KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — With COVID-19 numbers continuing to decline, NET Health’s George Roberts is generally upbeat. But he says officials continue to keep a watchful eye on the BA.2 variant. Roberts says according to the latest CDC information, BA.2 now makes up about 35 per cent of covid cases nationwide. And he continues to stress the importance of vaccinations in light of that information — together with uncertainty about the effect BA.2 and other variants could ultimately have. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — The Criminal Investigation Division of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a prominent ER physician on Monday for the alleged continuous sexual abuse of a child. According to our news partner KETK, Dr. Karl Kauffman was arrested Monday after an ongoing investigation and a search warrant of his home led to two warrants for continuous sexual abuse of a child, said the sheriff’s office. Kauffman currently serves as an ER physician at several hospitals in the county. The arrest warrants were issued by the 369th District Judge, Michael Davis, who set a recommended bond of $1 million per charge. Kauffman will be held in the Cherokee County Jail. Continue reading Cherokee County doctor arrested for alleged continuous sexual abuse of a child

LONGVIEW — In the wake of severe weather overnight, the City of Longview reminds residents to sign up for the Smart911 mass emergency notification system. The city uses Smart911 by RAVE Mobile Safety to notify residents of severe weather and emergencies affecting the area. The service is offered in partnership with the East Texas Council of Governments, which provides access to the system for many cities and counties throughout the region. Learn more here.

EAST TEXAS — Some East Texas entities are taking measures to deal with severe weather that forecasters have predicted in the area. The City of Marshall began offering sand and sandbags Monday at Airport Park. Each resident will be given 10 bags to fill. You must have proof of residency. If you have any questions you can contact the Support Service Department at 903-935-7920. Also, our news partner KETK reports Alto ISD will start classes at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. We’ll keep you up to date as conditions develop.

EAST TEXAS — Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET), in partnership with the East Texas Council of Governments and local elected officials, announces the second annual rural economic development forum series titled Rural, Set, Go: Boost! The forums will take place weekly, March through May, in East Texas rural counties. Events are open to local community and business leaders, employers, school districts, secondary schools, economic development corporations, and chambers. According to a news release, Rural, Set, Go: Boost! is an intentional strategy to engage community leaders, business leaders, and community members in candid conversations about the factors that influence their local workforce and economic development needs. Click here for more information.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler has announced that faculty within the College of Engineering have received National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding to study signs of opioid exposure in infants. Dr. Premananda Indic and Dr. Pravitha Ramanand received an $861,744 subaward to support “Vital Signs in Opioid Exposed Neonates,” a University of Alabama at Birmingham project. “There is an ongoing epidemic of opioid use during pregnancy,” said UA-Birminghams’s Dr. Namasivayam Ambalavanan as quoted in a news release. Pioneering work conducted by the team has identified that patterns of heart rate and breathing as early as the first day after birth can be used to identify infants who later develop signs of opioid withdrawal, according to the release. “The research may also lead to the more accurate management of drug therapy using objective cardiorespiratory data,” said Indic, also as quoted in the release.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department has charged a man for murder after a shooting and stabbing incident over the weekend. According to our news partner KETK, the department says shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday, officers were called to an East Nelson Street location. When they arrived, they found Eric Wynns, 44, of Longview, dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers also located another victim who had multiple stab wounds. That person was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Michael Ralston, 44, of Longview, was charged with murder and booked into the Gregg County Jail with a $500,000 bond. It was not immediately clear how the investigation led to the arrest of Ralston. If you have any information on this matter, contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1110.

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this coming week. Tyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 3226 finishing up Monday, then moving out to SH 64 in that same area as FM 3226. This will be under one-way traffic worked by flaggers. Gregg County crews will be working on bridge channel maintenance on SL 281. The work is at Birdsong Rd. There will be right lane closures with flaggers present. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

EAST TEXAS – With wildfires raging across the western region of Texas, East Texas first responders have stepped in to help contain the massive blaze, along with other East Texans. According to our news partner KETK, firefighters from Smith County, Longview, Lufkin, and Nacogdoches all joined in as part of the statewide effort. Upon their arrival, they were separated into teams and sent on different missions. One was immediately sent to work on the Walling fire, a 384-acre blaze in Eastland County. “We have freeze cured, or dormant, grasses that are readily able to ignite and burn. You add the wind component to that and it is definitely a recipe for disaster,” says Cory Clanton with Smith County Emergency Services District 2 (ESD 2). Continue reading East Texans assist with West Texas wildfires

TYLER/OVERTON – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler held a ceremony Friday marking its 85th anniversary. The medical center opened its doors a day early in 1937 to help treat injured teachers and students from the London School explosion in New London. Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler officiated the event, and the hospital honored both those killed in the tragedy and the work the hospital has done over the past eight-plus decades. “God’s timing is perfect. He knew the hospital needed to be here, so it was here. Just like he knew we needed to open our new tower before COVID, and it opened. God’s timing has worked here for the past 85 years, and we’re so blessed to just be a part of that,” said hospital President Jason Proctor. According to our news partner KETK, hospital officials, Tyler Mayor Don Warren, and Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran were among those on hand. Continue reading Hospital marks 85th anniversary; school explosion victims remembered

TYLER – A teenager accused of accidentally shooting and killing his cousin last summer has been indicted in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, judicial records show Christopher Wansley, 18, of Jacksonville, was indicted for manslaughter on Feb. 17. Tyler police said around 11:45 p.m. July 3, they were called to an apartment at The Arbors on Chimney Rock in south Tyler on reports of gunshots. Officer Andy Erbaugh said Wansley, then 17, and two other teens were playing with a gun. Wansley shot his 17-year-old cousin Davontrious Henderson in the chest after handling the gun “recklessly,” according to Erbaugh. Henderson later died in a hospital. Wansley was released July 4 after posting a $250,000 bond.

TYLER – A patient of one of the dentists killed during a Smith County dental clinic shooting Wednesday remembers how special he was to her family. According to our news partner KETK, Jamie Jackson was a patient of Dr. Blake Sinclair for more than 20 years. “He took such good care of you mentally and physically,” said Jackson. He called people after every procedure and would ask ‘what’s your pain level?’ What can I do?’” Jackson said when she heard the news that there had been a shooting at the clinic in Tyler, she knew it had to be him. “The only reason I knew that is because, if there was anything he could have done to protect the people in that building, he would’ve gotten in between them,” said Jackson. Continue reading Patient remembers dentist killed in shooting

TYLER — The Animal Legal Defense Fund is suing the National Foundation for Rescued Animals, operating in East Texas as Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary, for allegedly violating the Endangered Species Act, according to our news partner KETK. Along with the organization, the Animal Legal Defense Fund is also suing the founder and former director, Brian Werner Ferris, and his daughter, chairman and executive director, Emily Owen. ALDF alleges that Tiger Creek violated the ESA’s “take” and “transfer” provisions by harming, harassing and killing numerous animals including nine lions and tigers that have allegedly died there since 2018. Continue reading Tiger Creek Sanctuary sued for allegedly violating Endangered Species Act

LONGVIEW – A Longview police officer reportedly crashed a patrol vehicle on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Police Department says the police vehicle failed to yield the right of way to a 2016 BMW at the intersection of South High Street and Avalon Avenue around 4:25 p.m. “While we regret the property damage incurred as a result of the crash, we are thankful there were no significant injuries sustained as a result of the crash,” LPD said in a Facebook post. The police vehicle was a 2020 Chevy Tahoe, officials reported. LPD said the investigation is ongoing and they did not immediately release the identity of anyone involved in the crash.

TYLER — The numbers continue to look much better on the latest NET Health COVID-19 dashboard. But NET Health’s George Roberts says officials continue to keep a close eye on BA-2, a newer variant that’s been gaining some traction. Roberts says BA-2 now makes up an estimated 26 per cent of cases nationwide. So far, he says, it doesn’t appear to be a serious threat, but that you never know — and he continues to urge vaccinations. Overall, Roberts says officials are watching total cases and following information from the CDC and the state of Texas regarding “the variants that are out there.” For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

MARSHALL — A Jefferson man has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. Beau Daniel Merryman, 21, pleaded guilty on Nov. 4, 2021, to distributing information relating to explosives and destructive devices. According to court information, Merryman engaged in a series of online conversations with undercover FBI employees between September and October 2019. Merryman gave detailed instructions on how to make several types of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), such as pipe bombs and pressure-cooker bombs. Continue reading Man sentenced to federal prison for distributing bomb-making instructions

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office says two doctors shot at a dental clinic on Wednesday have died. They were identified as Dr. Blake G. Sinclair, 59, and Dr. Jack E. Burroughs,75, both of Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Steven Alexander Smith, 40, of Tyler, was booked into the Smith County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and capital murder of multiple persons. His bond was set at $3 million. Smith was said to be a patient at the clinic. The Sheriff’s Office received a call around 2:45 p.m. about a shooting at Affordable Dentures and Implants on 3081 Hwy 31 East. When deputies arrived they saw two men had gunshot wounds. According to an investigation, Smith got angry at clinic staff and went to his pickup truck. Continue reading Two doctors killed, suspect arrested following dental clinic shooting

LONGVIEW — Longview police report a vehicle was stolen around 4:51 p.m. Wednesday on East Cotton Street near the Skelly Street intersection. According to our news partner KETK, police say a woman told them a tall Black male approached her with a gun and demanded her vehicle as she was leaving her job. The woman gave her vehicle to the man and he went towards South Eastman Road, according police. The vehicle is a blue Toyota Sienna minivan with Texas license plate FJB1156. It has a cracked windshield on the passenger’s side, and police say the driver’s side rear quarter panel is completely dented in. The alleged thief reportedly had dreadlocks past his ears and was reportedly wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. If you happen to see this vehicle, do not approach the vehicle or the suspect, but call the police at 911 or 903-237-1170.

TYLER — Women in Tyler, Inc., held its annual luncheon Thursday honoring women credited with contributing to the quality of life in the community. For 22 years, the Women in Tyler Committee has planned a luncheon to celebrate Women’s History Month in March. After each luncheon, part of the proceeds are given to the Women’s Fund of Smith County and other nonprofits that have made a significant impact in the community, according to a news release. The committee gave the first $25,000 to help start the Women’s Fund, which has given $2.3 million to nonprofits in the East Texas Area. Continue reading Women in Tyler recognizes 2022 honorees

LONGVIEW — On Friday, March 18, Page Road, between Delia Drive and Lois Lane, will be closed to through traffic for the day. In the afternoon, Page Road will be re-opened to one lane of traffic eastbound. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes. The project consists of street improvements for the new Hallsville Elementary School. The lane closure is anticipated to last months. The project is being constructed by W R Welborn & Son, Inc. of Longview. If you have any questions related to construction, call the city’s project manager, Zack Shaner, at 903-237-1321.

TYLER — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is informing motorists to be aware of one more nightly ramp closure for maintenance on Toll 49 this week. The FM 756 eastbound and westbound ramps will be closed from 9 p.m. Thursday until 5 a.m. Friday. Motorists can stay updated on closures and road conditions by visiting this link.

TYLER — Detective John Ragland with the Tyler Police Department is retiring after 31 years of service with the department. According to our news partner KETK, Detective Ragland started his career at the Tyler Police Department in February 1991. He worked as a patrol officer, field training officer, honor guard member, district investigator, crime victim’s liaison, crimes against persons detective and was on the sexual assault response team. Ragland was also a member of the U.S. Marshal’s Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, polygraph examiner, wellness coordinator and was a member of the CALEA accreditation team. Continue reading Tyler PD detective retires after 31 years of service

ANDREWS — Tyler James, ETBU graduate and former Graduate Assistant Coach for the men’s and women’s golf team was killed in a vehicle accident that claimed the lives of eight others on Tuesday night. According to our news partner KETK, a van driving the University of the Southwest’s golf team collided with a Dodge 2500 truck while they were headed home from a tournament in Midland. According to DPS, for unknown reasons the Dodge truck drove into oncoming traffic and hit the passenger van head-on. Reports say both vehicles caught fire and burned. James received his Master of Science in Kinesiology and graduated from ETBU in May 2021. Continue reading Former ETBU golf coach killed in USW van crash remembered by community

TYLER — Part of Smith County Road 192, also known as Old Noonday Road, will be closed to through traffic Thursday and Friday, March 17-18, for the installation of drainage culverts. The road will be closed between CR 193 (Taylor Road) and West Grande Boulevard. The culverts are being installed to provide improved drainage along CR 192 and for the Cooper Estates Subdivision, according to a news release. Alternative detours include taking CR 193 to Texas Highway 155, then proceeding to Grande Boulevard.

TYLER — The Tyler Sister Cities organization is helping out with the situation in Ukraine. Details were announced at a Wednesday news conference featuring Tyler Mayor Don Warren and Mayor Jerzy Łużniak of Tyler’s sister city Jelenia Góra, Poland. Officials say Jelenia Góra’s Sister Cities organization is assisting its sister city in Ukraine, as well as providing aid and sheltering refugees arriving in Poland — 2,000 of them in Jelenia Góra alone, according to information shared at the news conference. The Tyler Sister Cities organization is raising funds to assist Jelenia Gora with its humanitarian efforts. All donations made through Tyler Sister Cities will be wired directly to Jelenia Góra for aiding the Ukrainian people, according to Tyler officials. Continue reading Tyler Sister Cities aiding Ukraine

CHEROKEE COUNTY — The first days of a murder trial in Cherokee County resulted in a mistrial on Monday after an investigator reportedly failed to disclose a piece of digital evidence to all parties in the trial. According to our news partner KETK, Cody Ray Roberts is charged with capital murder of 18-year-old Trevor Lawson, who was found dead by an apparent gunshot wound in a home on CR 2117 in the Maydelle area on November 7, 2018. Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson said the trial for the murder of Lawson began in the 369th District Court on Monday. A jury was picked and the state began calling witnesses on Tuesday. Continue reading Mistrial declared in Cherokee County murder case

TYLER – A Tyler man originally charged with murder in a 2020 shooting after a fight at a party pleaded down to a lesser charge on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, 23-year-old Tommy Pettigrew was charged with killing 39-year-old Christopher Bolden outside after a fight between them at Pettigrew’s house. Pettigrew agreed to a plea deal that dropped the charge down to criminally negligent homicide, which normally carries a maximum jail time of just two years. However, because a deadly weapon was used, it is punished as a third-degree felony, which bumps the maximum sentence to 10 years under Texas law. That’s the sentence handed to Pettigrew as part of the plea deal.

LONGVIEW — Longview police have arrested two suspects in a recent carjacking. On March 12 at about 2:28 p.m., officers were dispatched to a location on West Loop 281. A man told them he had left his 15- and 12-year-old children in his vehicle while he was making a purchase in a store. The children came inside and told their father two men had threatened to shoot them if they did not get out of the vehicle. The children did get out, and the two men drove away. Officers were able to track the vehicle to a Princess Street location, where they found 19-year-old Juan Gonzalez and 18-year-old Jonathan Coto, both from Longview. The two were charged with aggravated robbery.

TYLER — Tyler police have identified the suspect in a fatal hit and run February 19. They identify her as Chatiryn Akerra Butler, 18, of Tyler. Police have obtained an arrest warrant on Butler (pictured) for accident involving death, a 2nd degree felony with a $100,000 bond. The victim was 30-year-old Kelsey Hise in the incident around 7:30 p.m. on North Broadway near Queen Street. If you have any information on Butler’s whereabouts, contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or call Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.