KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW – The death of a woman in a car on Duncan Street remains under investigation by Longview police. She has been identified as Victorria Jasmine Sam, 28, of Longview. A report of a shooting resulted in officers going to the scene shortly after 5:30 Monday afternoon. They have not ruled out foul play as the cause of death and they have not released the cause of death. The body was sent to a Tyler lab for autopsy.

TYLER – Several chimney fires have been reported in the area recently. Keeping chimneys clean is important to prevent house fires. Robert Graham with Tyler’s Top Hat Chimney Sweeps says its is important to have your chimney inspected every year. It should be cleaned every year or for every two cords of wood that you burn. The problem is creosote. Graham says the black dust, builds up in a chimney over time, and that can cause a fire that can damage the mortar and masonry in the chimney. This damage can leave pathways for fire travel into the wood frame structure of the home.

LONGVIEW – Because of a public private partnership between the City of Longview and the nonprofit, Veterans Recognition Foundation, Longview’s Teague Park is now home to a Veterans Plaza. It honors the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. Located on about 2 acres surrounding the Teague Park pond, the plaza features unique individual monuments honoring all veterans. It also has a scale replica of the Vietnam Wall. Other monuments include memorials for 9/11, MIA/POWs, and conflicts in places such as Iwo Jima, Korea, Grenada, Iraq, Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Bosnia. Continue reading Veteran’s Plaza Now Has a Home at Longview’s Teague Park

CHAPEL HILL – Authorities are investigating the robbery of a driver on a Smith County Road. It happened shortly before 6:45 Tuesday morning on County Road 289. The driver tells authorities he had to stop when a man stepped in front of his car. The man then walked to the driver’s door and put a gun to the side of the driver’s head. After taking an undisclosed amount of cash from the driver, the suspect, described as a black male, disappeared into some nearby woods. No injuries were reported.

SMITH COUNTY — The father of a Smith County constable, who was found last week guilty of murder, was sentenced today to prison. John Douglas Smith, 72, was was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He had been charged with the shooting death of 47 year old Francisco Douglas. It occurred at the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park off of Highway 64 west. Smith was the caretaker of the park where Douglas lived. The two had began arguing over rent when Smith shot and killed Douglas. Smith’s son, John G. Smith, is the Smith County precinct 4 constable.

RUSK COUNTY – A Longview man has died in a weekend shooting in Rusk County. Rusk County authorities confirm the death of 20 year old Samuel Andrew Brown. Brown’s family tells the Longview News Journal he walked into the wrong house and was shot by the homeowner. He had been drinking and was returning to a friends home when he walked into the wrong home. They say that drinking most likely clouded his judgment, but they don’t believe Brown had any criminal intent. In a news release Tuesday afternoon, the Rusk County Sheriff’s office says the case remains under investigation at this time and will be presented to the Rusk County Grand Jury.

LONGVIEW – Just days before Christmas a Longview family of four is homeless because of a fire. It was reported shortly before 8:00 Monday night on East Melton Street. The fire started in the wall of the laundry room traveling into the attic and the adjacent rooms on both sides of the wall. Earlier, there was a leak in the water line in the laundry room wall. One of the residents tried to dry out the electrical panel “old style” fuse box and the wiring in that area. The home did not have working smoke alarms because the batteries were dead. Fortunately the occupants were able to get out of the home without injuries. The Red Cross is assisting the family. Continue reading Fire Displaces Longview Family

LONGVIEW – The death of a woman found in a car on Duncan Street is being investigated by Longview police. A report of a shooting resulted in officers going to the scene shortly after 5:30 Monday afternoon. They have not ruled out foul play as the cause of death. The body has been sent to Tyler for autopsy. The identity has not been released.

PALESTINE – Two persons are in custody and four being sought in connection with an aggravated assault in Anderson County. It happened over the weekend on South Highway 287. A man tells sheriff’s deputies the suspects forced their way into his apartment, demanding a pistol. When he said he did not have one, he was assaulted and so was a man from a neighboring apartment. Investigators were able to identify four suspects. Two has been arrested. Two others who have been identified are still at large. They are still trying to identify a 5th man and a blonde haired woman who drove the getaway vehicle. Continue reading Four Sought in Anderson County Aggravated Assault

TYLER – Next February, the Better Business Bureau will be holding its annual luncheon and award banquet in Tyler. They will present Awards for Excellence to three companies and one nonprofit. The awards go to those who exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of their operations. Twenty-one businesses and organizations have been nominated for the awards. Nominated in the large business category are 2C Processor USA, East Texas Copy Systems, Jennings Scrap and Salvage Company and Progress Cleaners. Continue reading BBB Award Nominees Announced

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported shooting outside a local game room Sunday night. According to KETK, deputies responded to a robbery call at an Exxon gas station on Highway 155 South just before 10:00. A woman told authorities she was inside the store playing games when she noticed three other people inside were no longer there. The woman said she returned to her her vehicle and realized her cellphone had been stolen. The victim claims three people left the scene with her phone in a black Honda civic. They also allegedly fired four shots at her as they left. The woman’s cellphone cover was thrown from the robber’s vehicle. The victim described the driver as a white male in his 50s or 60s. A younger white male and female were in the back seat. The woman said they were both wearing glasses. No injuries were reported.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of December 19th. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

Smith County construction projects updates:
Loop 323 West Widening at UPRR Underpass
*Limits: Tyler’s West Loop and SH 31
*Contractor: Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview
*Cost: $12 million
*Anticipated Completion Date: Winter 2016
General cleanup activities continue as this job nears completion. No additional work can be conducted until the railroad moves to the new permanent track and the temporary railroad bridge is removed. Meanwhile, the contractor continues to monitor the roadway throughout the project limits until the remaining work can be completed. The project includes widening Loop 323 from SH 31 to Shaw Street. The speed limit on Loop 323 in the work zone remains 45 mph from SH 64 to Shaw Street. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

LONGVIEW – Children hospitalized at Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center got some special visitors Monday. The Longview Police Department’s SWAT Team members, dressed as superheroes, rappelled down the hospital’s walls at 10:00am. Following that: a visit with the children in their unit and delivery of gifts. Longview Police Department public information officer Kristie Brian says Operation Christmas Cheer lets them demonstrate their abilities to the community and bring joy to children spending the holidays in the hospital. The hospital’s Clinical Director of Pediatrics and ICU, Metosha Brantley, says the children get very excited about the visit from the superheroes. This is the third straight year for Operation Christmas Cheer.

TYLER — The holiday season brings an increased risk of highway accidents — and Mothers Against Drunk Driving of East Texas is up and going with its annual “Tie One On for Safety” holiday campaign. Executive Director Leslie Watson says you may have noticed the red ribbons on cars, aimed at reminding you to drive safe, sober, and buckled up. You’re also advised to call a cab or ride-sharing service if necessary to ensure a safe ride home — and show support for increased law enforcement activity during the holidays. “Tie One On for Safety” is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, making it MADD’s oldest public safety awareness effort.

TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for two armed robbery suspects. Officials said a resident was taking out the trash at 2605 Old Henderson around 12:15 Monday morning, when he was reportedly held up by two black men, one armed with a handgun. The suspects forced the victim back into his home and demanded money and jewelry from a woman. The suspects reportedly threatened to shoot both victims, then assaulted the man. He sustained minor bruises to his head and knee. The woman was forced to the ground and the two suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of case and jewelry. Continue reading Tyler Police Search for Armed Robbery Suspects

TYLER — Tyler Firefighters responded to a 2-story structure fire near the intersection of Border Avenue and Selman Street around 10:15 Sunday morning. The eight residents were able to escape the home without injury. The house suffered heavy fire damage. No word on the cause of the fire. A Tyler firefighter was transported to a local hospital following a medical issue that occurred outside of the structure during the incident. The firefighter was undergoing additional testing and treatment. No word on his condition.

KILGORE — A Kilgore College student indicted this past month on conspiracy to commit sex trafficking is out on bond, under house arrest. According to the Longview News-Journal, Malik Antoine Brown, 18, of Brazoria, was arrested in November at a private dormitory in Kilgore. The judge set Brown’s bond at $50,000 before permitting his release under certain conditions. Brown — among other stipulations — must participate in a home confinement program that includes electronic monitoring, avoid contact with any victims, report on a regular basis to a pretrial service agent in Houston and stay away from places where minors are likely to visit. Continue reading Kilgore College Student Charged with Sex Trafficking

TYLER — Strong wind gusts caused issues as the cold front was coming in to East Texas. Power outages were reported in Tyler Saturday night. According to KETK, maintenance crews responded to the intersection of Charlotte and Tulsa around 5:30 regarding a tree that had fallen on a car. The tree fell on power lines causing power outages throughout that area. Oncor reported 113 people in that neighborhood were without power.

KILGORE — Kilgore Detectives, along with FBI Tyler, are investigating a bank robbery. It happened just before 5:00 Friday evening at the Citizen’s National Bank, 410 N. Main Street. The suspect was armed with a handgun and fled the location with an undetermined amount of cash. He’s described as a Hispanic man, between 5’4 and 5’8, with a slim build, in his 30’s or 40’s. He was said to be wearing a black jacket, black pants with a stripe and a black “beenie” hat. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information in regards to this crime can contact Detective Sergeant Trae Portwood at 903-218-6905. Please refer to case #1612-0991. Continue reading Kilgore Bank Robbery Under Investigation

TYLER – When Zackary Hammack of Flint came to Tyler Junior College his interest was in architecture. He now has designs on outer space. Hammack became immersed in TJC’s engineering design technology courses. With his change of focus, he applied and was accepted in the the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program. He was one of only 41 community college students to be accepted. This summer he spent some time at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. He graduates in May with an Associate of Applied Science degree in engineering design technology. He’s now applying for an internship with NASA.

LONGVIEW – The Gregg County grand jury has indicted a Kilgore man this week in a fatal accident this past spring. Indicted for intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle is 33 year old Thomas Elliot Henkel. Police say he caused a wreck that killed a Harleton teenager on June 8th. Henkle was driving on West Loop 281 when his vehicle crossed over the center median hitting a car driven by 16 year old Lauren Elrod. She was ejected from her vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Henkle remains free on a $100,000 bond.

LONGVIEW – LeTourneau University has been named to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of the Best College Values nationwide for 2017. The school earned the #78 spot on the magazine’s list of 100 best values among private universities for the second consecutive year. Kiplinger’s quality measures, which are weighted more heavily than cost, include the admission rate, the percentage of students who return for sophomore year, the student-faculty ratio and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include sticker price, financial aid and average debt at graduation. Unlike other rankings, which include subjective criteria in their assessments, Kiplinger restricts its analysis to measurable standards of academic quality and affordability.Texas schools that made the top 100 private schools list were, in ranked order, Rice University in Houston, Trinity University in San Antonio, Baylor University in Waco, LeTourneau University in Longview, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

TYLER — Tyler Police are asking for the public’s help with returning an elderly man home. Authorities responded to the Sleep Inn, 555 S. Donnybrook, in response to a confused elderly Hispanic man wondering around the front of the hotel. The man told officers his name was Deojenes Vella, age 91. Officials said they were not sure of the correct spelling and they had no record of him. They also said they have not received any calls reporting the man missing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tyler Police, 903-531-1000.

Authorities continue looking for the suspects wanted in the Spin-Win game room robbery. It happened around 8:15 Thursday morning when two armed men entered the business. A security guard began to fight with the men. The fight moved to the parking lot where the employee fired at the suspects. It is not known if they were hit. A witness said the suspects fled in a white SUV, possibly a 4-door Jeep Patriot.