KTBB News, Weather, Talk

MARSHALL – A friendly battle is underway in Marshall. It is the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The two day drive ends Tuesday evening at 7:00. It is being hosted by the Marshall Police Department in conjunction with Carter BloodCare. It pits the police department against the fire department. It’s being held at the Marshall Visual Arts Center on East Burleson Street. There will be free T-shirts, snacks and daily door prize drawings. Donors are encouraged to donate blood and cast their vote for one of the departments. The losing chief will be required to wash a vehicle belonging to the winning chief.

TYLER – Two honors students at the University of Texas at Tyler have won top awards for research presentations at the 2018 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. Biochemistry senior Savannah Seely of Fort Worth and civil engineering senior Arthur Oenning Fagundes of Curitiba, Brazil, received Best Research Poster awards at the Boston, Massachusetts, event. Seely was awarded in the health sciences division for her poster titled “Investigating Programming of a Virus-Like Particle for Cell Specific Chemotherapy,’’ which was based on her research with Dr. Dustin Patterson, assistant professor of biochemistry. Fagundes was awarded in the business, engineering and computer science division for his poster titled “City of Tyler Hub-and-Spoke Bicycle Lane Network,’’ which was based on his work with Dr. Mena Souliman, assistant professor of civil engineering.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work throughout the district during the week of December 3. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.

Highlights:
-Traffic switch set for Monday on US 79 at UPRR Overpass project in Palestine
-New widening project is underway on US 79 in Cherokee County
-Landscaping project starting in Lindale

You can go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/050-2018.html to find details on these and other work projects in TxDOT’s northeast Texas District.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest and indictment of four suspects on Federal drug and firearm related charges. Suri Rivera-Zuniga, 24, Kevin Russ Ivy, 57, Angelica Jaimes-Loredo, 30, and Stephen Paul Barton, 54, (pictured) were indicted November 14th, 2018, by a Federal Grand Jury in the Eastern District of Texas. According to officials, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration launched a long term investigation into the distribution of dangerous drugs in Smith County as well as surrounding counties. The investigation lasted approximately seven months. During the course of the investigation, approximately four kilograms of Methamphetamine and two firearms were seized.

TYLER – November in Tyler was cooler and wetter than normal. The thirty-day outlook for November 2018, issued on October 18, had called for above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. The October 31 revision called for near normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. According to the National Weather Service, compared with November 2017, the month was 9.0 degrees cooler and 4.52 inches wetter. The year-to-date rainfall, through month’s end, was 3.53 inches greater in 2018 than in 2017. Continue reading Temperature Record for Tyler

LONGVIEW – Someone is calling Longview residents saying they are soliciting donations on behalf of the Longview Fire Firefighter’s Association. But the fire department says it is a hoax. The person identified himself as “John” and had called from the phone number 903-829-3059. But the fire department says neither they or the Longview Firefighter’s Association would use this type of fundraising platform to solicit donations of any kind. If you have concerns about any attempt to solicit donations on behalf of the Longview Fire Department or the Longview Firefighter’s Association, please contact the Longview Fire Administration Office at 903-237-1210.

SHREVEPORT – A Longview kidnapping suspect has been arrested in Louisiana. Arrested at a home in Shreveport was Desmond Ossie Edwards, 32. He is accused of kidnapping a woman from her High Street residence around 7:15 Friday morning. Officers were told Edwards had come to the victim’s apartment and forced her to get into his vehicle. Shreveport police later located the vehicle. The victim was released unharmed. The suspect surrendered to authorities a short time later. Edwards has been charged with aggravated assault.

MARSHALL – Because of severe thunderstorms in Friday’s East Texas forecast, the City of Marshall rescheduled its Christmas parade to Sunday evening at 6:00. The Wonderland of Lights Lighted Christmas Parade featured an abundance of lighted floats and vehicles as well as several school bands, cheer and dance groups, and other local organizations. Director of Community and Economic Development Wes Morrison said, “With these weather predictions, we felt it best to postpone the Lighted Christmas Parade not only for the safety of attendees and participants, but also to provide the best opportunity for the community and visitors to be able to enjoy it.”

TYLER – A teen has been charged with a Tyler robbery. The robbery occurred the evening of October 27th. A person with a black hand gun robbed a gas station on West Gentry Parkway. They left with an undisclosed amount of money and other items. When investigators developed a suspect, they told him to turn himself in. The 15 year old turned himself at the Tyler Police Department Friday morning. He was then transported to the Juvenile Attention Center.

SMITH COUNTY – One person has been arrested following an accidental shooting in Smith County. It was reported shortly after midnight Friday morning at a residence on Spur 248. A woman was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries after being shot in the chest. Jordan Lavar Roberson, 32, of Tyler told investigators he was taking a pistol apart to clean it and it accidentally fired. Investigators say the evidence is consistent with an accidental discharge. Roberson was taken into custody and booked into the Smith County Jail for felon in possession of a firearm as well as warrants for parole violation and possession of marijuana. There were five minor children inside the residence and CPS was notified.

TYLER – One person has been killed in a Tyler accident. It occurred just before 7:00 Thursday night on WSW Loop 323 at Kinsey Drive. Dead at the scene was Dustin Woodruff of Tyler. His motorcycle collided with a vehicle making a U-turn at the intersection. Tyler police say the driver of the vehicle failed to see the motorcycle which was entering the intersection on a green light.

SMITH COUNTY – Two persons have died in separate Smith County Accidents. The first occurred around 8:15 Thursday morning on County Road 370 just north of County Road 3100, northeast of Tyler. Dead at the scene was Ramsey E. Carrell, 75, of Winona. The Department of Public Safety says his pickup was heading south when, for an unknown reason, he drove off the left side of the roadway and hit a tree. The second accident happened about six hours later on County Road 1261, 8 miles southwest of Tyler. Dead at the scene was Connie Sorie Dana, 73, of Flint. Her compact SUV left the road, hit a culvert, overturned, and then caught fire. Both accidents remain under investigation.

SMITH COUNTY – A Smith County man has died in a one vehicle accident. The crash occurred around 8:15 Thursday morning on County Road 370 just north of County Road 3100, northeast of Tyler. Dead at the scene was Ramsey E. Carrell, 75, of Winona. The Department of Public Safety says his pickup was heading south when, for an unknown reason, he drove off the left side of the roadway and hit a tree. The accident remains under investigation.

TYLER – Only one of five persons arrested in a Smith County murder last year is still charged in the case. Judicial records show that the murder charges against Nathan Ryan Garcia, 20, of Whitehouse, and Colton Wade Tate, 21, of Tyler, were dismissed earlier this week. They had been charged in the November 2017 shooting death of Andrew Carpenter. He was shot at a home on Deerwood Drive. Two other persons arrested in the case had previously had charges against them dismissed. That leaves only Martin Wesley Reynolds Jr., 21, of Whitehouse (pictured) still charged in the death. He remains in the Smith County Jail under a $750,000 bond

TYLER – A third picture has been added to a special display at the Tyler Police Department. It honors three retired officers. They are recognized as the only three sworn officers of the Tyler Police Department who had served 40 years. The display had the pictures of Lieutenant Joe Elliott, who served from 1931 to 1974, and officer J.D. Smith who served from 1974 to 2014. Added to the display is the picture of Officer David Swain who served from 1975 to 2018. He retired at the end of September.

TYLER – A joint investigation by local, state and federal authorities has resulted in the arrest of three illegal aliens in Smith County. The arrests occurred as authorities served search warrants at homes on Garland Street and County Road 4180 East. Juan Barrientos, 51, Aniceto Saucedo-Alcaraz, 29 and Miguel Avendano-Flores – 42, face federal drug and firearm charges. During a search of the homes, numerous firearms, cocaine, methamphetamine and other narcotics were found inside both residences. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers were also placed on all three men, who are now in the Smith County Jail.

LONGVIEW – Longview police are seeking witnesses to a fatal accident that occurred on November 16th. The accident at the intersection of Gilmer Road and Heritage Boulevard killed Benandre Wilson, 28, of Longview. His motorcycle was one of five vehicles involved in the accident around 6:30 that Friday evening. They are looking for two persons who were walking north on Gilmer Road and the driver of a vehicle who was at the intersection. If you were at the accident site, or know of someone who was there, you are asked to contact the Longview Police Departments traffic unit and speak with Officer Mike Grisham at 903-239-5516.

LONGVIEW — A lawsuit alleging corruption at the Texas Department of Public Safety spills over into the unsolved 2016 murder of prominent Longview businessman Ronnie Horaney. According to the Longview News Journal and our news partner KETK, the federal suit, filed Tuesday by former Longview resident Ty Clevenger on behalf of retired Mount Pleasant-based DPS investigator Darren Lubbe, raises multiple accusations of DPS cover-ups by superiors and retaliation against Lubbe in a 24-page claim. The complaint says the Texas Rangers discovered their lead investigator in the Horaney case was involved in a sexual relationship with Horaney’s widow. Lubbe and his attorney allege that the lead Ranger, Brent Davis, helped Mrs. Horaney recover proceeds from her husband’s life insurance policy, badly compromising the murder investigation. Continue reading Lawsuit Alleging DPS Corruption

WHITE OAK – A postal theft has been reported in White Oak. Sometime between 3:00 Tuesday afternoon and 7:00 Wednesday morning, someone pried the door open on the USPS postal box in front of the White Oak Post Office and took the contents. If you or someone you know placed mail in that box during that time, you need to make sure that any checks are stopped or banks notified if account numbers are at risk of being compromised. If you saw anything suspicious around those times, you are asked to contact the White Oak Police Department.

TYLER – Tyler ushers in the Christmas season Thursday night with a couple of activities. It begins at 6:00 with the annual Rotary Christmas Parade. There will be bands, equestrian groups, civic organizations and, of course Santa, all moving around the downtown square. Then, right after the parade will the 33rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza. It will be lit by the 2019 Miracle Child, 16 month old Blake Barney of Tyler. This year’s Christmas Tree is a 22-foot Leyland Cypress donated by Scott Lyles and family with the Bright Star Farms in Alba.

MARSHALL – Marshall police have arrested three young men on aggravated robbery charges. The robbery of an individual occurred Sunday afternoon on Wood Street. Two of the suspects were spotted Tuesday afternoon on Carter Street. After running away from a vehicle, they were later found on South Grove Street. Arrested were Jacoby Pierce, 17 and Larry Pierce, Jr., 19. The third suspect, Nigel Worth, 22, was arrested about 5 1/2 hours later. All three are from Marshall. Larry Pierce was also booked on outstanding warrants for probation violation.

TYLER – The Tyler Morning Telegraph will be getting new owners next month. After more than a century of continuous family ownership, the paper has announced it is being sold to M. Roberts Media. The family-owned newspaper group operates several newspapers in the state, including the Longview News-Journal and the Marshall News Messenger. The new owners will be taking over on Saturday. Nelson Clyde, publisher of the Tyler Morning Telegraph, said in a story on their website, “The sale is a reflection of the economic realities of operating a single-site newspaper property.”

TYLER – The official entertainer for the 2019 Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala will be country music singer Mark Chesnutt. The announcement was made Tuesday night at the Cattle Barons’ kickoff party. The American Cancer Society benefits from the annual event. The 2019 Gala is scheduled for June 29th and will again be held at the Texas Rose Horse Park on Highway 110, northwest of Tyler. Next year’s theme will be “Triple Crown – On Track for a Cure!.” The 2018 gala, which was held in June, raised $495,045.75 for the American Cancer Society. Tickets for the 2019 event go on sale January 1.

TYLER – The 2019 Miracle Child representing the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has been introduced in Tyler. She is Blake Barney, who is 16 months old. She and her parents and sister live in Tyler. Blake was born with a neuro-developmental syndrome called EBF#-HADDS, which hasn’t always been identified. It is a very rare and newly diagnosed syndrome, discovered in 2016. Currently there are only about one hundred known cases of EBF3-HADDS in the world, and Blake is one of the youngest children to ever be diagnosed with it. Blake will be lighting the City of Tyler’s Christmas Tree on T.B. Butler Square at the conclusion of the Tyler Christmas Parade on Thursday evening. Continue reading The 2019 Miracle Child Named

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing high school student. She is Denisha Mathews, 16. Marshall police say that she was last seen on the high school campus on October 31st. Mathews is described as a biracial female who is 5’6” tall and weighs around 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing a white dress with black leggings, black shoes, a grey jacket and her hair was in a ponytail. Police public information officer Kelly Colvin said they could release no other information at this time. If you see her, you are asked to contact your nearest law enforcement agency.

WHITEHOUSE – A Whitehouse Junior High School student has been arrested following a social media threat that appeared Monday evening. According to the school district’s Facebook page, the student was arrested Tuesday morning and charged with making a terroristic threat. The student has also been suspended from school pending further school discipline. The school district had additional law officers on the junior high school campus Tuesday morning to ease the concerns of the parents and the students. School superintendent Dr. Chris Moran said he is thankful for the students who saw the social media posting and immediately reported it.

HARRISON COUNTY – The Department of Public Safety is continuing its investigation into a fatal Harrison County accident. It occurred around 9:45 Monday night at the intersection of Farm Road 9 and County Road 451, in the southeastern part of the county. Dead at the scene was Andrew David Henry, 65 of Deberry. His pickup hit a truck’s trailer that was turning onto the farm road.

PITTSBURG — The investigation continues into the death of a woman whose body was found Monday morning along a road in Pittsburg. She has been identified by Southwest Forensic Institute as Tashiana Sharday Taylor, 24, of Pittsburg. No word yet on the cause of death.

TYLER – Ceremonies were held Tuesday morning, signaling the construction of two new Tyler fire stations. The first ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held for fire station number 4. That station, currently located on Martin Luther King Boulevard, will be relocated to Cherryhill Lane,near West Cumberland Road. A couple of hours later, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for fire station number 1. Currently located at Elm Street and Fannin Avenue, it will be built on Gentry Parkway at Palace Avenue. Both capital projects, which are said to be just under $8 million, will be funded out of the Half Cent Sales Tax Fund.