KTBB News, Weather, Talk

DALLAS — The Dallas Morning News and UT-Tyler have released their latest polling numbers for the Texas governor’s race. The poll shows that in a three-way race, Governor Abbott leads both Democrat Beto O’Rourke and actor Matthew McConaughey. In a matchup of Abbott and O’Rourke, Abbott leads by 6 percentage points, 45 to 39%. And the poll goes on to show McConaughey currently leading O’Rourke by a 2 to 1 margin, although McConaughey’s not even running yet — and has been unclear about whether he would run as a Republican or Democrat. Still, 40% want him to run. Among Republican voters, the poll shows the governor with a huge lead over his three closest challengers.

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. Tyler maintenance will have two crews performing patch work in various locations throughout Smith County. A sweeper truck and truck-mounted attenuator (TMA) will also be performing work in various locations. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic with one-way traffic setups. Longview maintenance plans begin ditching operations on US 259 North, southbound from Tryon Rd. to US 80. Crews will also perform ditching on South Loop 281 westbound from US 259 North to Fourth St. Crews will also be patching and picking up debris on various roadways throughout Gregg County. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — On Sunday morning, a DPS trooper arrested a drunk wrong-way driver who ran away after he crashed into an 18-wheeler on I-20 in Van Zandt County. According to our news partner KETK, Christian Gomez was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes when he collided with the 18-wheeler at the 529-mile marker near FM 1255. The vehicle then caught fire and Gomez fled on foot. He was captured a short time later by a DPS trooper and was taken to a local hospital with unknown injuries. Sheriff Steve Hendrix said it appeared alcohol was the cause of the crash.

ANDERSON COUNTY – The Texas Rangers are investigating a shooting of an Anderson County man. According to our news partner KETK, Anderson County Sheriff deputies answered a disturbance call late Friday night in rural Anderson county. There officers found 34-year-old Dave Ismaili Gonzales Jr. armed with a gun. He was agitated and confronted deputies. This went on for several minutes, with Gonzales refusing to drop the weapon. When he aimed his gun at deputies, they responded with force fearing for their lives. Gonzales was shot several times. He was then taken to Palestine for immediate medical care, then transferred to a Tyler hospital. Gonzales remains in stable condition.

HENDERSON – The Henderson Police Department was notified of an inappropriate video that had been reported by a student at the Henderson Middle School. According to our news partner KETK, an HPD school detective and resource officer discovered that 18-year-old Dallas Alexander was identified as the suspect. Alexander was arrested on November 16th on warrants for possession with intent to promote child pornography and sexual assault. Alexander posted bond and was released from the Rusk County Jail. The investigation continues and the Henderson Police Department requests that anyone with information to please contact them.

SMITH COUNTY — Warrants revealed new details of an alleged theft by Smith County Pct. 1 Constable Curtis Harris and two of his deputies, Chief Deputy LaQuenda Banks and Sergeant Derrick Holman. According to our news partner KETK, back in January, Harris and two of his deputies, Chief Deputy LaQuenda Banks and Sergeant Derrick Holman were executing a writ of possession on a rental property at Cascades Court in Tyler. The warrant states that they found “drugs, drug paraphernalia, guns, and money.” In a bedroom/bathroom area, Banks can be heard saying, “I cut it off” followed by the sound of her body camera turning on. The warrant does not state what camera recorded that statement before she turned hers on. Continue reading Warrants against Constable, deputies detail theft from home caught on bodycam

LONGVIEW — A federal grand jury indicted a Longview man for allegedly stealing checks from post office boxes and using them at different Walmart stores. According to our news partner KETK, Daniel Roach, 37, was indicted on Nov. 17 on six counts of mail theft and one count of wire fraud. The Tool Police Department arrested Roach on Oct. 20. From Aug. 1 to Oct. 20, 2021, Roach stole checks from envelopes that were inside post office boxes, said the indictment. Then, he altered the checks and used them at Walmart stores in Gun Barrel City, Athens and Canton. Roach returned the merchandise he purchased later to Walmart for cash. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the offenses. Roach is currently booked into the Henderson County Jail without bond.

AUSTIN – The University of Texas System Board of Regents authorized the University of Texas at Tyler to purchase land for its school of medicine. UT Tyler intends to finalize the purchase of approximately five acres of land located in the heart of the medical district. In a news release, UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife states  “Acquiring land for the medical education building is yet another important milestone toward the establishment of the medical school and the transform healthcare in North East Texas.”  The medical school expects to welcome its inaugural class of 40 students in June 2023.

TYLER — A Smith County jury sentenced 42-year-old Patrick Johnson to life in prison Wednesday for aggravated kidnapping and continuous violence against a family member. Prosecutors presented evidence that in April 2018, Johnson confined his girlfriend in a hotel room for hours and repeatedly assaulted her by hitting her in the face and strangling her, causing the victim to lose consciousness. Prosecutors say the victim was only able to escape after showing Johnson that she had dialed 911, which they say led to Johnson fleeing the scene. According to a news release from the District Attorney’s Office, the jury also heard evidence of Johnson’s violent criminal history, which included multiple convictions for domestic battery and strangulation out of Louisiana.

HUNT COUNTY — A UT Health paramedic from Frankston died in a two-vehicle crash involving an ambulance in Hunt County. He has been identified as David Eads, 42, who was driving the ambulance. According to our news partner KETK, DPS Troopers received a call Wednesday around 6:55 p.m. regarding a major crash on U.S. 69 north of Greenville. A Peterbilt rock-hauler truck was backing up across the two lanes of traffic along U.S. 69. The ambulance was heading south on U.S. 69 and crashed into the truck-tractor, killing Eads. The passenger of the ambulance was transported to UT Health East Texas in stable condition. The driver of the truck-tractor was not injured. A citation was also issued to the driver of the Peterbilt rock-hauler truck for the violation of backing without safety. Continue reading UT Health paramedic dies in 2-vehicle crash

TYLER — The final pouring of the new Rose Complex center slab was performed Thursday morning, and Tyler Mayor Don Warren was on hand. He told us all went well and gave a rundown of what’s next. According to Warren, crews will be pouring the walls over the next month or so, and they’ll be erected around early January. He says for now, there likely won’t be a lot of movement on the walls, “but once you do see movement, it’ll be quick.” Warren also said everything is on track. He told us, “It’s phenomenal…the materials have been ordered…they’re being warehoused or shipped, and…we’re still looking at next fall as a completion date.” The facility will replace now-demolished Harvey Convention Center as part of a reworked complex that will see other changes as well.

MARSHALL — As of 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, the water has been restored to homes affected during a temporary shut-off in Marshall. Earlier Wednesday, water on South Garrett, Mildred Lee Avenue, and Wingwood Drive was temporarily shut off to allow contractors to tie in a new 12” water main on Travis Street. Officials say the changeover to the new water main was completed successfully without incident.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert says he’ll have an announcement by Saturday on whether he’ll run for Texas attorney general. Gohmert said last week he’d seek the post if he could raise a million dollars in ten days. He updated KTBB Wednesday afternoon, saying he doesn’t know exactly where things stand but that he will be having further conversations on the topic after this week’s session is completed. Gohmert also voiced his support of the “NICE,” or National Informed Consent Exemption, Act. According to Gohmert, “It says nobody can be forced to take a vaccination until they’ve discussed it with their physician, understand the risks — and then make an informed decision about whether or not to get it. Otherwise…they cannot be compelled to take the vaccination.” The act is currently making its way through Congress. Gohmert joins the growing chorus of people targeting vaccine mandates.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview has scheduled a virtual public meeting for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, to discuss the public input received regarding the Mobberly Avenue Complete Street Project. Officials are due to present draft conceptual designs that incorporate feedback from two public meetings as well as those who work and live along Mobberly Avenue. According to a news release, the project will consist of reducing the number of travel lanes from 5 to 3 to add buffered bike lanes and improve existing sidewalks. The stated goal of the project is to make Mobberly Avenue safe and accessible for both pedestrians and cyclists and efficiently manage existing and future traffic demands. Click here for all the details.

MARSHALL — The city of Marshall is offering an update on its early warning sirens. Officials say some the sirens did not activate during severe weather October 27. According to a city news release, “Diagnoses of the issues have since been determined and repairs to the defective sirens are scheduled to be made as soon as possible. Though no injuries or any significant damages were reported, failure of any of our alert systems is of our utmost concern and repairs remain a part of the city’s highest priorities.” Officials also say, “When inclement weather is approaching and in the event of a siren malfunction, continue to rely on local weather stations, internet, and radio broadcasts for pertinent information in case a warning is issued.” You can get more details here.

PALESTINE – A Palestine man pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to a capital murder charge in the death of his infant son. According to our news partner KETK, 36-year-old Jerry Torrez was arrested in November 2019 after his 4-month-old son Nathaniel was brought to an ER with numerous rib fractures, a fractured right arm, and a skull fracture that led to a brain bleed. Nathaniel was flown to a Houston facility for further treatment but died one month later. Torrez was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has not released as of this writing where he will be sent to serve his sentence.

AUSTIN — Actor and producer Heath Freeman, known for his roles in “NCIS” and “Bones,” has died at the age of 41, his manager announced Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Freeman was from Longview and graduated from Pine Tree High School. According to NBC News, manager Joe S. Montifiore confirmed his death Tuesday morning, although the circumstances surrounding Freeman’s death are not yet known. Freeman’s IMDb page says he played killer Howard Epps on “Bones” from 2005 to 2007 and Benjamin Frank on “NCIS.” Freeman’s body was transported from Austin, where he resided, to Rader Funeral Home in his hometown of Longview.

TYLER — A Tyler man pleaded guilty on Monday to causing injury to his disabled daughter during the winter storm earlier this year. According to our news partner KETK, Glenn Caldwell, Jr., 45, was originally arrested in April after a police investigation led to the discovery that he had neglected to get medical care for his 17-year-old, mentally disabled daughter, whose feet were severely frostbitten and had to be amputated following the brutal winter storm in February . He was charged with injury to a child/disabled individual by omission and has been held in the Smith County Jail on a $250,000 bond. A sentencing date has not been set. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — Another theft charge has been filed against a well-known East Texas pastor. According to our news partner KETK, jail records show that the latest charge against Jerome Milton is for theft of property worth between $30,000 and $150,000 from an elderly individual. There were no immediate details on that charge. It was earlier reported that Milton was accused of taking money from an elderly couple and stealing from his previous church. Milton has been out of jail since Oct. 22, according to records.

WINONA – Smith County Animal Control and the Smith County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office Tuesday rescued about 30 dogs they say were suffering from animal cruelty at a property in Winona. According to our news partner KETK, the constable’s office says about 40 dogs have been rescued from the same place in the last year. The SPCA said they have used thousands of dollars and resources to help the residents take care of their dogs but that the owners still did not provide proper care for the animals. After many visits, the organization asked authorities to step in. The animals will now receive treatment from county veterinarians. The owners of the dogs will have to appear in court in ten days to try to get their animals back. Currently, they are not facing any charges.

GILMER — Authorities in Upshur County say 56-year-old Craig Harwart has been sentenced to life in prison for an attack on law officers. According to a news release, in November 2020, Harwart demanded at gunpoint that a gas station clerk in Gilmer turn on the gas pumps, shot 16 rounds into the ceiling, and then shot at a customer’s car, striking it multiple times. Law officers responded, and the incident developed into a pursuit — and ultimately a barricade — with Harwart firing on two officers and later exchanging gunfire with law enforcement. Harwart was eventually captured after suffering gunshot wounds. One law officer was also hit by gunfire. Officials say no serious injuries were involved.

TYLER — There’s more encouraging news on COVID-19 in East Texas. Minimal spread is now reported throughout his agency’s seven-county area — and NET Health’s George Roberts says that’s great news, particularly with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching. Roberts adds that Tyler’s hospital number is now in the 60s, the lowest it’s been since July. But he still wants things to get better — and he continues to recommend vaccinations, which remain widely available throughout the area.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has located the body of a woman reported missing last Monday. According to our news partner KETK, Jennifer Reppond, 42, was living in Etoile before she disappeared and was last seen Sunday, Nov. 7 in the Morgan’s Cove Subdivision in Etoile at a friend’s residence. Sunday afternoon, the sheriff’s office received a phone call after three teenagers who were duck hunting came across an SUV that was in Moss Creek off FM 226. When law enforcement arrived, a female, later identified as Reppond, was found deceased inside the vehicle. Continue reading Authorities find body of missing woman inside vehicle in creek

TYLER — Due to a power outage, there are several traffic lights out in the area around downtown Tyler. Specifically, North Broadway and Erwin, North Broadway and Ferguson, North Broadway and Locust, North College and West Erwin and North College and West Ferguson. Tyler Police said several intersections have stop signs in place. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and drive with care.

TYLER — Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran says he is considering a run for U.S. House District 1 if current Congressman Louie Gohmert decides to run for state attorney general. Gohmert recently announced that he was looking into that possibility. In a statement released Monday, Moran says though he loves serving the community as county judge, “(wife) Kyna and I are continually in prayer about when, where, and how best to serve our friends and neighbors here in East Texas.” Moran added, “We are beyond grateful for the strong, conservative leaders in Congressional District 1 who have encouraged us so far, and who will help guide our final decision moving forward.” Continue reading Moran contemplates possible run for Congress

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. Tyler maintenance crews planned to dig base failures on at various locations on US 271 from FM 2015 to FM 2908. A second crew will be performing bridge work on FM 2813 about a half mile from US 69. Longview maintenance planned to begin ditching operations on US 259 North, southbound from Tryon Rd. to US 80. Crews will also perform ditching on South Loop 281 westbound from US 259 North to Fourth St. Click here for the complete rundown.

MOBILE, Alabama — The immediate past president of UT Tyler won’t be heading up the University of South Alabama. Dr. Michael Tidwell (pictured) had been named among three finalists for the presidency of the Mobile, Alabama, institution. But according to its website, USA has named Jo Bonner, chief of staff to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and a former congressman, as its next leader. That’s “pending successful completion of a final employment agreement.” The USA Board is set to formally introduce Bonner at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Dec. 2.

HARRISON COUNTY – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection to suspected dogfighting in the county. According to our news partner KETK, deputies and a game warden responded to a call to Strickland Springs Road. The arriving officers noticed a crowd of nearly 100 people and soon discovered malnourished dogs and dozens of kennels with blood, among other things. Officials said the scene became chaotic when the crowd began fleeing from the location. A search warrant was secured from the sheriff’s office. One dog was rescued but had to be euthanized. 31-year-old Jesus Stephens from Waskom was arrested and charged with dog fighting and animal cruelty on Sunday. His bonds totaled $15,000 and he bonded out the same day. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely, the sheriff’s office said.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is scheduled for a virtual on-site assessment for re-accreditation, to be administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). According to a notice on the department’s Facebook page, the assessment is one part of the voluntary national accreditation program that requires law enforcement agencies to comply with professional standards in four basic areas. As part of the virtual on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session to be held Tuesday, November 16, at 5:30 p.m. The public and agency employees are also invited to offer comments by calling 903-595-7207 on Monday, November 15, between the 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Click here for more information. The notice was posted at approximately 1:18 p.m. November 2.

LONGVIEW — Longview police arrested a woman reportedly  involved in a stabbing that left one person hospitalized. On Friday, Nov. 12, around 10:37 a.m., Longview police officers were called for service at CHRISTUS Good Shepard Medical Center at 700 E. Marshall Ave. According to our news partner KETK, when officers arrived, they found a victim with apparent stab wounds being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. During the investigation, officers were told the stabbing took place on Dunbar Dr. Longview officers later arrested Shanika L. Dunn, 39, of Longview, in connection with the case. Dunn was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was taken and booked into the Gregg County Jail.