KTBB News, Weather, Talk

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Authorities in central Ohio say a woman is accused of killing her ex-husband and taking their two children to Texas. — and an East Texas law enforcement agency has helped in the investigation. Franklin County, Ohio, Sheriff Dallas Baldwin says deputies May 28 found 35-year-old Jeremy Edmond lying dead inside his home in Pleasant Township with a gunshot wound to the head. Detectives say Brandi Nicole Edmond, 25, had left for Texas. She didn’t have legal custody of the children. Franklin County investigators went to Texas, where they were assisted by police in Mount Pleasant and Mansfield and by Texas Rangers. Detectives found the two children safe at the home of Brandi Edmond’s parents. She was arrested May 31 on an aggravated murder count and was being held Monday in the Tarrant County Jail, pending extradition to Ohio. No attorney was listed for her.

CHAPEL HILL — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is hosting a second public workshop regarding the proposed extension of Toll 49 from State Highway 110 to U.S. Highway 271. The workshop is set for Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Chapel Hill High School. You’ll have the opportunity to provide input regarding six proposed route options, learn more about the evaluation process, ask questions, and leave comments. No formal presentation is planned. Attendees may come and go at their own convenience. You can visit http://www.netrma.org/projects/segment-6 for more information.

LONGVIEW — Improvements are on the way for several neighborhood parks in Longview, and a meeting is set for Tuesday evening as officials seek feedback. The Lois Jackson Park community meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Longview First Church of the Nazarene on H.G. Mosley Parkway. It’s just one in a series of community meetings on the bond-funded park improvements. You can check the ktbb.com Calendar of Events for more information.

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill that allows Texas residents to kill feral hogs without a license, according to state legislature records. The bill was proposed by Republican Sen. Bryan Hughes of Mineola. According to our news partner KETK, it received a large amount of support and was signed by Abbott on Friday. It was passed unanimously in the Texas Senate in April and only received two “no” votes in the House. The bill states that a landowner does not have to prove that the feral hog caused damage to property before killing it.

LONGVIEW – LeTourneau University’s Belcher Center is celebrating its 13th season of performances with “The Next Big Thing” season of events for 2019 and 2020. The season kicks off October 5 with Chonda Pierce, a comedian on her Still Laughing tour. Other highlights include the Vienna Boys Choir November 23 and “SpongeBob the Musical” January 23. Season ticket holder renewals begin July 8, new season ticket package sales start July 22, and individual show tickets go on sale Aug. 6. You can go to http://www.BelcherCenter.com to learn more.

WINNSBORO — For the Howell family, a fresh start in the Piney Woods sounded better the more they began to imagine the idea. “We lived down south during Harvey (Hurricane Harvey) and we lived through, and we lost a lot from it,” Amanda Billingsley-Howell told our news partner KETK. But just 20 days after they signed the dotted line to buy their new home in Winnsboro, an EF-2 tornado swept through their town and ripped apart a portion of their home. However, the Howell family has a guardian angel in the form of a friend who formed a GoFundMe page to help offset financial costs. You can click here if you’d like to help this family get back on its feet.

TYLER — Here’s a look at work planned in TxDOT’s Tyler District for the week of June 3. Weather conditions or other unforeseen issues could change these work schedules. In Tyler, night work to place the final surface is scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday on the FM 2493/Old Jacksonville Highway Turn Lane Project at Grande Boulevard. Night work is also being conducted on Rice Road. Motorists can expect lane closures and delays during this work. You can go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/030-2019.html for a complete rundown.

TYLER — Thanks to the work of the Tyler Area Partnership 4 Education, Tyler and Smith County have joined the Start Smart Texas network, a statewide movement to increase early reading proficiency. That’s according to a news release from the United Way of Smith County. The United Way’s Nan Moore says each community in the network has committed to targeting early literacy as an urgent priority. According to the news release, national tests show that more than half of all Texas fourth graders — many of whom are from low-income families — are not reading proficiently. Continue reading Tyler Named Newest Start Smart Texas Community

TYLER — Vortex Companies will be relining a large drainage pipe under Cumberland Road just west of Cherokee Trail in Tyler Monday, June 3, through Friday, June 7. City officials advise you to expect major delays and use alternate routes. You’re also asked to stay alert of workers in the area, as they will have limited workspace, and to obey all posted construction signage. This schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen issues.

TYLER — Morton Enterprises will be sealing cracks on Cumberland Road between Wilder Way and Paluxy Drive in Tyler again Saturday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Crews were on the job Friday as well. Officials advise you to expect major delays, use alternate routes, and stay alert of workers in the area as they will have limited workspace. The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen issues.

CANTON — The National Weather Service confirmed on Friday that seven tornadoes touched down in East Texas on Wednesday, including five in Canton alone. According to our news partner KETK, two of the Canton tornadoes were rated EF-0s, two as EF-1s, and one as an EF-2. Survey teams from the National Weather Service offices in Fort Worth as well as Shreveport had teams throughout the area examining damage and paths the systems left behind. The other tornadoes struck the Kemp/Mabank and Winnsboro areas.

PALESTINE — Two people were arrested in Palestine after police executed a search warrant and found a one-year-old living in an apartment with cocaine and an infestation of rats. According to our news partner KETK, Aaron Johnson, 38, and Kandice Asberry, 25, both of Palestine, were booked for manufacture of a controlled substance and endangering a child. According to a statement from the police department, concerned citizens had filed multiple complaints about the residence on South Magnolia. Child Protective Services took the child into custody.

TYLER — After nearly 50 years of business, the Honey Tree in Tyler has closed its doors as of 3 p.m. Friday. The health food store and café is located on Shelley Drive. According to our news partner KETK, the current owner is retiring. She says she’s looking forward to a chance to relax. Three generations have managed the business over the years. They say they want to thank the community for its support and love, and the staff for its dedication.

ATHENS — Henderson County authorities arrest a woman in connection with reported illegal gambling. Officers raided a game room named Cowboys just north of Seven Points and a residence in Gun Barrel City said to be connected with the game room. Officials say Shelia Nell Zbleski was found to be in possession of the game room. She faces charges of organized criminal activity, possession of a gambling device and paraphernalia, and promotion and keeping a gambling place. Authorities say more arrests are expected to come in connection with this case.

EAST TEXAS — The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army arrived in Canton and Winnsboro Wednesday night to help tornado victims and first responders. According to our news partner KETK, the Salvation Army is providing water, coffee and snacks. The Red Cross of East Texas is also on the ground in Van Zandt County and Wood County. Both organizations are surveying the needs of the communities. “Right now, we’re doing disaster assessment. We’re going out seeing the damage and then providing financial assistance for families who are without a place to live because their home was destroyed,” Doug Hanning, with the Red Cross, said. Continue reading Disaster Teams Helping Storm Damaged East Texas

HENDERSON – Henderson police will not be charging the father of 2-year-old Ariel Smith with child abduction “at this time,” according to a statement from the department. According to our news partner KETK, the child has been placed with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. In the statement, authorities say Lamarcus Smith turned himself and Ariel in and cooperated with them in an “extensive interview.” Smith was initially named a suspect in Ariel’s disappearance this week in Henderson, which prompted an Amber Alert.

TYLER — For the first time, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Tyler Police Department will join together to present free active shooter training to the public. The training, “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events,” teaches what happens during an event and actions you can take to help you survive the attack. The training will be Saturday June 8th, at 9:00 a.m. in the Crosswalk Conference Center at Green Acres Baptist Church. Officials point out that this subject is graphic and some portions of the training may not be suitable for children. Parents are strongly encouraged not to bring children younger than 13 to the training.

TYLER — UT Tyler will graduate its first class of University Academy seniors this Saturday. Offering grades K-12, the academy is a state-funded charter school specializing in STEM education. It was founded in 2012. UT Tyler Dean Dr. Ross Sherman says increasing the number of STEM prepared students in East Texas is “critical to the economic vitality of the region.” 42 students from campuses in Tyler, Longview, and Palestine will get their diplomas, and UT Tyler President Dr. Michael Tidwell will give the commencement address.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court approved the completion of a road bond project, as well as the start of two more. According to a news release, County Road 2171, or Willingham Road, saw 2.7 miles widened and improved. A portion of CR 2171 remains closed while TxDOT replaces a bridge with a new box culvert structure. It is located just south of the Whitehouse city limits and the project is expected to take about four months. Crews completed similar improvements and paving to 0.3 miles of CR 1302. Both roads are south of Whitehouse. Continue reading Smith County Road Report

EAST TEXAS — Severe weather moved through East Texas Wednesday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, significant damage was reported in downtown Canton, where two tornadoes hit, along with damage elsewhere in Van Zandt County. Tornadoes were not only reported at Canton, but also near Gun Barrel City and at Quitman. A number of communities were placed under tornado warnings. All tornado warnings have expired or been canceled. Several counties remain under a tornado watch until 1:00am. They are Bowie; Camp; Cass; Franklin; Morris; Red River; Smith; Titus; Upshur; Wood.

GLADEWATER – Gladewater police are asking for the public’s help in identifying an aggravated robbery suspect. He is said to have robbed the Cash Store on East Upshur Avenue on May 18th. The suspect is a black male, approximately 5’10’ tall with a medium build. He was wearing black hospital scrubs and black flip flops. The suspect was last seen running eastbound on East Upshur Avenue. They say he should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have information about his identity you are asked to contact the Gladewater Police Department.

TYLER – In recognition of stroke awareness month, you will get the latest information on strokes at the Strokes for Stroke event in Tyler on Thursday. It starts at 5:30 at Tyler’s Willowbrook Country Club. Nurse Cindy Salem will be discussing acute stroke treatment and diagnosis. You will learn important prevention tips and how to recognize early signs of stroke. You will also hear about life after a stroke from a stroke survivor. Tickets are complimentary, but seating is limited, and registration is required. Register online at ChristusHealth.org/StrokePrevention to reserve your seat.

MARSHALL – The city of Marshall has a new early warning siren that is up and in operation. It is near the Oaklawn Municipal Golf Course.The new siren replaces the old siren located near the golf course that was damaged by a lightning strike in a previous storm. There are 7 early warning sirens in the city: Washington Early Childhood, Evans Street; William B. Travis Elementary School, Carolanne Street; Oak Lawn Golf Course, Victory Drive; Key Street at Martin Street; I-20 behind I-HOP; End of Carters Ferry; and East End Boulevard North at the Marshall Police Department.

LONGVIEW – The University of Texas at Tyler has named Sherry Howard as its new Longview University Center director. The starts her new duties June 1st. Howard was most recently the associate vice president for workforce and advancement at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Arkansas. She also has some experience in the banking industry and the nonprofit sector. Howard holds a master of business administration and a bachelor of business administration degrees.

CUNEY – An investigation that began in 2017 has led to three indictments in Cherokee County. One of those indicted was the police Chief of Cuney. The investigation was of the Cuney Sweepstakes and Game Room. The investigation led to the seizure of around 150 gambling devices and around $19,000. The investigation also uncovered that Cuney Police Chief Gregory Sinkfield (pictured), Michael Folks, and Sabeer Nelliparamban received the earnings of the business. The three were indicted last week by the Cherokee County grand jury. All three were arrested this week and are currently free on bond.

HENDERSON — A Henderson two-year-old has been found safe after an Amber Alert was issued for the girl. According to our news partner KETK, the Henderson Police Department reported Ariel Smith was taken around 10:25 p.m. Tuesday from the Henderson Village Apartment Complex. Authorities say Smith’s mother lives at that complex off Highway 259. Authorities earlier identified the little girl’s father as her possible abductor. But officials say the man, Lamarcus Smith, 41, is not being considered as a suspect or being charged at this time. The investigation continues, and we’ll continue to provide updates as they come in.

MARSHALL – Hot check writers in Harrison County are being given a month amnesty. Between June 1st and July 1st, if they pay off their debts, they will avoid arrest in an upcoming roundup. According to a press release from the District Attorney’s Office, “At this time there are over $1,262,000 worth of outstanding hot checks, dating back to the early 2000s, and most of these cases have outstanding warrants.” District Attorney Reid McCain says his office wants to make sure that local businesses get what’s due to them. Once the outstanding debts are paid, the individual warrants will be dismissed.

TYLER – Last month, the Smith County jail was found to be non-compliant after an inspection. The jail was found to be deficient in the amount of time that an inmate has to exercise during the week. The Sheriff and his staff made critical adjustments within the jail to accommodate the low manpower shortage and to correct the deficiency. But, their action only brought it up to minimum standards. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith and the jail administration appeared before Smith County commissioners Tuesday requesting funds for repairs for the low and medium risk jail facilities. Following a lengthy discussion, the commissioners approved spending $514,250 for the jail upgrades. Besides renovating two guard stations in the jail, the work will also include plumbing, lighting, painting, as well as work in the inmate bathrooms, sleeping areas and common areas.

TYLER – Work begins Wednesday on Old Omen Road in Tyler. Base repairs will be made to the road between University Boulevard and East Fifth Street. The work will run through Friday. Construction will begin at 7:00am and end at 5:00pm each day. Motorists can expect delays and road closures. The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen issues.