KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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.

EAST TEXAS — Authorities have located a baby who went missing last week from Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, 17-month-old Ellisia Pair was ordered into Child Protective Services back on September 18, but she went missing with her mother, 20-year-old Allie O’Neal. Although police initially believed that O’Neal and Ellisia would still be in the East Texas area, they were located in Colorado over the weekend. A CPS officer told KETK News that is unknown whether O’Neal has been taken into custody. They were located at a hotel they had previously stayed at.

LONGVIEW — An East Texas caregiver is behind bars after she allegedly stole thousands of dollars from an elderly woman in Shreveport. According to our news partner KETK, Conchetta Law, 44, of Longview, was arrested for stealing $8,900 from the 92-year-old woman she cared for. According to Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office between October 2019 and May 2020 Law stole and forged checks from the victim’s bank account to pay her own rent, utilities, insurance and car note. Law was taken into custody in Longview and taken to Caddo Parish where she was booked into the Caddo Correction Center for forgery and exploitation of the infirmed.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning more construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the week of Oct. 5. District seal coat operations have been completed with the contractor now conducting pavement marking operations at various locations in Van Zandt and Anderson counties. Motorists should expect slow moving traffic due to mobile operations. You can go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/038-2020.html for a complete rundown of work around the district.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Foundation is celebrating 30 years of impacting teachers and students. Since its creation in 1990, the Foundation has given more than $3.17 million to the District, according to a news release. The Foundation is asking the community to help celebrate its 30 year milestone through its annual giving campaign. Anyone interested in making a financial gift or serving as a corporate sponsor can do so at http://www.tylerisd.org/foundation or by calling Betsy Jones at 903-262-3095. You can go to https://www.tylerisd.org/article/319543 for further information.

LONGVIEW — Beginning Tue., Oct. 6, the Marshall Avenue (also known as Hwy. 80) trailhead of the Paul Boorman Trail in Longview will be closed for an extended period to allow for construction of a connection to the expanded Guthrie Trail. Most of the Paul Boorman Trail will remain open during the construction period, but visitors will need to access the trail from other available trailheads. The date for reopening the Marshall Avenue trailhead has not been determined yet. You can go to https://longviewtexas.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2856 for more information.

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” According to a news release, the campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported homes fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. Continue reading 2020 Fire Prevention Week: “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”

TYLER – After Ye Olde City Antique Mall went up in flames in early June, the downtown Tyler institution finally reopened to the public Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the mall has been a downtown Tyler staple for more than 100 years, with over 70 vendors inside the store. Although the owners are happy to welcome customers again, damages and pieces from that devastating day can still be found.

NACOGDOCHES — Stephen F. Austin State University encouraged the victim of a false police report to grant the university permission to release the police body cam footage, during a press conference on October 3. That’s according to our news partner KETK. University police entered 17-year-old Christin Evans’s dorm room at 3 a.m. on September 14 after she was falsely accused by her roommates of trying to stab someone with a pair of scissors. Erika Harris, the communications liaison for the university, said the investigation of the false report was handed over to the Nacogdoches County District Attorney’s office on October 2. She also mentioned the case includes possible multiple criminal charges against several students. Continue reading Officials seek release of body cam footage in SFA raid

TYLER — It’s the final day for Taste of the Fair. The event resumed Saturday at the East Texas State Fairgrounds and will continue through Sunday with hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It’s a chance to sample East Texas State Fair food even though the fair has been canceled for this year due to COVID-19. You can go to https://www.etstatefair.com/p/about/taste-of-the-fair for more information.

TYLER — Services for former Whitehouse Mayor Dale Moran are set for Monday at 2:00 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler. Moran died Wednesday at the age of 76. He served as mayor from 1996-2002, along with two terms on the city council, one before and one after his time as mayor. Moran was also a successful businessman and very active in Christian ministry. He was the father of Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran. You can go here for additional information.

TYLER — The East Texas Crisis Center’s biannual Hope Awards ceremony was held this week on Tyler’s downtown square. According to a news release, a proclamation was read by City Councilmember Bob Westbrook, and awards were presented to “outstanding citizens and businesses that have gone above and beyond as volunteers and professionals to help victims of domestic violence.” The honorees are Brad Martin, Kinsey Pharmacy; Ms. Jane Neal, Tyler Public Library; and Chick-fil-A in Broadway Square Mall. Continue reading Citizens recognized for helping domestic violence victims

TYLER — The 30th Annual Pantry Raid looked different this year, but still had a huge impact and raised 203,760 meals for Tyler Independent School District students facing hunger. According to a news release, the annual event is hosted by the East Texas Food Bank and Tyler ISD. Pantry Raid has historically been a fierce competition between Tyler High and Tyler Legacy to see which campus can raise the most food and funds. For the first time ever, the two schools came together to celebrate the 30th anniversary and held one Tyler ISD-wide Pantry Raid. Continue reading 30th Annual Pantry Raid raises 203,760 meals

TYLER — The President and First Lady have become the face of the cornavirus after testing positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. NET Health CEO, George Roberts told KTBB Friday, “It shows that the virus knows everyone here. Basically, we are all susceptible to catching this virus. We all need to continue taking steps that helps to keep us from catching it; stay home when we are sick, we are a mask when we are out in public, observe social distancing, wash your hands often. But again, it’s a challenge for people who are in the public spot light. We sure wish the President and First Lady well as they go through this recovery process. I’m confident they will be fine.”

TYLER — The Texas Department of Agriculture slashed food bank funding by 44 percent this week. On Friday, Lauren Barnes told KTBB, what that means locally. “The East Texas Food Bank is actually taking a hit of nearly $100,000 in fresh produce items. So what that big number really means is a loss of over 600,000 meals for East Texans that are in need.” Continue reading ETFB: State cuts, as food need soars

MARSHALL — The City of Marshall took in three pallets of PPE, equalling 40,000 surgical masks and 30,720 N-95 masks from the Texas division of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. According to a press brief, on Thursday, the Marshall Fire Department passed along cases to Harrison County volunteer fire departments, emergency service districts and law enforcement agencies. Every organization received 2,000 surgical masks and 960 N-95 masks. The Marshall Fire Department was tasked with “serving as the regional hub to supply smaller agencies” in Harrison County. Continue reading PPE allocated to various organizations in Harrison County

TYLER — The Smith County Elections Office sent out 8,447 mail-in ballots requested by Smith County voterson Thursday. According to a press brief, if you applied for a mail-in ballot, and are eligible to receive one, it should be on its way through the U.S. Postal Service. It will arrive in an 11 ½ by 4 ½ green envelope with the “Official Election Mail” seal on the front. For those wanting to vote by mail, you can still apply to receive a mail-in ballot by calling 903-590-4777 or visiting http://www.votetexas.gov. Continue reading Mail-In ballots sent out Thursday in Smith County

WOOD COUNTY — Wood County Judge Lucy Hebron announced a local effort Thursday, that will be help support “Wreaths Across America” ceremonies held on December 9 at the Holly Tree and Hawkins Cemeteries. Local Daughters of the American Revolution members are raising funds to sponsor the 225 wreaths needed. Each wreath is $15; sponsorships will be available at the “Everything Sale” held at the First United Methodist Church in Hawkins on October 16 and 17. Donations can also be mailed to John Hogg, Sr. Chapter of NSDAR and mail to 2287 County Road 3340, Hawkins Texas 75765. For more information, click the link. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/.

TYLER — The Smith County District Attorney’s Office and the United States Marshals Service are searching for a man that is wanted for an alleged aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to a press release, Hunter Dalton Tadlock-Bearden, also known as Hunter Tadlock, is a 22-year-old white male, with several tattoos. Authorities believe he is in the East Texas area and that he could be driving a champagne-colored truck. If you have information regarding the where-abouts of Bearden, you are urged to contact the US Marshals Service at 903-590-1370 or Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF(2833). Continue reading Authorities search for man accused of aggravated sexual assault of child

TYLER — Dr. Paul McGaha began serving as the Smith County Health Authority, on Thursday. He was sworn in earlier this week, by Judge Nathaniel Moran. McGaha was nominated by the NET Health Board of Directors and approved by the Smith County Commissioner’s Court. Health Authorities were established during the 79th Legislative Session, and are physicians appointed to administer state and local laws relating to public health within an appointing body’s jurisdiction, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Dr. McGaha replaces Dr. Jeffrey Levin, who retired after serving as the local health authority for six years. During his tenure, he covered a number of “infectious disease concerns,” including COVID-19, Ebola, Zika and Measles.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank is honoring seven recipients with the inaugural “Hunger Hero Awards.” The accolades of recognition are celebrating Brookshire Grocery Company, Longview Police Department, Smith County Government, Texas Army National Guard 1st Squadron 124th Calvary Regiment, The Mentoring Alliance, T.L.L. Temple Foundation and the Tyler Police Department, for their commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading ‘Hunger Hero Awards’ from ETFB

TYLER — A Former Lindale ISD coach accused of having an improper relationship with a student was arrested Wednesday night for a bond violation. According to our news partner KETK, Blake Maddox, was taken into custody at 9 p.m. by Tyler Police. It is unclear as of this writing what condition of the bond Maddox allegedly violated. He was given a $100,000 bond for the new arrest, which was posted and he has since been released. Maddox, 25, was arrested in February after the district was made aware of the allegations on January 28. Maddox was an assistant football and baseball coach. Continue reading 2nd arrest for former Lindale Coach

TYLER — Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran told KTBB Thursday, those wishing to make a public comment will no longer be able to do so by the phone. “We really wanted people to come back to court in person, instead of on the phone for public comment. There is something very unique and special about face to face interaction with government. It’s a vital part of open government. We want people to have a participatory role in what we do. But, we feel like if it’s important enough for us to talk about it, we need to do it face to face. Now, that we are kind of coming out of the hardest part of this COVID process we felt like it was a good time to role into a new fiscal year doing this.” Continue reading Phone-in out and other changes for Smith County Commissioner’s Court

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services are asking for the public’s help in locating 17-month-old Ellisia Pair. Ellisia was ordered into CPS custody by Judge Robert Wilson of the 321st Judicial District Court on Sept. 18, 2020. She was last seen with her mother, Allie O’Neal, 20, of Kilgore. The mother and child are possibly in the Tyler, Longview, Kilgore or the Carthage area. O’Neal may be driving a white Chevy truck with Colorado plates 639 UKD or a Silver Camry with Texas plates NCN 7692. Anyone with information is asked to call Child Protective Investigations (CPI) at (903) 241-8916 or the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.

TYLER — Thursday is the first day on the job for Scott Martinez, the new leader of the Tyler Economic Development Council and Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. During an interview to be heard Sunday on KTBB’s “In Focus,” Martinez pointed to the Tyler area’s double-digit growth over the last decade as a key reason for his move from northern Louisiana. He also mentioned the local educational systems, not least the prospect of a new medical school in Tyler. Martinez succeeds Tom Mullins, who has stepped down after 31 years of leadership in local economic development. Martinez says Mullins has done a great job, so not much will change. Continue reading Martinez moves in as Tyler economic development leader

TYLER — A Lindale man is accused of sexually assaulting a child. According to our news partner KETK, 37-year-old Adam Aguirre was arrested just before 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Aguirre is being held in the Smith County Jail on a bond of $50,000. Aguirre’s first court appearance has not been scheduled. Aguirre was arrested twice since 2018 on DWI charges. However, he was only convicted in the first arrest, where he pled guilty and spent 20 days in jail.