KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District beginning Monday. Work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. You’re urged to slow down and pay attention in work zones. On Tuesday, Longview maintenance will begin mill and inlay operations on FM 2207. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will be performing pavement repairs on Spur 248 from Loop 323 to Old Omen Rd. Continue reading TxDOT’s weekly roadwork update

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Cherokee County officials say a Jacksonville man was arrested after a pursuit involving a stolen four-wheeler, and they claim he’s responsible for numerous thefts. According to our news partner KETK, deputies were patrolling the area of CR 1519 when they reported seeing a man riding a four-wheeler. Officials said when they tried to stop him, the man fled south on FM 768. The four-wheeler reached speeds of 60 mph and was traveling on the wrong side of the road, according to authorities. The pursuit reportedly continued until the suspect “attempted to turn down a trail and flipped his four-wheeler.” After the four-wheeler crashed, officials said the man fled on foot into the woods, where he was apprehended by a deputy. The four-wheeler was found to have been stolen from Palestine. Authorities say Anthony Henderson, 38, was arrested on felony charges of theft and evasion.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Precinct 5 Constable Jeff McClenny is resigning his position for a job opportunity to serve as police chief of a school district. “As most of you may know, I have resigned from office as Constable Precinct 5 of Smith County,” McClenny said. “This decision was the hardest, yet the easiest. My wife is a School Administrator at West Sabine ISD and it has created a distance barrier. I was presented with an opportunity to interview and was offered the Police Chief’s position at San Augustine ISD. McClenny has been Precinct 5 Constable, which serves the Lindale and Hideaway area, for six years. His resignation is effective October 5. After McClenny leaves office, the Smith County Commissioners Court will appoint an interim Constable to serve the remainder of his term. Continue reading Smith County Constable leaving Precinct 5 for job opportunity

TYLER — 32-year-old Robert Harrison Johnson IV has been indicted for arson for allegedly causing a fire that killed his half-brother last May. According to our news partner KETK, officials responded to a home on Smith County Road 1113 for a structure fire with a man trapped inside the residence. Jack McKenzie Ross, 35, who was both mentally and physically disabled, died after resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. At the time, the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office reported that Ross’s brother was able to escape the fire before responders arrived. Continue reading Man indicted for arson in fire that killed his disabled brother

MARSHALL – An East Texas law enforcement agency is cited after a major human smuggling network was taken down as part of a joint task force, according to a statement released Tuesday by the United States Department of Justice. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office was among a list of law enforcement agencies the DOJ attributed as giving substantial assistance toward the investigation that led to eight indictments. The operation, a part of Joint Task Force Alpha, included the arrest of eight alleged human smugglers whose indictments were unsealed this week in the Southern District of Texas. According to our news partner KETK, the network was allegedly led by 31-year-old Erminia Serrano, also known as The Boss Lady.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler College of Engineering is ranked 42nd nationwide by U.S. News and World Report as noted on the publication’s Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (no doctorate) list published this week. According to a news release, the College of Engineering has been on a steady climb up the publication’s top 100 list for four consecutive years, rising this time from last year’s ranking of 75. For the second consecutive year, UT Tyler is the highest ranked Texas public institution for undergraduate engineering programs with no doctorate.

LONGVIEW – Amtrak’s Texas Eagle service has started up again after some rail workers and railway owners came to a deal on Thursday. The service, which stops in Longview, Marshall, and Mineola twice a day, was stopped on Wednesday before a potential strike on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari expected normal operations to start Friday morning, meaning the Texas Eagle starting in San Antonio and arriving in Longview Saturday morning. Amtrak’s employees weren’t a part of the strike, but Amtrak trains run on rail lines owned by other companies that operate in Longview, like Union Pacific.

LONGVIEW — The Region 4 Sabine Regional Flood Planning Group (Sabine RFPG) is requesting public review and comment of the Draft 2023 Sabine Regional Flood Plan (RFP). The public comment meeting for the Draft 2023 Sabine RFP will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 26th, at the Longview Exhibit Center on Jaycee Drive. A recording of the presentation given at the public comment meeting will be made available for public viewing after the public meetings are held. Click here for more details.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council this week approved a $119,325 contract with MHS Planning & Design to prepare the P.T. Cole Park design plans. The park is on Vine Street, between Mockingbird Lane and Lindsey Lane. According to a news release, the City of Tyler Parks Department will renovate the park by adding a splash pad and updating the restrooms, basketball court, and pavilion — as well as adding sidewalks, replacing the playground, and renovating the athletic field. Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) will fund the project. Continue reading P.T. Cole Park to be renovated

WHITEHOUSE — A sinkhole has developed on the Main Campus Drive at Whitehouse High School just beyond the guard gate, and a detour will be necessary starting Wednesday afternoon during pick-up. In an advisory posted on the school district website, official said they would divert all traffic entering or exiting through the guard gate (from 346) through the student parking adjacent to the Main Campus Drive. This detour will result in displacing the first two rows of student parking (the far east side of the parking lot will become the alternate route). The student lot will be “General” parking only due to this disruption until proper repairs can be made, according to officials. All traffic entering or exiting through the Acker Tap entrance will not be affected. Continue reading Detour at Whitehouse High School due to sinkhole

EAST TEXAS – The Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas will be hosting three “Secure Your ID” shredding events in October to help consumers and businesses securely destroy documents and help prevent identity theft, according to a news release. These services are provided for free, and attendees are encouraged to bring paper documents that contain personal and/or financial information to be destroyed. Officials say no boxes will be taken. You’re asked to bring your documents in a plastic bin, plastic bag, or a box you can keep. Shredding trucks and volunteers will be on hand to assist participants and hand out information on identity theft protection. All attendees must remain in their vehicles during the events. Continue reading BBB to host “Secure Your ID” Day shredding events

RUSK COUNTY – One person is dead after an officer-involved shooting in Rusk County. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez says at 1:26 a.m. Wednesday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 64 and CR 4125. An officer-involved shooting occurred and a man died at the scene, he said. The sheriff called in the Texas Rangers to investigate, per regular policy. The deputy is on administrative leave pending conclusion of the incident. “Our prayers go out to deceased and his family and this agency as we go through this incident,” Valdez said.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday adopted its FY 2023 budget. The theme, “Tyler Transformed,” outlines the city’s commitment to maintaining quality services as the community grows while enacting meaningful change to better the city’s workforce and business practices, according to a news release. “This budget continues our tradition of responsible government spending while accounting for our residents’ needs: smooth roadways, improved traffic flow, expanded drainage systems, upgraded water and sewer systems, and state-of-the-art facilities,” said Mayor Don Warren (pictured) as quoted in the release. “It also reflects our commitment to growth and change in how we do business.” The budget is $228.1 million, to be funded with a 6.96 per cent tax rate increase. Continue reading Council passes budget, addresses other issues

TYLER — After three Tyler ISD middle school students were taken to the hospital by their parents Monday, the district is again warning parents and students about the danger of the social media craze known as the “One Chip Challenge.” The challenge dares people to eat a chip covered in Carolina Reaper and ghost pepper seasonings, two of the world’s hottest peppers. In a Facebook post, the district outlines the dangers and health complications and asks parents to talk with their children about the severity of these dangers. Tyler ISD Director of Health Services Rachel Barber says, “The latest One Chip Challenge can cause serious bodily injury and poisoning, and some can even be fatal.” Click this link for more details.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District now offers the updated COVID-19 boosters with protection against the newest Omicron virus strains and to prepare for future surges of COVID. According to a news release, the Moderna bivalent booster is available for ages 18 and older, and the Pfizer bivalent booster is available for ages 12 and older. The original vaccines are still used for primary vaccine doses, but the bivalent booster is available for anyone two months after receiving their final primary dose or their most recent booster dose. “The updated COVID-19 boosters provide broader protection against the original strain and against recent strains of COVID-19,” says George Roberts, NET Health CEO, as quoted in the release. “COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.” Continue reading Updated COVID-19 booster vaccines now available

TYLER — Thanks in no small part to the pandemic, the entire country is facing a teacher shortage. And with UT Tyler heading up the effort, educators met Tuesday in Tyler to address what the university’s Dr. Frank Dykes calls “a crisis situation.” The next step is to take information shared at Tuesday’s meeting, assemble a plan, and send it to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board — with an eye on applying for a grant to put the ideas into action. Dykes says the plan will be submitted by the end of September, with hopes for a response by the end of the year. Dykes heads up the university’s School of Education. UT Tyler has already been awarded a $50,000 planning grant from the Coordinating Board.

TYLER – A Tyler man has been indicted in the May murder of a mother of four. According to our news partner KETK, officials said it is believed she was killed with a machete in a “violent attack.” Jaci Wilkerson, 40, was found dead at The Lodge Apartment Complex on South Broadway. David Thompson, 49, later turned himself in to police in connection to the murder. Wilkerson’s body was found inside the front door of the apartment, and officials said a machete was found on Thompson’s bed inside the apartment, along with a “significant amount of blood.” Thompson remains jailed on $750,000 bond. He was indicted on Aug. 11.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler Tuesday announced a $5 million gift to the School of Medicine from Ednamae Walsh to support scholarships and pathway programs for the medical school. “This generous gift will create opportunities for students across the region in numerous ways,” said UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun as quoted in a news release. As a result of the gift, every student enrolled in the second class of the UT Tyler School of Medicine will receive a four-year scholarship to cover their full tuition. This follows the 2021 gift from the Fair Foundation covering full-tuition scholarships for the first School of Medicine class, which will enroll in fall 2023. Officials say the School of Medicine’s Pathways Program will assist in addressing the physician shortage in East Texas by coordinating pathways for students to enter medical school. Continue reading $5 million gift continues momentum for UT Tyler School of Medicine

TYLER – The Tyler Area Senior Citizen Association (TASCA), a nonprofit organization started 30 years ago to help seniors enjoy their retirement, is celebrating its 30th anniversary during September with special speakers and activities. According to a news release, all seniors are invited to come visit TASCA facilities and see firsthand the variety of activities available: assorted games such as bridge, mahjongg, or 42, country western dances, bingo, speakers of interest, and special events all designed to make it possible for seniors to remain engaged in the community. Continue reading Tyler Area Senior Citizen Association celebrates 30 years

HARRISON COUNTY — A Louisiana man was arrested in East Texas Monday night for multiple charges after a pursuit. According to our news partner KETK, a deputy initiated a traffic stop, when the driver of the car, who was identified as Willie Johnson, “decided he did not want to stop.” Johnson attempted to evade the deputy starting a pursuit, according to officials, until he lost control of the car. After losing control, Johnson was taken into custody. He was arrested for evading arrest with a vehicle, unlawful carrying of a firearm, failure to identify by giving false information, no drivers license and possession of marijuana.

MARSHALL – A man was arrested on Monday in connection to a Harrison County homicide. According to our news partner KETK, Blake Edward Reddock, 31, of Avinger was found dead on the side of Hershel McCoy Road on Saturday Sept. 10, said the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. A vehicle connected to this case was also set on fire the same day. Canton Echols, 33, of Harleton was taken into custody by law enforcement, and he has been cooperating with them, said authorities. Reddock appears to have been stabbed several times, said the sheriff’s office. His body was identified through his tattoos initially because he did not have an identification on him. Echols was charged with first-degree murder and law enforcement secured two search warrants in this case. Continue reading Man arrested in connection to Harrison County homicide

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – A suspected murder-suicide is reported in East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office received a welfare concern call Sept. 5 at a residence in the Whitton community. A couple was found dead at the scene. According to a press release, a man at the residence sent a text message to a friend that appeared concerning, prompting the friend to contact the sheriff’s office. Constable Precinct 2 Heath Burton was the first officer to arrive at the location. According to Burton, he located a dead male and female on the back porch of the residence. Burton reported the female suffered gunshot wounds and the male suffered a single gunshot wound. Continue reading Authorities probe suspected murder/suicide

TYLER – A Flint man has been indicted for a Tyler Memorial Day murder. According to our news partner KETK, 29-year-old Christopher Henry was arrested June 3, charged with the murder of Austin Lee Deweerdt, and indicted Aug. 18. Deweerdt was fatally shot after an altercation with Henry in his own driveway, police said. During the altercation, the two men reportedly wrestled on the ground and Deweerdt’s girlfriend and mother of his child broke them apart, according to an affidavit. The two stood up and Henry pointed and fired his gun multiple times at Deweerdt, which put him on the ground almost immediately, the affidavit stated.

ATHENS – An Athens man was arrested last week and is accused of breaking into a woman’s home, exposing himself, and chasing down another woman as she walked and physically assaulting her, according to documents. Our news partner KETK reports the cases date to late August. Andrew David Barlow is charged with indecent assault, burglary of habitation, with intent to commit other felony, and indecent exposure. Barlow is currently free on $60,000 bond.

RUSK COUNTY — The DPS reports four people have died and three have been seriously injured in a pre-dawn Sunday crash in Rusk County. According to Sergeant Gregg Williams, preliminary investigation indicates a Dodge Ram was traveling northbound in the southbound lane of U.S. 259 about nine miles north of Henderson, resulting in a head-on collision with a Chevrolet Silverado. The deceased in the Dodge were named as Kilgore residents Moises Rocha-Vanegas and Rosa Rodriguez, both 35. The two deceased occupants in the Silverado were Jesse Mueller, 29, of Henderson, and a male juvenile. Three unidentified boys in the Chevrolet suffered what were termed incapacitating injuries, including one whose injuries were deemed life-threatening. Williams says the crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will be performing mill and inlay on Spur 248, starting near Old Omen Rd. on Monday and Tuesday and moving towards Loop 323 the remainder of the week. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance will be working on a drainage structure on FM 2207. A portion of the road will be partially closed from E. Wilkins Rd. to FM 1252. Expect delays and flaggers controlling traffic. Click here for a more detailed rundown of roadwork around the district.

KILGORE — Two women were arrested by Kilgore Police on Sunday night after they said the women shoplifted a store and ran over an employee’s foot during their escape. According to our news partner KETK, the women were also found to be in possession of over seven grams of meth. Police said “it’s becoming more common to find loaded syringes in the possession of meth addicts.” Field testing on the confiscated meth found the presence of fentanyl, according to officials. Continue reading Two women arrested after driving over employee following Kilgore robbery

TROUP — The Troup Independent School District is asking the community to wear blue on Monday, Sept 12 in support of Cooper Reid. Reid suffered a head injury during the school’s homecoming game on Friday night. According to our news partner KETK, community held a prayer vigil for Cooper Reid on Saturday night, a varsity football player who was injured Friday night in their football game. Community members shared that Cooper is in stable condition and the doctors are saying it’s looking better after CAT scans and they’re trying to relieve pressure from his brain. Troup ISD along with community members say they’re grateful for all of East Texas support during this difficult time. They asked for continued prayers for Cooper’s healing.

GILMER – In a statement released Saturday, 60-year old Jerald Dean Fowler II, of Gilmer, was charged with DWI misdemeanor B following an accident Friday night. The statement reported that at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, Upshur County Deputies and DPS Troopers responded to a motor vehicle accident on Hwy 154, east of Gilmer. According to investigators, Judge Fowler was charged and booked into the Upshur County Jail. Judge Lyle Potter, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, arraigned Fowler and set a bond at $1500.00. Fowler, who serves as Judge of the 115 District Court, posted bond and was released from jail according to the official statement.