KTBB News, Weather, Talk

RUSK COUNTY — 13 people were arrested and around 125 animals were seized after an illegal cockfighting ring was discovered in Rusk County on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, two phone calls were made to 911 on Sunday because people were watching rooster fights in a wooded area. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said they arrived at the 15000 block of County Road 2132. They detained individuals, and charged them with felony offenses or misdemeanors. The owner of the land was also arrested. Some of the animals that were found were dead. Continue reading Illegal cockfighting ring discovered in Rusk County

BROWNSBORO — The Brownsboro Independent School District announced on Sunday one of their students died after being injured in a car crash. According to our news partner KETK, the district said they recently learned of the death of Grace Montgomery, an 8th grade student. Grace was “wonderful” and participated in band, theatre and athletics. The district has not been notified of funeral arrangements. Continue reading Brownsboro ISD ‘deeply saddened’ following death of student

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to get busy on a number of construction and maintenance projects in the Tyler District during the week of July 5. Work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in work zones. To allow for more efficient travel during the July Fourth holiday, from Friday, July 2, through Monday, July 5, TxDOT will not allow lane closures that impact traffic flow on its construction and maintenance projects. Click here for the complete roadwork rundown.

GALVESTON– Two Tyler residents have been arrested in the Galveston County city of Dickinson for a recent Tyler homicide. Andres Urrutia (L), 19, and Lorenzo L. Martinez (R), 21, were booked into the Galveston County Jail to await transport back to Smith County. Urrutia was also arrested on four outstanding warrants from Tyler: aggravated robbery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, deadly conduct, and criminal mischief. Urrutia’s total bond is $1.9 million, while Martinez’s bond is $1 million. The case involves the June 30 shooting death of 17-year-old Jesse McNeely of Tyler. Continue reading Two arrested in Tyler killing

MARSHALL — 911 service in Harrison County is now back to normal after being knocked out by a lightning strike at the county courthouse over the weekend. According to the sheriff’s department’s Facebook page, 911 calls were temporarily routed to the nearest location where a caller may have been at the time of the call. The agencies would then contact the sheriff’s office for dispatching needs. The Facebook page says service was restored Saturday evening.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is putting additional officers on the street now through Monday through STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). Police say this program is based on crash data in the city limits of Tyler that allows officers to pinpoint target problem areas. With increased traffic in Tyler for the 4th of July holiday, officers will be specifically watching for hazardous violations such as speeding, intersection enforcement, seat belt violations — and, most importantly, impaired drivers. Tyler police remind you: don’t drink and drive.

TYLER — The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office urges citizens to be responsible when using fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Among the tips: never allow young children to handle fireworks; older children should use them only under close adult supervision; never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol; anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear; never hold lighted fireworks in your hands; never light them indoors; only use them away from people, houses and flammable material; and never point or throw fireworks at another person. Continue reading Fire Marshal urges fireworks safety this July 4 holiday

TYLER — The City of Tyler is hosting the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lindsey Park, on Spur 364 West. The fun kicked off as the gates opened at 2 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin after dark (around 9:15 p.m.), according to a news release. The park gate, located off Spur 364, is the only entrance, and admission is free. Vendors and food trucks are on hand. Live entertainment will include music from DJ Chris Choice. Alcohol, smoking, and private fireworks are prohibited in the park. Continue reading Fourth of July celebration at Lindsey Park

LONGVIEW — Country musician Mike Ryan will headline the City of Longview’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks and Freedom Celebration. The free outdoor concert will also feature country musician Jon Stork. Immediately after the concert, what organizers term the biggest fireworks show in East Texas will light up the sky. The event will be held at the Longview Convention Complex on Grand Blvd. Previously scheduled musician Mark Chesnutt had to cancel his performance due to personal reasons. Click here to read more.

TYLER — Tyler police say one suspect has turned himself in on a murder warrant in the June 25 shooting death at New Orleans Flavors Daiquiris in Tyler. Jaderick Willis, 21, of Jacksonville, has been jailed on a $750,000 bond. Fellow Jacksonville resident Dycorrian Lofton was still wanted on an arrest warrant for murder as of Sunday afternoon. If anybody has any information on his whereabouts, you’re asked contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833. Police also say further criminal charges are pending in this case, in which a woman was killed.

LONGVIEW – State District Judge Alfonso Charles of Longview awarded $575,000 Thursday to the victims of a 2016 kidnapping — a then-Kilgore Rangerette and her mother, the Rangerettes’ director. That’s according to our news partner KETK. In December 2016, police received a call about a robbery in progress. They later were told that Nancy Motes had taken Rangerette Alexa Blair at gunpoint. Alexa managed to escape and called authorities. Motes was sentenced in April 2019 to five years in prison after pleading guilty to two aggravated kidnapping charges. Rangerette Director Dana Blair and her daughter later sued Motes for damages.

ATHENS – 36-year-old Jose Alfaro of Athens is jailed on child porn accusations. According to our news partner KETK, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says deputies arrested Alfaro in a neighborhood off Highway 19. He allegedly had more than 150 child pornography videos on his phone. Hillhouse said he expects more charges to be filed in the future and that Alfaro may have been trying to distribute the videos to others. Criminal records show that Alfaro has three convictions for DWI.

TYLER — Tyler police detectives have obtained another arrest warrant in the June 25 shooting death at New Orleans Flavors Daiquiris in Tyler. Jaderick Willis, 21, of Jacksonville, has an arrest warrant for murder with a $750,000 bond. Police say he is to be considered armed and dangerous. If anybody has any information on his whereabouts, you’re asked contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833. Fellow Jacksonville resident Dycorrian Lofton is also still wanted on an arrest warrant for Murder. Police say further criminal charges are pending in this case, in which a woman was killed.

TYLER — For the month of July, Tyler Animal Services is partnering with CASA for Kids of East Texas to donate school supplies for foster children. All dog and cat adoption fees will be waived when a backpack with at least five supplies listed here is brought to the Tyler Animal Shelter on Chandler Hwy. Among other things, donatable items include 3″x3″ generic post-it yellow notes, backpacks without wheels, crayons (Crayola brand requested by most schools), earbuds, folders (pockets and/or brads, single colors), and index cards. Continue reading City, CASA team up to provide backpacks

TYLER — The City of Tyler Main Street Department, Visit Tyler, and others celebrated Thursday’s grand opening of the new Tyler Visitor Center, on the first floor of the downtown Plaza Tower. The event began with refreshments and tours of the facility, wrapping up with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Visitor Center store and offices are open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Merchandise is also available online at this link. The city’s Adriana Rodriguez describes the new location as “a very happy and inviting place,” adding, “Its full of color, and we can’t wait to show it off.” Continue reading Tyler Visitor Center holds grand opening

BOSSIER PARISH, Louisiana – A Longview man was arrested in Louisiana after undercover deputies near Shreveport said they caught him trying to “pimp out” a woman at a hotel. 30-year-old Dramain Green is charged with pandering, promoting prostitution, human trafficking, and possession of marijuana following an investigation by the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office’s police narcotics and vice task force. According to our news partner KETK, the BPSO said the case stemmed from an online ad for prostitution, advertising sex for pay at a local hotel.

TYLER — An arrest affidavit reveals more information about a former Tyler Legacy principal who was arrested on drug charges. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Police say when they went to Daniel Crawford’s home in early June, they found cocaine and saw that Crawford was bleeding from the head. But they say both Crawford and his wife told them they didn’t know what had happened. Police say Crawford did tell them he was OK and didn’t need help. The affidavit says both were highly intoxicated. The cocaine was reportedly found while police searched for the cause of the injury. Crawford soon resigned from Legacy and was later arrested.

TYLER — Smith County authorities are seeking leads in a child custody case. A news release from the sheriff’s office says CPS was given oversight of two children, ages 9 and 13. But officials say their mother, Cynthia Hodges, illegally picked them up from a placement family. She was later arrested for outstanding felony warrants. But officials say a law officer who had no knowledge of the situation allowed her to contact a family member — who allegedly took the children to other relatives who weren’t authorized to have custody of the youngsters. Authorities are now seeking Cynthia, Jimmy, and Francis Hodges on charges of interference with child custody. If you have any information or questions about this case, call the sheriff’s office at (903) 566-6600.

TYLER — Tyler police are seeking leads in a murder. According to a news release, around 12:50 Wednesday morning, officers responded to a home on Omega Dr. on a report of a shooting. It was determined that the there had been an altercation outside the residence when the victim was shot. Jesse McNeely, 17, of Tyler died of his wounds at a local hospital. No suspects were immediately arrested, and the investigation continues. If you have any information, call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER — Smith County Road 384, also known as Old Longview Road, is back open to drivers. A portion of CR 384, northeast of Tyler, had been closed since June 18 so a crew could repair a bridge. The road was opened back up on Tuesday afternoon.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court Tuesday voted to approve an updated animal control ordinance for the county. Smith County Animal Control and Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene said the ordinance had not been updated in several years. The updated ordinance added definitions such as microchipping, which is now offered at the shelter, and explains how residents can show creditable proof when filing a complaint about a dog “running at large.” It also defined “shelter” and what it means for a dog owner to provide adequate shelter for their dog when it comes to animal cruelty investigations. Click here to learn more.

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a deputy was injured Tuesday during a pursuit in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Sgt. Larry Christian said the deputy was standing outside his vehicle when he was struck by the fleeing car and knocked over. Christian said the deputy is expected to be okay and is in stable condition. The suspect was eventually captured after crashing his car on Berta Street in Tyler. The chase began on FM 14, just a few miles away.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Main Street Department and Visit Tyler invite the public to celebrate the grand opening of the new Tyler Visitor Center, on the first floor of the downtown Plaza Tower, Thursday from 11:30 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. The event will begin with refreshments and tours of the facility and will end with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Visitor Center store and offices will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Merchandise is also available online at this link. The Visitor Center’s move from the Blackstone Building coincided with a wholesale renovation of the Plaza Tower by local developers.

KILGORE – The East Texas Council of Governments will host community meetings for residents affected by the March tornadoes in Panola and Rusk counties to offer assistance through its HOME Disaster Relief Program. Through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, ETCOG assists qualified individuals impacted by storms and other disasters in East Texas, according to a news release. The “meet and greet” gatherings will be held July 1 at Carthage Civic Center and July 6 at Mt. Enterprise Community Center, at noon and 6 p.m. on both dates. Interested residents can attend a meeting, contact 903-218-6565 or click here.

LONGVIEW — District 7 state Representative Jay Dean of Longview announced Tuesday that he will seek re-election in 2022. “I couldn’t be prouder of the accomplishments of the past few months,” Dean said of this year’s regular session in a news release. During his time in Austin, Dean has been consistently endorsed by conservative pro-life, pro-gun, and pro-family groups, according to the release. His district covers Gregg and Upshur Counties. He’s held his current post since 2017.

FLINT – Residents in Flint no longer have to worry about a concrete plant being built in the area after Tycon Ready Mix decided to move on from the project. According to our news partner KETK, the company announced June 24 that it had sold the property. The concrete batch plant was a problem to homeowners, who were worried the industry would lower the value of their homes. Other residents were concerned about their health.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department said Monday that they arrested former Tyler Legacy principal Daniel Crawford in an incident earlier this month. Crawford was arrested for possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1 in a drug free zone and booked into the Smith County Jail. He has been released after posting  a $1,500 bond. Crawford resigned from Tyler ISD in early June amid an investigation into a “powdery white substance” found in his home. Tyler police told KETK in the early morning hours of June 3, emergency personnel were called to Crawford’s home. According to the incident report, officials found less than a gram of a “white powdery substance.”

TYLER – Dand “David” Cruz Woods pleaded guilty and was sentenced 12 years in prison for setting fire to the Coker Enterprises building in Tyler Oct. 12. According to our news partner KETK, Woods was arrested and jailed for a second degree felony Oct. 23 and indicted Jan. 12. The October 12 fire was the second fire at Coker Enterprises in less than two weeks, with the first one Sept. 30. It is not known whether Woods is connected to both fires.

TYLER — The 2021 #SchoolisCool back-to-school event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tyler city officials say this year, the event will take place as a drive-thru event at Fun Forest Park on Forest Ave. due to Harvey Convention Center being under construction. The event helps children and parents prepare for the new school year. Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be given away to the first 2,000 school-aged children in line. The committee is seeking donations and sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. Monetary contributions are needed from the community to meet the goal of providing 2,000 backpacks to those in need, according to a news release. Continue reading #SchoolisCool event seeking donations and sponsors