KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Emergency crews responded to the second fire in two weeks at Coker Enterprises in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, there were a minimum of 30 first responders. The call came in just after 6:00 a.m. on Monday. “Due to circumstances right now, we do deem that the fires are suspicious.” Fire Marshal Jay Brooks went on to say, “We are processing this as a crime scene. That’s just protocol at this point. We don’t have enough to say that this is an arson attempt, or an incendiary fire. However we are going to treat it as such.” A fire on Sept. 30 destroyed the office and parts room of Coker Enterprises.

SMITH COUNTY — A 26-year-old woman who is accused of leaving a baby abandoned and strapped in a baby bouncer for about three hours is now at the Smith County Jail. According to our news partner KETK, a child was left in a garage apartment on County Road 2249 on October 3. The suspect was identified as Kelsey Paige Frazier from Tyler. Frazier was babysitting a child under the age of 1. At approximately 9:30 am, Kelsey left her garage apartment but did not take the child with her. Instead, the infant was left strapped in a baby bouncer located in the bathroom closet of the garage apartment, a news release said. Continue reading Babysitter accused of leaving infant unattended in bathroom closet

TYLER — A series of robberies at CEFCO gas stations has Tyler police asking for help. Early Wednesday morning the first aggravated robbery took place between 1 and 2 a.m. at 805 W. Houston. Within the hour a second occurred at 5120 Old Jacksonville Hwy, the same male and another male with the same jacket but red, robbed that store. In both instances the individuals left on foot. Early Friday, around 2 a.m., a third aggravated robbery was reported at the CEFCO at 5502 Old Bullard Rd. Continue reading 3 CEFCO stores in Tyler robbed this week

UPSHUR COUNTY — D.P.S. Troopers responded to the scene of a fatal crash, four miles northwest of Longview, on Thursday. The collision took place in Upshur County on SH 300. Reports indicate Steven Earl Montgomery, 55, of Big Sandy, went off the roadway and overturned, after striking a group of trees. Mr. Montgomery was pronounced dead at the scene. Montgomery had been reported missing by family members, after he was last seen leaving for work around 5:15 a.m. Wednesday. A land owner discovered the scene Thursday and notified emergency personnel. The crash remains under investigation.

RUSK — Rusk ISD has decided that not all students will be able to take classes online. RISD Superintendent, Grey Burton said in a letter, only students approved by the school nurse or that have tested positive for COVID-19 may take virtual classes. Students that are taking classes in person, will no longer have the option to switch to online learning. The new changes take effect Tuesday. You can read the letter by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/1881654252092729/photos/a.2214349955489822/2767692216822257/.

WINNSBORO — Winnsboro Police continue investigating a “large amount” of political sign thefts across the city. According to the department’s facebook page, the number of officers on patrol will increase. It’s not clear whether a specific political party or candidate is being targeted. Three different vehicles are believed to be connected to the crime. Authorities are asking the public that may see or have details on this to call 903-342-3620, or to message the departments facebook page with the vehicles license plate numbers.

ATHENS — In Henderson County, eleven people have been arrested and large amounts of cash seized during a police raid at a local game room. According to our news partner KETK, charges for the group include organized criminal activity, gambling offenses, and outstanding arrest warrants. Those arrested include customers, workers, and the owner. During the search, officers found drugs, more than $50,000 cash, and a stolen gun. The sheriff says more arrests are to come.

TYLER — Tyler police are looking for a man who robbed a Tyler gas station early Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, a man with a gun forced one of the two employees inside to give him money from the cash register and fled. The gunman was described as wearing dark clothing. Police said there were customers in the CEFCO station on Old Bullard Road when the gunman entered at about 2 a.m. but no one was hurt.

TYLER — A Whitehouse man accused of murder after a brutal fight rejected a plea deal offer from prosecutors and his case will now proceed to trial. According to our news partner KETK, Lars Theorine, 53, is charged with killing 51-year-old Michael Reed on January 2. Theorine, who claims self-defense, was the owner of Paradise Skating Rink and Big Kahuna Indoor Parties in Whitehouse. He is being held on a $1 million bond in the Smith County Jail.

LONGVIEW — Construction is underway to significantly expand and renovate Fire Station 5 in West Longview. Originally built in 1985, the fire station will be modernized while constructing 10,208 square feet of new space and renovating 5,373 square feet of the existing station. According to a news release, the project was funded by the November 2018 bond election. Continue reading Construction begins on Fire Station 5 expansion

TYLER — Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran said Thursday that he will unquestionably “opt in” on Governor Abbott’s bar reopening order, set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. October 14. The governor’s order provides authority to individual county judges to open bars to 50 percent capacity in counties that have 15 percent or less capacity of COVID-19 cases in local hospitals. Smith County falls within this qualifying category. Continue reading Smith County judge to “opt in” on opening bars

TYLER — More agencies are signing on as East Texans once again have a convenient and safe way to dispose of their leftover prescription drugs — and keep them from falling into the wrong hands. According to Next Step Community Solutions, the latest list includes the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Kilgore Police Department, Gladewater Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall Police Department, Hallsville Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and Pittsburg Police Department. Continue reading Rx takeback event spreads across East Texas

TYLER — Tyler ISD launches a new District app to keep parents, students, and the community informed of district news, happenings, and special alerts. The app is available for download through the Apple and Google Play app stores. The new Tyler ISD app provides quick access to important information from both the District and campuses, such as push notifications for inclement weather or other alert information, weekly cafeteria menus, GPS directions, calendar events, and more. Go to https://www.tylerisd.org/article/322371 for additional information.

TYLER — A Tyler man was arrested Wednesday morning  following an hours long standoff with Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies and Tyler police. According to our news partner KETK, Vicente Manriquez, 35, allegedly assaulted his wife at their home around 12:30, then reportedly took his kids to the tire shop that he owns off Gentry and Bow Street in Tyler. Deputies found his car after the wife gave them a description. The sheriff’s office set up a perimeter and called in the SWAT team and negotiators. They were able to talk Manriquez out of the shop just after 3:00 Wednesday morning. Manriquez has been charged with aggravated assault and was booked into the Smith County Jail. He was released Wednesday after posting bond set at $150,000.

GREGG COUNTY — A $1 million lawsuit was filed against a former Longview doctor on behalf of a boy who says he was sexually abused by him. According to our news partner KETK, Matt E. Hipke was arrested in August on two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and he was released on a $1 million bond. The current lawsuit was filed in the Gregg County Court by the mother of the victim. The guardian is seeking damages because her son was “sexually assaulted, molested and or sexually abused” by Hipke during his medical visits. Continue reading Lawsuit filed against Longview doctor

TYLER — A scam using Smith County officials’ names is continuing to circulate throughout the community. Officials say in recent weeks, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office reported a scam in which the caller identified himself as Sheriff’s Sgt. Larry Christian. In one particular instance, the caller informed the victim that she failed to show up for a court date and she needed to post a $2,500 surety bond. Had the victim stayed on the line, officials say it is likely that the caller would have instructed her to obtain a money order or similar payment method. Continue reading Smith County warns of scammers using officials’ names

TYLER — Smith County authorities say they’re looking for a runaway teen. On September 30, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a runaway in the Winona area. The father reported that his daughter, Hailie Black, 16, had left her residence between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. that morning and had not returned by later that day. Hailie has not been seen by her family since September 30 but has had recent communication with others. Continue reading Smith County Sheriff’s Office investigating runaway

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse ISD announced in a letter to parents on Wednesday morning that it will require all remote learners to return to campus by October 20. According to our news partner KETK, there will be an exception for “those students and families who have legitimate health concerns and are medically fragile.” Those students will remain on remote learning if the parents provide a doctor’s diagnosis or recommendation to the school nurse. Any students who are quarantined or isolated due to symptoms should follow the nurse’s orders and return on the date provided to them, according to the letter.

NACOGDOCHES — The six students accused by Stephen F. Austin State University of filing a false police report against a fellow student have filed a federal lawsuit against the school, claiming that their due process rights were violated. According to our news partner KETK, the lawsuit lists the university, the Board of Regents, and school President Dr. Scott Gordon and states that “This is a case about procedural due process and the truth.” The students are identified only by their initials in the lawsuit. Their lawyers claim that they are “being deprived of their constitutional due process rights based on falsehoods, misrepresentations, and a rush to convict…” Continue reading Lawsuit filed by students accused in SFA case

MARSHALL — A murder suspect is recovering at CHRISTUS Good Shepherd in Marshall after sustaining a gunshot wound to his foot. Marshall police say 21-year-old Chandler Givens admitted shooting 22-year-old Treyvon Woodkins at the Decker Place Apartments Monday afternoon. Woodkins died after being taken to CHRISTUS Good Shepherd in Marshall. Police say Givens will be jailed on release and the investigation is ongoing.

TYLER — Four shots were fired at a man who allegedly broke into a Tyler apartment early Tuesday morning and attempted to sexually assault a man who lived there. Tyler police told our news partner KETK that the incident occurred in the Chelsea Creek Apartment Complex on Thistle Dr. The burglar escaped and police are still processing the scene for evidence. We’ll have updates as more information becomes available.

TYLER — Tyler ISD launches the “High Five Club.” “The High Five Club is just one way to show great appreciation to our Tyler ISD teachers, administrators, and employees who have gone above and beyond during this crazy, COVID-19 era we live in today,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “We invite parents, coworkers, and community members to send a High Five by completing the online High Five Club submission form at tylerisd.org.” When you submit a High Five, the Tyler ISD employee will receive a certificate showing your appreciation for their efforts. Continue reading TISD announced employee appreciation initiative

HENDERSON COUNTY — A road rage incident near Chandler leads to a shooting Monday night. It started around 8:30 on FM 315 and ended at a Dollar General store. Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said the two ran into the store and one person fired a gun twice, hitting the victim once. The unnamed victim was transported to UT Health in Tyler for treatment. The suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Joshua Ardi, fled the scene and was arrested a short time later. He’s been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawfully carrying a weapon.

PALESTINE — The City of Palestine took measures to bring in hog hunters to trap feral hogs that are destroying the land and turning over headstones at Memorial Cemetery. Memorial Cemetery is located on Moody Street off Loop 256, and has recently seen a spike in the number of feral hogs destroying the cemetery resulting in the need for a quick solution. The City of Palestine signed contracts with hog hunters who have previously worked for the City of Palestine to resolve this issue. As part of the contract, the hog hunters will have to use hog traps since guns are not allowed to be used withinthe city limits.“

WINNSBORO — An East Texas child went missing just before sunset on Sunday night. However, according to a social media post by Wood County Precinct 2 Constable Kelly Smith, the 12-year-old was found with-in an hour of calling in a A K-9 officer and other first responders. The appeal for help came in near Lake Winnsboro after the girl could not be located. A perimeter was set up by Wood County deputies and Perryville and Winnsboro Fire Departments. Law enforcement also requested that K-9 Mata be called in to assist. The missing child was returned to her mother, with no injuries reported.