day school week. The district previously held three meetings to discuss the possibility of a four-day school week with the community, giving them an opportunity to bring their questions and concerns to the school board. Continue reading Overton ISD joins list of schools switching to four day school week

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department’s Civil Service Exam is open to non-certified firefighters. The test is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11. The online application is open through Thursday, March 27. Anyone interested in applying should visit this link. Officials say anyone interested in becoming a member of the Tyler Fire Department family can go here to see if they are eligible to apply.

TYLER — The Smith County Collections Department is preparing for its annual Warrant Round Up next week. “Smith County Courts have hundreds of active warrants they are seeking to clear,” Judicial Compliance/Collections Director Sheryl Keel said as quoted in a news release. “We are encouraging defendants to take advantage of the options available to settle outstanding warrants immediately.” Keel says once the arrest period begins Sunday, March 19, Smith County will target persons on the delinquent and/or warrant list, and arrests can take place at any location — including the defendant’s home, school, or workplace. “I urge you to contact the Judicial Compliance Department at 903-590-4624 to make arrangements on your case,” she said. For more information about warrants or citations, visit this link.

LONGVIEW – A woman was arrested and has been named the “primary suspect” by police in a fatal Sunday morning shooting at the Waffle House on Estes Parkway in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, officials say police responded to the incident around 6:30 a.m. and discovered Michael Bauchum, 30, “shot and critically injured during a domestic dispute.” Bauchum was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries, and Rashandra Godfrey, 37, of Longview, was booked into Gregg County Jail for murder.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District for the week of March 6. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance will continue level-up work on FM 2906, both northbound and southbound, from SH 149 to where state maintenance ends in Easton. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. In Smith County, 
Tyler maintenance will have a crew performing edge repairs on FM 2607, from SH 64 to FM 850. A second crew will be performing ditch work on FM 850, from SH 31 towards Overton. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic in both locations. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

CHAPEL HILL – The Chapel Hill Independent School District will host three community meetings where Superintendent Lamond Dean will present on the upcoming school bond propositions and answer any questions that attendees may have. “We encourage all members of the community to attend these important meetings,” said Dean as quoted in a news release. “The school bond propositions could have a significant impact on the future of our schools, and it’s important that we provide an opportunity for residents to learn more and ask questions.” The meetings are open to all members of the community and provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the school bond propositions and how they could impact CHISD schools, according to the release. Click this link to learn more.

LONGVIEW — Beginning Tuesday, March 7, Sabine Street east of Carter Street and Center Street south of Ware Street in Longview are scheduled to be closed to all traffic. Traffic will be detoured to Nelson Street as a result of this closure. Officials say the closure is necessary for the construction of the High Street bridge and is scheduled to last for the duration of the project. This project is being managed by the Texas Department of Transportation Longview Area Office and constructed by Ragle Inc. If you have any questions related to construction, call TxDOT at 903-234-0532.

LINDALE — An all clear has been given following the lock-down of all Lindale ISD campuses Monday morning. Lindale Police received a threatening call concerning the LISD Administration office. Police immediately responded to the administration office and EJ Moss East and West, and the buildings were searched by authorities before giving an all clear. Officials said to expect law enforcement to be present throughout the week as a precautionary.

TROUP — Troup Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying an alleged driver from an early Saturday morning chase. According to our news partner KETK, officials said that the pursuit began early on Saturday, March 4 in the City of Troup before going into Cherokee County. The driver of the white crew cab truck is described by authorities as a white male. Troup PD is contacting local businesses for video surveillance and asking anyone with any information to call them at 903-842-3211 or message them on the Troup Police Department Facebook page.

PALESTINE — Palestine Police Department announced they are searching for a man who allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend in the 200 block of Joe Louis Street on Thursday night. According to our news partner KETK, officers were responding to reports of a shooting when they found Brittany Johnson, 30, of Palestine, with a gunshot wound to the torso. Johnson was transported by EMS to Palestine Regional Medical Center emergency room, where she later died, according to officials. While investigating, police said they began to suspect the involvement of Johnson’s ex-boyfriend, Joseph Christopher Cole, 50, of Houston. Continue reading Palestine Police searching for man who allegedly killed ex-girlfriend