KTBB News, Weather, Talk

HAWKINS – Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins has been awarded accreditation of its business programs. It comes from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners. The school offers a business administration degree with concentrations in accounting, management, computer information systems and cybersecurity.

TYLER – The SPCA of East Texas says it is working to close the doors of Petland in Tyler. They claim that supporting the Tyler store is a support of animal cruelty. On their Facebook page, they have posted a sworn statement from a former store employee. The employee talks about the condition of the animals at the store. They have even posted a picture from a Petland customer who had issues with a dog she had purchased. The store told our news partner KETK, “That is a perfectly good body condition for an active boxer pup.” The SPCA is encouraging area residents to support their efforts to close the store by contacting their local officials. Continue reading The SPCA of East Texas Has Issues with a Tyler Store

TYLER – A Tyler man has been killed when his car crashed into a brick wall. Dead at the scene was Timothy Hunter Brasher, 22. A passenger in his car was injured. Tyler police report Brasher’s car was heading west on Jeff Davis Drive when he lost control, crossed the intersection and hit the wall. The accident happened around 1:00 Monday morning. As part of the investigation into the accident, investigators have submitted evidence to the Department of Public Safety to see if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

TYLER — A renowned NHRA Pro Stock motorcyclist shares her thoughts as guest speaker at Tyler’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Peggy Llewellyn told KTBB her message dovetails with the theme of the event, “Learn to Live Together as Brothers” — and with Dr. King’s message. Llewellyn said, “He wanted to live in a country where everyone was accepted and there was love among each other — there were no differences. You lived as one, and you were happy, you were prosperous.” Asked why it’s so important to remember Dr. King, Llewellyn responded, “Dr. King was all about love because…he said hate was too great of a burden to bear. And it is — and you don’t grow from that.” Along with her motorsports activities, Llewellyn’s biography notes that she’s been honored for inspiring youth to become great achievers. She’s also active in raising awareness and funds to support a cure for breast cancer. Continue reading East Texans Hold Annual MLK Celebrations

TYLER – Tyler Junior College has begun a new class leading toward a Bachelor of Applied Technology in healthcare technology and medical systems. Twenty students were in the classroom on the first day of class last Thursday. The program is designed for working professionals who wish to advance into a higher level of management in the healthcare industry. Designed for students who juggle work and family, the program offers classes in flexible but intensive five-week sessions. This allows students to complete their upper-division courses in five semesters while only attending one night per week.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work throughout the district during the week of January 21. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.

Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct edge work on Farm Road 1252 from Farm Road 757 to the county line. Crews will also perform base repairs on SH 110N at Swan. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control at both locations. Continue reading TxDOT Road Project Updates

TYLER — Law officers have caught a suspect they’d been seeking, a man accused of leading law enforcement on two high-speed chases. Authorities say Cody Keaton Kovarik, 26, was captured by Smith County sheriff’s deputies and a Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden. Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Christian says law enforcement developed information about Kovarik’s whereabouts and proceeded to the location. Christian says as law officers tried to arrest Kovarik, he fled on foot into a wooded area and ultimately into a creek. Christian says one officer was injured by a barbed wire fence during the foot pursuit. Kovarik is charged with evading arrest and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. His bonds total $517,500.

TYLER – The man police say is responsible for stealing more than $60,000 worth of jewelry from a Tyler store while posing as a delivery driver has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Last March, then 49-year-old James Albert Oliver of Longview was arrested at a Longview motel in the December 2017 heist. Investigators say it was Oliver, wearing what appeared to be a UPS uniform, who took a package of jewelry from the Zales store on South Broadway, and then fled.

RUSK — Rusk ISD And Rusk police are investigating after a student made threatening statements on a morning bus ride. According to our news partner KETK, campus authorities were immediately notified by transportation. The district says after arriving on campus, the student was taken to the office, searched, and questioned.

LONGVIEW – The lone suspect in a New Year’s Eve 2017 shooting death in Kilgore who was captured this month in Gary, Indiana, has been extradited to Gregg County. That’s according to our news partner KETK. The Longview News Journal reported that Dwight Patrick Scott, 52, was arrested by federal authorities in Gary January 8. Kilgore police said the Gregg County Sheriff’s office received a tip a day earlier on where he could be found. That information was forwarded to the U.S. Marshals office. Scott was wanted for the death of Tracy Lynn Reedy, 50. She was found shot to death on a sidewalk at The Village on Meadowgreen Drive apartments in Kilgore.

TYLER – Local dignitaries made it official with a ribbon cutting ceremony for Tyler’s longest airport runway. The city had announced a little over a month ago that Tyler Pounds Regional Airport had fully opened Runway 4-22. The new extended length of the runway is 8,330 feet. Construction to rehabilitate, widen and lengthen the runway began four years ago. The runway pavement section includes 14 inches of concrete placed over 12 inches of a heavy base section. The runway is now capable of carrying much heavier loads and provides extended length for landing and takeoffs. In total, the budgeted cost for the project was about $48 million, with 90% of the cost covered through Federal Aviation Administration grants. The airport is currently working with the FAA to receive funding to rebuild the taxiway going towards the runaway.

GREGG COUNTY — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death after responding to a disturbance call. According to our news partner KETK, deputies found a person in need of medical help on Rabbit Creek Circle around 2:30 Thursday afternoon. The unnamed person was taken to the hospital where they later died. Officials said they are not investigating the case as a homicide. The body has been sent for autopsy.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Game Wardens are on the lookout for Cody Keaton Kovarik for evading in a vehicle, evading arrest/detention and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Officials say the 26-year-old Kovarik has recently been involved in two high speed chases. He’s listed at 5’2″ in height and 140 pounds in weight. If you know Kovarik’s whereabouts, you’re asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903 566-6600. Authorities say you shouldn’t try to apprehend this suspect since he has reportedly shown signs of recklessness and disregarding the safety of others.

WHITEHOUSE – Whitehouse police have arrested a man on drug charges in connection to a November 2018 burglary at the home of an off-duty police officer. According to our news partner KETK, 19-year-old Benjamin Stacey of Tyler turned himself in Thursday to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Officers called to the Whitehouse residence last November found that the homeowner, Longview Police Lt. Paul Hickey, had two people, including Stacey, detained and handcuffed. Officials say Stacey was searched and that narcotics, along with a stolen handgun, were found to be in his possession. Upon further investigation, Whitehouse police charged Stacey with manufacture and delivery of several drugs. Stacey’s combined bonds total over $500,000.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College Chancellor Dr. Mike Metke announced Thursday at the monthly Board of Trustees meeting that he plans to retire effective June 30. Metke is the sixth President/Chancellor to lead TJC in its 92-plus-year history and is in his 12th year at the helm. His retirement will conclude a career of more than 44 years in education. In a letter sent to all TJC employees, Metke noted that the time is right for transition. Metke says leaving TJC is harder than he ever imagined — but he added that he and wife Donna will remain involved and be TJC’s top supporters. According to a news release, just a few accomplishments under Metke’s leadership include the college’s largest capital campaign, support and funding for baccalaureate degrees, and a revitalized Presidential Honors Program. The TJC board will conduct a nationwide search for his successor.

LONGVIEW — A winter weekend favorite returns to build and fulfill vacation dreams and engage kids in interactive fun. The East Texas Boat and RV Show opens from noon to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Longview’s Maude Cobb Convention Center. The show continues from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The show is an initiative of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Kids Adventure Camp will feature new attractions and the Gamesters Paradise bus will be ready. You can check the ktbb.com Calendar of Events for additional information.

LONGVIEW — Two incumbents file for new terms in the Longview City Council election May 4. David Wright (left) hopes to return to office in District 5, and Steve Pirtle (right) seeks a new tour of duty in District 6. You can go to https://www.longviewtexas.gov/3435/General-Election for more information.

TYLER — 23-year-old Dianna Henderson gets 25 years in prison in a Tyler drug case. Officials say Henderson was found sleeping in her bedroom with 48 rocks of crack under her pillow at a home on Oakwood Drive that had been under investigation. Also found: a loaded hangun, a drug scale, cash from drug sales, and a cellphone containing text messages of her transactions. Prior to sentencing, Henderson had pleaded guilty to delivery of crack cocaine.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are looking for a missing man. According to our news partner KETK, he is 60-year-old Donald Eugene James. He is about 5’6″ and weighs about 130 pounds. Police say he was last seen at the Walgreens on East Marshall Avenue, wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans. If you have any information about where he is, contact Longview police.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Financial Crimes Unit is warning small businesses that cash payroll checks to be aware of a group of Hispanic males who are cashing fake payroll checks on an account that did not issue the check. According to a news release, investigators have received reports of several cases in which the suspects have cashed a payroll check, all from the same company name: Certified Roses. The company name is a legitimate company, but the checks were forged using the correct bank and check numbers. If you come in contact with these payroll checks from Certified Roses, contact the company for verification before cashing.

MARSHALL — Marshall police remind you that it’s illegal and dangerous to drive recklessly. This past Monday, police observed numerous vehicles doing “donuts,” passengers riding on top of vehicles and hanging out of vehicles, and other drivers speeding around in the mall parking lot as well as surrounding areas. Three people were arrested. Police say this was an apparent planned gathering among students and friends of victims in a recent fatal accident. Parents are urged to talk to their children about the topic. Police say extra officers will be on patrol January 19 during the funerals. They add that they understand the grief but that reckless driving won’t be tolerated.

TYLER — Current Tyler ISD Board President Rev. Fritz Hager Jr. has filed for re-election to the board. According to a news release, Hager has led the board for two years and has volunteered on several TISD campuses. He says serving the district as a trustee has “been a great privilege.” Hager has served since 2009 as executive pastor of Bethel Bible Church. The election is May 4.

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) – Federal prosecutors in central Illinois say a Texas man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for child pornography charges involving more than 40 girls in eight states. Prosecutors said Tuesday that a federal judge sentenced 36-year-old Mark P. Barnwell of Whitehouse, Texas, on Jan. 9. Authorities say he used false Facebook profiles to contact girls and advertise modeling opportunities. Prosecutors say Barnwell directed the girls to send him sexually explicit photos and threatened to post the nude photos online if they failed to send more. Continue reading East Texas Man Gets 35 Years in Multi-State Child Pornography Scheme

TYLER — The TSA pre-check mobile enrollment will begin Jan. 21 at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Initially, the enrollment site was scheduled to be in Tyler through Jan. 25. Because the response was so great, the mobile enrollment center has been extended another week from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1. The TSA pre-check mobile enrollment center will be in the commercial terminal building at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The mobile enrollment center will be near the baggage claim area. Signage is present to provide location information inside the terminal. Officials said they anticipate no delays as a result of the federal government shutdown. Go to the TSA Website at http://www.tsa.gov for full details to enroll.

KILGORE — Noted philanthropist and Kilgore College alumnus Kelcy Warren has gifted $500,000 to the college to improve its information technology infrastructure. College officials say the gift will allow KC to provide state-of-the-art technology services to students and faculty. More specifically, the funds will be used to upgrade KC’s wireless networking. Officials say the gift will also allow students to easily access Open Educational Resources that will help reduce the cost of textbooks. Warren, Chairman and CEO of Energy Transfer Partners, graduated from White Oak High School before attending KC and graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1978.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Road 168 between County Road 178 and Highway 155 South in Noonday will remain closed to through traffic at least until Friday for repairs. County Engineer Frank Davis said work to repair the concrete box culvert is taking longer than expected. Officials say once work began on Monday, road and bridge crews discovered heavier damage than expected. To avoid potential collapse, Davis said it will take the rest of the week to repair the damage and insert a temporary metal pipe. He added that a permanent concrete box culvert or concrete pipe will be installed there this summer. For now, drivers need to seek alternate routes.

TYLER — The Great Decisions lecture series makes its annual return to the Tyler Public Library starting Wednesday. According to a news release, for eight weeks, knowledgeable lecturers from various fields of study will discuss current topics facing our world, from U.S.-Mexican relations to cyber security and much more. Each lecture will take place Wednesday from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m, in the Taylor Auditorium. This Wednesday’s topic is “The United States and Mexico: Partnership Tested.”

LINDALE – A portion of County Road 4191 in Lindale will be closed through Wednesday for a culvert replacement. The Smith County Road and Bridge Department will replace a culvert on the road between Jim Hogg Road and Ballard drive. That portion of the road will be closed to thru traffic so drivers will need to seek alternative routes.

RUSK COUNTY — A Texas appeals court has delayed this week’s scheduled execution of a man convicted of killing his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter during what the couple had said was part of an “exorcism” in Rusk County. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Monday granted the stay for Blaine Milam. His execution was slated for Tuesday. Milam’s attorneys say his conviction was based on “now discredited” bite mark evidence. They also argue he is intellectually disabled and therefore ineligible for execution. The 29-year-old Milam would have been the first inmate put to death this year both in the U.S. and in Texas. Continue reading Appeals Court Stays Convicted Killer’s Tuesday Execution