KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Monday April 8 is the eagerly anticipated total solar eclipse. Our news partner KETK shared some tips from state officials to keep you safe this weekend and Monday.

TxDOT issued a statement warning residents of some East Texas areas that they anticipate will see heavy traffic on Monday. TxDOT listed the following roads for potential heavy traffic: I-20, State Highway 64, State Highway 31, US 175, State Highway 198, US 69, State Highway 19, State Highway 155, Loop 323, US 79, US 271, US 80 and State Highway 243
Continue reading East Texas eclipse day traffic and safety tips

HARRISON COUNTY – A Harrison County Court sentences a man to a 30 year prison term for fentanyl possession. According to our news partner, KETK, 41-year-old Brian Okeith Tucker was arrested by Marshall Police in January 2022 after a traffic stop revealed that Tucker’s vehicle smelled of marijuana. The Harrison County District Attorney’s Office said in a release, the subsequent vehicle search yielded ecstasy pills, a small safe with six jars of marijuana, and two other bottles with 157 pills labeled as hydrocodone, A lab test of the pills shown them to be actually fentanyl.

Patrol officers at Tucker’s trial said they were familiar with him, And, that on two other times, Tucker had failed to have a valid drivers license. Jurors were also informed that Tucker had two previous drug convictions in 2016.

Assistant Harrison County District Attorney Brendan Roth stated that, ” it is hoped that this verdict does send a strong message to the drug dealers of Harrison County that those who choose to deal narcotics in here, will be vigilantly investigated and prosecuted.”

TYLER – A Tyler man, who was formerly on the DPS 10 Most Wanted Fugitive List, has been sentenced to 50 years in jail for a 2021 murder. According to our news partner KETK, Dakevian Scroggins, 29, was sentenced to 50 years in prison after being found guilty of murdering Christopher Frank Eiglebiger. Scroggins was apprehended in June after being on the run for two months. One of his associates, 26-year-old Zaccheus Dunn, was arrested two days after the shooting. Dunn was then found guilty and we sentenced to 44 years in prison in connection to Eiglebiger’s murder.

TYLER – On Thursday, April 4, Tyler Animal Services was notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services that one skunk submitted for analysis tested positive for rabies.  The skunk was found near the 3000 block of Salado Creek Drive. Those people and animals found to have been exposed to the skunk was been identified.

Tyler Animal Services say its very important for people not to handle bats, skunks, raccoons or other wild animals. And, If a person is bitten by an animal, the incident must be reported to them. Tyler Animal Services advises all pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats are currently vaccinated for rabies. Preventative immunization for rabies is the only effective defense against this fatal disease.

City of Tyler and Smith County Ordinance requires regular rabies shots for all dogs and cats. Failing to do so, is a Class C misdemeanor. If you have questions about rabies control, click on Tyler Animal Services website.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The SPCA of Texas has removed 17 dogs from a Van Zandt County home, all were neglected and a man has been charged in the case. According to our news partner KETK, arrested was Kory Wayne Kimble who was charged with cruelty of non-livestock animals. The SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit removed 16 Cocker Spaniel dogs and a Boxer dog from a house, all that were “allegedly cruelly confined to deplorable living conditions.” The unit reportedly found the house to be covered in feces and urine.
Continue reading Van Zandt County authorities rescue 17 dogs from home

TYLER – Brookshire’s Grocery Company presented a check worth more than $184,000 on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the check is to be split between several non-profits that was raised during their Fresh 15 race. “We’re beyond proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who made it possible,” Fresh 15 organizers said. “Together, over the past 11 years, we’ve donated over $1.7 million to many deserving charities in East Texas.” According to the grocery company, they donation of $184,500 is the largest amount they have ever raised. The money will be split between 30 organizations. Fresh 15 Race Director Ashleigh Endicot said, organizations apply every year to become recipients and they choose non-profits that best align with the promotion of the race. “We are a team that comes together and able to impact our community directly, you know over the 11 years we’ve given back $1.7 million right here, so it’s not like is going somewhere else it’s coming directly into the community that we live,” Endicot said.

GROVETON – The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking your help in finding a missing 72-year-old man.
According to our news partner KETK, W.J. Wallace was seen around midnight Monday March 25 on West First Street in Groveton. The DPS describes Mr. Wallace as an African American elderly man with brown eyes and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a red long sleeve shirt, brown pants, white shoes and a baseball cap.

Anyone with information on the location of W.J. Wallace is asked to contact the Onalaska Police Department at 936-646-5676.

UPSHUR COUNTY – A Diana man was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to murdering a longtime friend with an ax. According to our news partner KETK, 34-year-old Jeffrey David Swanner of Diana was convicted in the murder of 60 year-old Kenneth Burcalow, also of Diana.

The Upshur County DA said in release, that in April of 2021, the two men were in a violent argunent influenced by alcohol and meth. Swanner hit Burcalow with an ax, causing him to bleed to death. Swanner told authorities at the time of the murder, he hit Burcalow with the ax after seeing “demons,” and believing Burcalow was attacking him.

Swanner left the murder scene, but was later found. He was sent to a state hospital after he was found to be incompetent. Swanner was later sent back back to Upshur County after authorities found him “being restored to competency.”

TYLER – Patrick Mahomes Sr. was indicted last week for driving while intoxicated a third time or more, a third-degree felony. According to our news partner KETK, the 53-year-old Mahomes Sr. was arrested in Tyler Feb. 3. At that time, a Tyler Police officer stopped Mahomes on West Gentry Park for driving slowly. The officer then discovered an open can of beer in the vehicles center console.

A driving while intoxicated third or more offense is classified as a third-degree felony, as opposed to the first two which are classified as misdemeanors. A conviction for a third DWI results in a prison sentence of no less than two years, no more than 10 years and up to $10,000 in fines.
The indictment was filed on March 28.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – A Van Zandt County Judge issued a disaster declaration before the total solar eclipse coming up on April 8. According to our news partner KETK, the disaster was declared from April 5-April 9. Officials with the county say the declaration will give the county more options during that time. Van Zandt County will be in the path of totality for up to four minutes on April 8 around 12:24 p.m. The county expects a drastic increase in population and a strain on their resources.

County Judge Andy Reese said in the disaster declaration, “We are expecting a large influx of people, overcrowding of our roads and parking lots, possible fuel and food shortages and possible limited cell phone service. We would encourage Van Zandt County residents to stay home and avoid driving if possible on April 8, expect travel delays and know alternate routes, fuel up vehicles, purchase groceries and supplies and refill prescriptions prior to the event.”

Judge Reese also submitted a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, asking for a state-issued declaration of disaster as well.

JACKSONVILLE – One person is dead and another is in critical condition after a Monday night shooting in Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK, a 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder. Because he’s a juvenile, his name will not be released. The victims in the shooting have been identified as a pair of brothers from Bullard. The The 15-year-old was killed, while the 17-year-old remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Jacksonville Police said in a release, they were alerted to the shooting on South Jackson Street around 10:22 p.m. Monday. When law enforcement arrived, they found the two brothers with gunshot wounds. They were taken to seperate hospitals where one brother died and the other is in critical condition. Jacksonville PD with the help of the Texas Rangers are continuing their investigation into the case. They ask if you have information, to call them at 903-586-2546.

LONGVIEW – Officials for the annual 2024 Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview have announced the entertainment card for the event. According to our news partner KETK, this years headliner is country singer Mark Wills. The 50-year-old Georgia native had a number six hit nationally in 1996 with ‘Jacob’s Ladder’. Wills followed that up with ‘I Do (Cherish You)’, which was number two on the country charts.

On Friday Night June 14, Jenn Ford and the Wide Eyed Devils along with The Hollow Decks will be taking the stage. On Saturday night, Texas native and country singer Danielle Bradberry, who also won Season 4 of NBC’s The Voice will open the night. With Mark Wills headlining the evening.

The Great Texas Balloon Race begins June 12 with a competition flight over Longview. To buy tickets and to get more information on the Great Texas Balloon Race, click here.

TYLER – Our news partner KETK reports that Lance Phillips, 40, has been arrested on multiple charges including the assault of a public servant. He was held in contempt at a meeting where he signed up to give public comment on three agenda items. A video shows Phillips saying he is with God and reciting scripture from Ephesians. Smith County Judge Neal Franklin can be heard shortly after reminding Phillips to speak only on the agenda items. He was then seen leaving the court escorted by officers while shouting his arrest goes against his First Amendment rights. Lance was booked into the Smith County Jail for contempt, resisting arrest, hindering proceedings by disorderly conduct and assault of a public servant. His bonds total $200,000.

LUFKIN – A 2-year-old is dead after he was found unresponsive in a pond at a family gathering on Sunday in Lufkin according to our news partners at KETK. According to the Lufkin Police Department, officials responded to a family gathering at around 7 p.m. on Sunday after a 2-year-old of the family was found unresponsive in a pond. According to a statement from police, the family immediately began life-saving measures, which were continued by officials upon their arrival. According to the Lufkin PD, paramedics took the child to a local hospital where he later died. Continue reading Toddler dead after falling into pond

CARTHAGE – A Carthage High School teacher has been named as one of 50 finalists statewide for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. According to our news partner, Carthage High School teacher Catherine Jackson is a finalist for a Lifetime Achievement Award. H-E-B said in a release, that 50 finalists were named statewide. Teacher finalists received a $1,000 check for themselves while their schools received a $1,500 check. Officials at Carthage ISD said that as a finalist, Jackson is eligible to win a $25,000 prize for herself and a $25,000 grant for Carthage ISD. Those will be announced on May 5.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department said a student was apprehended after they allegedly made a terroristic threat to Pine Tree ISD on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, officials said were made aware of the threat on a social media platform Sunday around around 11 p.m. After an investigation by Longview Police, the student was taken into custody, charged with make a terroristic and is currently in the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating after a man was shot in the ankle Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, officers said they received conflicting stories about where the shooting took place, but said a property on Lenox Avenue is of interest to the investigation. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of the not life-threatening injury. Tyler Police Department Public Information officer Andy Erbaugh said investigation is ongoing.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine received a $400,000 gift from an anonymous donor to support the hospice and palliative medicine fellowship. According to a press release from the school, the purpose of the gift is to retain physicians in the East Texas region. After a doctor graduates from medical school and residency, completing a fellowship can offer them additional specialization and differentiate them from other candidates. As the last piece of a physician’s medical education, a fellowship often determines where they stay for the rest of their practice.

“This generous donation to our hospice and palliative medicine fellowship program signifies a significant step forward in our mission to provide exceptional health care services to the East Texas community,” said Dr. Brigham C. Willis, School of Medicine founding dean. Continue reading UT Tyler School of Medicine receives $400k from anonymous donor

LINDALE – The Tyler district of the Texas Department of Transportation said that Interstate 20 westbound at US Highway 69 will be closed until noon on Monday. The closure is needed as crews will be setting up large cranes in the westbound lanes to haul away a heavy load stuck in the median since last month, according to TxDOT. I-20 westbound will exit the interstate at exit 557 and will go north through Lindale on US 69 to FM 16 and back to I-20 by taking FM 849 south through Hideaway.

The northbound outside lane of US 69 will also be temporarily closed off to help I-20 traffic get redirected onto US 69. TxDOT asked motorists to plan ahead, follow posted signs and prepare for delays.

EMORY – The Texas Department of Public Safety said that Rains County Justice of the Peace Robert Jenkins Franklin was arrested last Thursday for driving while intoxicated. According to our news partner KETK, on Wednesday night March 20, a Rains County Sheriff’s deputy was asked to check a suspicious vehicle that had its brake lights on and the driver sitting in it for an hour. The officer found the driver was the 44-year-old Franklin of Alba. The deputies report said that several open alcoholic beverage containers were in the truck. And, that Franklin had a strong smell of alcohol on his breath.
Continue reading Rains County JP arrested for drunk driving

HAWKINS — Thursday during Hawkins’ city council meeting, the chief of police resigned. According to our news partner KETK, he is the second chief to resign in the span of two years. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the resignation of the municipal court judge and the two-week notices of the police chief and two officers. The city council approved the resignation of the Municipal Court Judge Kyle Waggner before going into executive session for 45 minutes.
Continue reading East Texas town loses another police chief

ANGELINA COUNTY — The Angelina County Commissioners Court approved a $1 million grant that will add five new beds to the juvenile detention center according to our news partners at KETK. Mark Gorman, the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer of Angelina County, met with the court during their regular session on Tuesday asking the court to approve a $1 million Texas Juvenile Justice Department Detention Expansion grant. The Angelina County Juvenile Detention Center Services is a hybrid department ran by the county and state. Gorman said by statute, the center is a county department, with the county providing equipment buildings and office space. The center also entered into a contract with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department primarily for services including counseling, salary and fringe operating. Continue reading One million dollar grant in Angelina County for detention center

HENDERSON COUNTY — It took years, but an intellectually disabled Texas inmate has been re-sentenced from death to life without the possibility of parole by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Randall Mays was condemned in 2008 for gunning down two Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputies. Six years before that, in 2002, the US Supreme Court decided that people with an IQ below 70 cannot be executed. Mays has an IQ of 63. Benjamin Wollf with the Texas Office of Capital and Forensic Writs helped represent Hayes and says the death penalty should only be used on those who qualify. Mays has had three execution dates come and go.

EAST TEXAS — Texas Department of Motor Vehicles issued a bulletin Wednesday regarding the April 8th Eclipse and big-trucks. Due to the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, that is expected to cause severe traffic delays, no size/weight permitted travel will be allowed on that day from midnight to midnight in the following counties:

Anderson, Atascosa, Bandera, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Bosque, Bowie, Brown, Burnet, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Coleman, Collin, Comal, Comanche, Coryell, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Dimmit, Edwards, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Frio, Gillespie, Grayson, Gregg, Hamilton, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lamar, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, Llano, Marion, Mason, Maverick, McLennan, McCulloch, Medina, Menard, Milam, Mills, Morris, Navarro, Parker, Rains, Real, Red River, Robertson, Rockwall, San Saba, Smith, Somervell, Sutton, Tarrant, Titus, Travis, Upshur, Uvalde, Val Verde, Van Zandt, Williamson, Wood, and Zavala. Continue reading DMV issues special Eclipse restrictions