KTBB News, Weather, Talk

Bullard – Bullard High School is now a member of the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll. The school received bronze-level honor roll recognition for the success of its 2023-2024 AP programs. Schools earn this recognition by meeting criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. Continue reading Bullard High School earns AP School Honor Roll recognition

RUSK – Officials from Rusk ISD Friday addressed on a social media post, what they call an “incident” at Rusk ISD, that happened on October 2. Parents say the incident was caught on video, reportedly showing a student being assaulted in an administrative office. The video has been shared extensively on social media. Rusk ISD did not explain the nature of the “incident” in their statement. District officials also said that guardians of all students involved were informed immediately after the incident and they plan to work with the guardians to seek a resolution.

The Facebook post went onto to say, “Rusk ISD will have zero tolerance for this type of behavior from our students and while we cannot discuss individual disciplinary actions, please know that we will follow state education codes and local policies to ensure the disciplinary consequences align with the seriousness of the offense,” according to the district. “The safety of our students remains our top priority, and we will continue to review our policies and procedures to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone on campus.”

HENDERSON — Over the past decade, public school enrollment has been declining across the nation. Now, that trend is starting to impact at least two school districts in East Texas, according to our news partners at KETK. At Palestine ISD, Director of Public Relations Larissa Loveless said she has worked for their district for 24 years. When she first started, she was an elementary school principal, and their campus had about 740 students. This year, that number is about 670 students. This trend is one her district has seen over the past 3 to 5 years, lower enrollment in lower grade levels and higher enrollment in middle school and high school. This year, their kindergarten class has 188 students, but in previous years, Loveless said they’ve had 225-240 students in that class. Continue reading How low enrollment could affect East Texas schools

WHITEHOUSE – A property owner and Atmos Energy have been at odds over the installation of a natural gas pipeline according to our news partner KETK. With a civil jury trial set, construction continues.

Anthony and his wife Pamela moved to Whitehouse three years ago in search of a dome-shaped home with lots of shade for his medical conditions. “They’ve made my sanctuary into a prison,” Anthony Voss, property owner, said. “I have light sensitivity, being a disabled vet, and eye issues,” Anthony said.

Soon after, they received a letter from Atmos Energy informing the Voss’ they were planning to place a natural gas pipeline through their property. Leading to a long legal battle.

“They just wouldn’t work with us, even though they bored, they’re planning on boring, they could leave the trees, but they decided not to,” Anthony said. Continue reading Energy company and property owner at odds over pipeline

SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, the Troup Volunteer Fire Department declined to renew their contract with Smith County Emergency Service District 2 (ESD2) after claiming expectations are too high. The ESD provides volunteer stations with necessities otherwise hard to obtain without funding.

Though Troup is situated between Smith and Cherokee county, Troup VFD’s decline to recontract with the ESD will allow them to only serve Cherokee county. Now, ESD2’s Troup station off Wilkinson Street will be handling all calls in the community and claim response time will not be a problem.

ESD2 was created by 11 volunteer fire stations in Smith County back in 2007 to help cover Smith county volunteer stations that were not fully staffed. Now, Chief Dustin Rust of the Troup Volunteer Fire Department said the expectation by the ESD are dwindling their man power from 30 to 5 volunteers.

“We’re a volunteer department, anything we can do to help the citizens is great, but when my numbers start falling and I can’t do my job and I can’t guarantee our level of service to people, it’s time to make a change somewhere,” Troup Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dustin Rust said. Continue reading Troup VFD declines contract with Smith County

LINDALE — The Lindale Fire Department responded to a crash of an 18-wheeler on Thursday after the tanker rolled over and spilled about 5,000 gallons of hot asphalt. According to our news partner KETK, the tanker rolled over and crashed at I-20 and mile marker 548, westbound near Lindale. The driver of the 18-wheeler was taken to a hospital, their condition is unknown.

Initially, Smith County ESD2 used their plow to help contain the spill. As of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, a hazmat crew was at the scene working to clean up the spill.

The Lindale Fire Department said on their Facebook page the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

TYLER – Even with it being October, hot and dry weather is persisting. This can create a fire hazard. Some counties in East Texas have issued burn bans. You can see the list provided from our news partner KETK with this link.

PALESTINE – A Palestine High School student was removed from campus after weapons were found in a vehicle on Thursday morning. According to our news partner KETK, a routine check from a drug dog alerted school officials of a rifle and a “small machete” that were discovered in the vehicle.

Palestine ISD said in a release that, “Parents were notified, and the student removed from the campus pending further investigation.”

SMITH COUNTY – The Lindale Fire Department reports a traffic wreck involving a rolled over 18-wheeler. The wreck is stalling westbound traffic on I-20, west of Lindale at mile marker 548. The Lindale FD Facebook page said “This is currently a hazmat incident and Lonestar Hazmat is responding.” Officials added that traffic is down to one lane in the crash area and as of 2 p.m. clean-up will take several hours.

Also on Thursday, Lindale Fire units responded to the scene of a three vehicle accident that happened around 3 p.m. at I-20 and mile marker 552 westbound. In both cases traffic is being diverted. Lindale Fire Department asks drivers to continue to use caution and avoid the accident areas.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report that two people died in a crash on Highway 19, roughly one mile south of U.S. 80 last Saturday around 7:54 p.m. A crash report from DPS states 63-year-old Karen Carlisle of Wills Point was driving a 2014 Ford Focus north on Highway 19 while 24-year-old Sara Stoehr of Larue was traveling south in a 2019 Dodge Journey. Both Carlisle and Stoehr died. Three minors in the car with Stoehr were taken to a children’s hospital in Dallas. DPS’s investigation into the crash is ongoing.

WINNSBORO — The Winnsboro Police Department announced the passing of one of their own Thursday morning.According to our news partner KETK, the police department said Assistant Chief David Scott Sewell passed away early Thursday and shared that he was a beloved member of the community. Sewell who joined Winnsboro PD in 2016 also served the Northeast Texas region for 39 years.

“Please keep his family, friends and the department in your prayers as we navigate this difficult time,” the police department said.

ANGELINA COUNTY — A 21-year-old man caught on surveillance camera robbing a convenience store on Wednesday in Angelina County has been arrested. According to Sheriff Tom Selman and our news partner KETK, a convenience store in the Pollok area on U.S. Highway 69 between Lufkin and Wells was robbed at around 9:00 a.m. when a man entered the store and approached the cashier with a handgun. The sheriff’s office said the man took the money and left toward Wells in a green Ford Expedition. The cashier was able to take a picture of the vehicle and partial license plate number which was then shared to local law enforcement.

The Lufkin Police Department was then able to get the full license plate and alerted the sheriff’s deputies that the vehicle was registered off Quarles Road in the county. Continue reading East Texas armed robbery suspect arrested

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, Longview ISD hosted a town hall meeting for educational leaders and Texas lawmakers to make sure their voices are heard, and needs like funding are understood. Basic allotment, which determines how much money public schools get for each student, hasn’t been updated in half a decade.

The meeting comes ahead of the next legislative session, after the previous session didn’t pass house bill one which would have provided more money to schools. Major topics of the discussion that created the most buzz were school choice, basic allotment funding and the mental health of students and faculty. Local representatives heard from districts firsthand, and hopefully can apply what they learned in January at the next legislative session.

For Longview superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard, funding is something she says her schools and others need in order to continue providing a quality education.

“Money, we all need money,” Sheppard said. “Right now, we are in a crisis as far as funding is concerned, we’ve not had an increase in five or six years and so for us with inflation, teachers needing raises, children becoming more costly to educate, then we all need more money.” Continue reading Texas lawmakers hear from educators in Longview

Tyler PD announced Wednesday afternoon that Mann was found safe in his vehicle in Lindale
TYLER — The Tyler Police Department said an investigation is underway for a 25-year-old Tyler man. According to our news partner KETK, missing is Christian Mann. TPD Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said Mann is described as having brown hair and hazel eyes and being 6 foot 1 inch and weighs approximately 160 pounds.

Mann was driving a black 2017/2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. He was last seen on Sunday. Erbaugh added on Wednesday, that no foul play is suspected at this time. Police ask if you have information on the location of Christian Mann to call the the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.

PANOLA COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report that an East Texas church is seeking donations for victims affected by Hurricane Helene. Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Beckville will head to Asheville, North Carolina on Friday morning with supplies to those affected by the hurricane, Gary ISD said. ccording to a report, at least 152 people in six states have died including many who were hit by falling trees or trapped in flooded cars and homes. A majority of the deaths were in North Carolina and dozens were in South Carolina and Georgia. More than 150,000 households have reportedly registered for assistance with FEMA and that number is expected to rise. Continue reading East Texas church to take supplies for Hurricane Helene victims

UPDATE: As of early Wednesday afternoon, the Lindale Fire Department has cleared the roadway.
LINDALE — A major traffic issue this morning on west-bound I-20, just past Highway 69/mile marker 556. An overturned 18-wheeler is blocking the westbound lanes of traffic. Drivers are being diverted off the Interstate at the Hwy 69 exit. Drivers can also exit at FM 14 or Lavender Road. Expect lengthy delays.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Police Department is seeking stuffed animals for children “going through tough times.” They are accepting donations of new or gently used stuffed animals. According to our news partner KETK, the police department says they use the stuffed animals to comfort children in times of need. People can drop off their donations at the Faulkner Park or Ferguson police stations.

ATHENS – Our news partners at KETK report a wanted man is behind bars for being in possession of a stolen pickup and a large amount of suspected methamphetamine, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said. The sheriff’s office said investigators conducted a traffic stop at around 2:45 p.m. on Monday at the 700 block of West College Street on a pickup reported stolen out of Gun Barrel City. “Investigators made contact with the driver, Matthew Schark who was also the suspect in the theft of the pickup,” HCSO said. After Schark was taken into custody for possession of the stolen vehicle, the sheriff’s office said investigators searched the truck and discovered several packages of suspected methamphetamine. Continue reading Wanted East Texas man found with meth, stolen truck

TATUM – Our news partners at KETK say that while responding to a Tatum house fire Sunday evening, authorities found “a very large amount of illegal narcotics,” thousands of dollars and several postal boxes. According to the Tatum Police Department, at around 5:30 p.m. officers were called to help with a house fire in the city. When officers arrived they found a truck blocking the entrance to the property so they had to jump in and move it to allow the fire department access since no one was around, officials said. Once inside the property, responders worked on putting out the house fire before it reached a travel trailer right next door.

“Our officers and our handy dandy volunteer firefighters were on top of the situation and although the fire burned underneath the trailer they got it put out and saved the travel trailer,” the police department said. Officials entered the trailer as part of a thorough investigation to make sure the trailer was not on fire and discovered several illegal items. “A very large amount of illegal narcotics, a very large amount of U.S. postal boxes, and post office packaging boxes,” the police department said. “A large amount of THC wax, packaged mushrooms, a large amount of vapes, not the kind that you can legally buy down at the store, and several thousands of dollars in bundles.” Continue reading House fire leads to large amount of narcotics, money

WOOD COUNTY – At least three burglary suspects took firearms from unlocked vehicles Sunday night near FM 17 and CR 1600, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office said. According to our news partner KETK, several unlocked vehicles were burglarized in the area as well as in Van Zandt County. The sheriff’s office is asking residents to lock their vehicles and to not leave those kind of items inside.

“The suspect vehicle appears to be a Ford F-150. If you recognize any of these suspects or suspect vehicle please give the Wood County Sheriff’s Office a call or Wood County Crime Stoppers,” the sheriff’s office said.

TYLER – The City Of Tyler has announced street repairs in Tyler’s medical district beginning Monday, Oct. 7 and running through Friday, Oct. 18. East Dawson Street will be closed from the entrance of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital and the parking garage to South Fleishel Avenue for street repairs. All hospital traffic will need to enter from South Beckham Avenue.

MARSHALL – Our news partners at KETK report that after three years on the run a Marshall man has been arrested for felony warrants following a Saturday standoff, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said. According to the sheriff’s office, violent crime and the narcotics task force got a search warrant for the suspects house on Private Road 4035. Officers with the task force contacted 36-year-old Brian Demond George, of Marshall, and told him through the phone to exit the house peacefully, HCSO said. “George told task force officers that he was not home and hung up,” the sheriff’s office said To force George out of the house, the sheriff’s office said the emergency response team deployed gas but he still did not exit. At the time of Brian Demond George’s arrest. “The task force knew George was not known for his honesty, so the Harrison County ERT entered George’s residence,” the sheriff’s office said. “Once inside, George was located in the back bedroom, and after approximately three years on the run, he was placed under arrest.” Continue reading Marshall man arrested after ‘three years on the run’

WASKOM – According to our news partner KETK. three members of a California fire and rescue team were injured in a crash in Waskom while driving to the East Coast to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The San Diego firefighters were traveling in their Ford F-350 truck when they were involved in a collision on Interstate 20 near the border of Texas and Louisiana around 2:45 a.m. Sunday. Mónica Muñoz, a spokesperson for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD), said the injured firefighters were flown to a hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, for treatment. The remaining crew members were sent to Waskom, Texas, to await further instructions.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

“The news of this crash is devastating. We are doing everything we can to offer support to our department and those team members and their families who were part of this deployment,” said SDFD Assistant Chief James Gaboury.
Continue reading California firefighters hurt in Waskom crash

LIVINGSTON – On Friday, Republicans and Democrats from the Texas House of Representatives met with death row inmate and Palestine native, Robert Roberson according to our news partner KETK. Roberson is scheduled to be put to death by the State of Texas on Oct. 17 amid questions about the science provided to secure that sentence and bipartisan calls for clemency.

Twenty-one years ago, Roberson was convicted of murdering his daughter Nikki, who doctors at the time of the trial said had suffered from a version of shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis that has come under question by scientists. Gretchen Sween, an attorney for Roberson, said the case was a tragedy, not a crime.

“This isn’t just about Robert, this is about other people like Robert in similar situations and maybe not just on death row,” said Republican State Rep. Lacey Hull of Houston. “His case is not unique, his case and his hope and all of our hope, is to shine a light on this and to make the necessary reforms to where we are not executing or imprisoning innocent people.” Continue reading Texas lawmakers meet with Palestine man on death row