KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – A candlelight vigil to honor Spc Alex Missildine will be held Saturday at 6:45pm on the Tyler square. The Ultimate Sacrifice program is to honor the Robert E. Lee High School graduate killed by an improvised explosive device in Iraq. He was killed last Sunday when an IED detonated near his convoy. Missildine, 20, served with the division’s 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Continue reading Fallen East Texas Soldier Remembered

HENDERSON – In Rusk County, it’s a long prison term for a man found guilty for sexual abuse of a child. The district attorney’s Facebook page says Norman Oneal Copeland, 50, appeared before the judge in the 4th Judicial District Court on Wednesday. He had been arrested last October on a charge was continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. After listening to the evidence, he was found guilty. Then, following testimony in the punishment phase, Copeland was sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole.

DIANA – Investigators say a fatal Upshur County fire may have started in the home’s kitchen. It was reported around 5:00 Thursday morning on State Highway 154, west of Diana. Killed was Sherri Hogue, 62. Her husband, James, was flown to a hospital in Sherveport where he is in critical condition. A grandson who lived with them was treated for smoke inhalation. Their home was destroyed by the fire. The state fire marshal’s office is heading up the investigation.

TYLER – The East Texas State Fair came to an end last Sunday. Fair officials say it was a tremendous success. Attendance saw a slight drop from previous years. But a cool front brought cooler temperatures and the crowds back for the final weekend. Final attendance was 230,471, 5% less than the previous year. But, The fair saw the largest livestock show in its 100-year history, bringing in entries from as far away as Mississippi. And several competitive events, like the horticulture contest and youth creative arts saw a larger than normal number of entries. The fair provided an estimated $9.8 million in economic impact on the City of Tyler and Smith County. Proceeds from the East Texas State Fair will benefit the Fair’s youth education programs. This includes Academic Rodeo which begins in November, and the over $40,000 in scholarships the Fair plans to provide for local youth in the coming months.

TYLER – The UT Health Northeast Psychology Internship Program has been awarded a $1 million dollar grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Officials with UT Health said in a news release that the funding would be used to increase the size and breadth of its program, which provides behavioral health services for patients.

TYLER – A man said to be responsible for several Thursday night accidents has been arrested by Tyler police. A witness followed the suspect believed responsible for three separate accidents. No injuries were reported. Officers tried to stop him on East Erwin outside the Loop. He drove into the county where he fled on food into a wooded area. He was arrested after officers chased him on foot. Eugene Johnson, 31, of Tyler is charged with 3 counts of leaving the scene of an accident, DWI with open container, evading in a vehicle, and evading on foot. He remains in the Smith County Jail under bonds totaling $13,500. Johnson has an extensive criminal history, dating back to 1998.

WOOD COUNTY — A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of eight people against former Wood County Sheriff James Brown, former Wood County Sheriff’s Office Captain Miles Tucker, several current and former Wood County deputies and Jerry Wayne Boone for unconstitutional use of excessive force, illegal arrest and state claims. According to KETK, the suit is based on the shootings of Winston Forrester and his father John Forrester on November 2, 2015. The two were reportedly accessing their oil well that was situated on the former sheriff’s property. Continue reading Lawsuit Filed against Former East Texas Sheriff

TYLER – The Smith County grand jury has indicted 7 men who are accused of taking part in an operation that mailed large quantities of marijuana to Tyler. Their suspected involvement in a drug and money laundering operation has caused them to be charged with engaging in organized criminal activities. The men are from Tyler, Oklahoma and California. They are all in custody with bonds ranging up to $3 million. Continue reading 7 Indicted for Organized Criminal Activities

LONGVIEW – For the time being, Gregg County is suspending Yahoo emails. The action is being taken because of the recent increase in viruses and other suspicious activity. County Judge Bill Stoudt said the action was the recommendation of the county’s IT director. The judge said the department is reviewing the matter, which should take a couple of weeks. Once the county is assured that the treat level is minimal, the judge said the Yahoo emails will be allowed back into the network. Until the, Yahoo users are asked to call a county department instead of using email.

TYLER – For October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the city of Tyler is making available pink trash cans. The city’s Solid Waste Department says on the city’s web site, the 96 gallon trash cans are $97.74, which must be prepaid by cash, check, or money order. The money must accompany the completed agreement, signed by the account holder. A $5 donation will be made to the Susan G. Komen foundation for each pink cart delivered. The pink carts remain the property of the City of Tyler Solid Waste Department. You can click on this link, http://www.cityoftyler.org/Portals/0/Documents/Solid%20Waste/Pink%20Cart%20Agreement%20v%203.pdf for the agreement. Print it and bring or mail the signed agreement and payment to Solid Waste at 414 N. Bois D’Arc Ave. Tyler Texas 75702.

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a burglary suspect. The man is a suspect in a burglary of a habitation where several firearms and checks were stolen. The checks were later forged. If you have information about the suspect, you are asked to contact Detective Hill at 903-590-2615.

LONGVIEW – A Longview man has been arrested after they say he twice resisted arrest. Irin Tradarian Rugley, 21, was one of two persons found in a car at Stamper Park Wednesday morning around 4:00. Since the park is closed at that time, officers checked on the car. Officers say Rugley was uncooperative and verbally defiant and hit an officer in the head before running away. The officer was treated and released from the hospital. When Rugley was found around 9:15 Wednesday night on Mary Jane Street, he was again was verbally defiant and resisted officers. He was arrested and placed in the Gregg County Jail on charges of resisting arrest and assault of a public servant. His bonds total $12,000.

EAST TEXAS — Several East Texas counties are moving forward with lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The Smith County Commissioners Court has hired two law firms to pursue such litigation. Upshur County has already become the first in the state to file such a lawsuit, demanding financial help to deal with the cost of treating addicts in the county’s jail and indigent health program. An attorney representing Upshur County says drug companies share some responsibility for pushing their products. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Rusk County has also agreed to join the litigation. Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states, and other counties in Texas are expected to do likewise.

GRAND SALINE — Grand Saline Police Chief Justin Collins has resigned from his post following his Tuesday afternoon arrest. According to KETK, Collins turned himself in and was charged with theft of property. He immediately bonded out of jail. The Grand Saline Police Department in July confirmed Collins had been placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation. Texas Municipal Police Association Executive Director Kevin Lawrance said a “litany” of complaints had been lodged against Chief Collins. Some of the complaints are policy issues and more serious matters are criminal in nature. This includes possible fraud, theft and abuse of capacity.

TYLER – A capital murder suspect was due in a Tyler courtroom Thursday. It’s now been moved to October 12 at 10:30 a.m. Gustavo Zavala-Garcia, 25, Bullard, is facing the death penalty for abducting and killing Kayla Gomez-Orozco, 10, last November. She disappeared from a Bullard church. Her body was found days later inside a well on the suspect’s property. Family members said he is a cousin who “acted like an uncle to Kayla.” The Suspect remains in the Smith County Jail under a $10 million bond.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College police are investigating a reported sexual assault. According to KETK, police received a report of a sexual assault in an on-campus dorm on September 28. An alert was sent out by the TJC Alert system following the report. Police say the investigation is ongoing and students should use caution with unknown persons. Additional information was not available.

TYLER – A Tyler Fire Department Captain and his wife killed in an Arkansas accident are being remembered today. Marty and Jean Lawrence died early Saturday morning when an 18-wheeler swerved and hit their car. Following an 11 a.m. funeral at Tyler’s Green Acres Baptist Church, several streets and intersections were to be closed as the funeral procession makes its way to the Flint Cemetery. Leaving the church around 12:15, the procession heads south on the Troup Highway to Grande Boulevard; turns right on Grande; and proceeds to the Old Jacksonville Highway, where it turns left and heads to the cemetery.

TYLER – Smith County donated surplus computer equipment this week to Mustard Seed Ministries to be given to local school children. Dr. Karen Jones, founder and president of Mustard Seed Ministries, along with three technicians, picked up surplus technology equipment that had been collected by the county’s information technology department. For years the county has donated outdated and broken computer equipment, including monitors, desktops and printers, to Mustard Seed Ministries. The nonprofit organization dismantles and reassembles the equipment and donates them to children who do not have computers. Mustard Seed Ministries has given away about 11,000 computers.

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department Wednesday morning released information about the source of a Tuesday night fire at Golden Corral on South Broadway. Fire officials say the fire started near the southwest corner of the building in the exterior eve with the only ignition source in the area being can lights. The investigator on scene noted that the breaker controlling the lights had been tripped. It was also noted that an electrician had been out recently working on the lights. Most of the fire damage was to the outside of the building with smoke and light fire damage to the interior. There was also water damage to the inside caused by an activated fire sprinkler system and fire suppression activities. There were no injuries reported and no word on when the eatery might reopen.

TYLER — Former mayor and longtime civic leader Barbara Bass made it clear she didn’t do it alone as she was honored Tuesday with the T.B. Butler Award as Tyler’s most outstanding citizen — given each year at the annual meeting of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. While thanking the Chamber for the honor, Bass told attendees, “When we work together as a community, we not only change this community for the greater good — but we change the lives of people around us. Folks — it is about community.” Bass also stressed the importance of her religious faith in her community endeavors. Continue reading Winners Acknowledge Tyler Area Chamber Awards

GRAND SALINE – The Grand Saline police chief, who was put on administrative leave July 12th, has been arrested. Chief Justin Collins, 37, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday after being charged with theft of property over $100 but less than $750. Texas Municipal Police Association Executive Director Kevin Lawrance told KETK, a “litany” of complaints had been lodged against Chief Collins. Some of the complaints are policy issues and more serious matters are criminal in nature. This includes possible fraud, theft and abuse of capacity. After being booked in to the Van Zandt County Jail, he was released on a $1,000 bond.

TYLER- Susan Farrington has joined Tyler Junior College as director of alumni relations. She recently moved back to Texas from Pennsylvania, where she served as director of alumni, employer and student relations for Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. She previously held positions in both higher education and the business sector.

TYLER – A Tyler man has been sentenced to prison for a robbery last October. Martiness Jones-Bigham, 21, pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to eight years in prison with 349 days credit for time served. Police records show Bigman was arrested by Precinct 1 Deputy Constable Glen Stone, who caught him robbing the Super Food Mart gas station on Gentry Parkway. The constable found him, armed with a knife, in the act of robbing the clerk. He was ordered to the ground while they waited for Tyler police. Last month his accomplice, 19 year old Jordan Devers of Tyler, was sentenced to 8 years in prison for his part in the robbery.

MARSHALL – Due to the weather, Marshall has made the decision to reschedule their National Night Out event to Thursday, October 5, from 6:00 to 8:00pm. It will be held in downtown Marshall. There will be free food, games, bounce houses, K9 and SWAT demonstrations and entertainment for all. This year, Walmart, Caddo Packing, Super One Food, Brookshires and Save-A-Lot are sponsoring the event. National Night Out encourages neighbors and communities to come together and build relationships and police-community partnerships.

ATHENS – A Henderson County man has been found competent for execution. The ruling in the case of Randall Mays was issued by state district judge Judge Joe Clayton. Mays was sentenced to death in 2007 for the deaths of sheriff’s deputies Paul Habelt and Tony Ogburn. A third deputy was injured. The shootings occurred after Mays barricaded himself in his house in Payne Springs. In March, 2015, a stay of execution was issued so Mays’ competency could be reviewed. Monday’s ruling paves the way for the execution of the former welder and oilfield worker. No execution date has been set.

LONGVIEW – A man has died as the result of a Longview accident last month. Longview police were notified shortly after 11:00 Tuesday morning that that Allen Wisenbaker Jr., 51, had died from his injuries. On September 16th, his motorcycle and a car were involved in a wreck at the intersection of East Loop 281 and Airline Road. Longview police say Wisenbaker was shown at fault for failure to yield right of way turning left and suspicion of DWI. The Longview News Journal reports he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.20, more than twice the legal limit.

LONGVIEW – A Longview woman with a long arrest record, who was named in a felony warrant, is now facing additional charges. An officer attempted to arrest Erica Monique Stoker, 33, around 3:00 Tuesday morning. A police report said she started resisting arrest, even attempting to take the officer’s Taser, which was holstered on his belt. The officer took her to the ground and was able to place her in handcuffs. Besides the felony theft of property warrant, Stoker is also charged with resisting arrest and attempting to take a weapon from a peace officer. This is not the first time Stoker has been in the Gregg County Jail. Jail records show 33 arrests since first arrested by the Gregg County Sheriff’s office in 2002.

LEAGUEVILLE – Henderson County authorities have released a sketch of a man accused of assaulting a deputy sheriff. It occurred last Thursday night when the deputy stopped to check on a suspicious man walking on Farm Road 607 south of Leagueville. The suspect reportedly hit the deputy in the face with a pistol and ran. The deputy was treated and released from the hospital. The suspect is described as a white man wearing dark clothing and should be considered armed and dangerous. Henderson County Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information to the suspects arrest.

TYLER – Tyler Junior College art professor Philana Oliphant Pace has been chosen as an exhibitor for the sixth edition of the Texas Biennial. This is a geographically focused exhibition of contemporary art. Oliphant is one of 33 artists selected from among 1,217 applicants from a statewide open call. The Texas Biennial, which runs through November 11in Austin, celebrates the many cultures and identities that influence and impact our daily. There are 78 Texas Biennial Participating Organizations throughout Texas, including TJC, who will have scheduled events throughout 2018.

TYLER – County Road 1261, also known as Big Eddy Road, is scheduled to be closed to through traffic beginning Wednesday. The action is needed to replace a concrete culvert pipe that crosses the road. The work is expected to take 6 to 8 hours. It’s part of the project to widen and overlay Big Eddy Road, from Farm-to-Market Road 2661 to Texas Highway 155, west of Noonday. Work on the roadway improvements will begin this month. If the work scheduled for Wednesday is delayed due to weather, a revised closure date will be issued.