KTBB News, Weather, Talk

MALAKOFF – A Henderson County student has graduated with a special distinction. Cross Roads High School senior Julie Rogers has graduated with perfect attendance. And not just for her senior year. According to the district’s Facebook page, Julie has not missed a day of school from kindergarten through 12th grade, a total of 13 years. She was recently recognized for her achievement at the school’s awards ceremony. The school’s homecoming queen finished 5th in her class.

MARSHALL — There was a serious blow to public safety service due to weekend storm activity in East Texas. The storm was so strong that it knocked out 9-1-1 service to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall Police Department, and six other law enforcement agencies. Lt. Jay Webb says, “A T-1 line had gone down and became the problem. When the T-1 line went down, of course, everything went with it.” Webb said Harrison County sent a dayshift dispatcher to Marion County Monday to assist with call volume until the service was restored around 3:00 Monday afternoon. Harrison County officials plan to meet soon to determine a way to keep this from ever happening again.

TYLER – Smith County Commissioners learned about the community of Arp during Tuesday’s commissioners’ court session. Mayor Terry Lowry, whose father also served as mayor, gave a brief presentation about the history of Arp, which was established in the 1860s. His grandfather, Cleve, was one of the founding fathers of Arp and owned about half of the town. After the nearby community of Omen rejected the railroad coming in, Arp became a railroad community and began to grow. According to Lowery, there are now 22 businesses in Arp, and about 1,000 students attending schools in the Arp School District. Mayor Lower told the commissioners, “We’ve got a good community. The school system, I will admit, is second to none.” Continue reading Arp Highlighted Before Smith County Commissioners

EAST TEXAS — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Memorial Day weekend accidental shooting that claimed the life of Cass County resident and former Marshall firefighter Danny Duncan. According to KETK, Sheriff David McKnight said the incident occurred early Saturday morning as Duncan and some relatives were boating on the Little Cypress River. According to the preliminary investigation, Sandy Duncan, the cousin of the 43-year-old victim, was shooting at a snake, when he laid the gun down and it went off, hitting Danny Duncan. “It was a single gunshot wound,” said McKnight. Continue reading Former Marshall Firefighter Killed by Gunshot

EAST TEXAS — Thousands of residents in and around the Longview area are still without power following severe storms over the weekend. As of 8:00 Monday night, SWEPCO has been able to restore power to 57,000 customers, more than half of the customers who lost electric service due to Sunday’s storm. Approximately 45,600 customers remain without power. Sunday night’s storm packed winds of up to 60 miles per hour and downed power lines and trees across East Texas. An EF-1 tornado was confirmed in the Longview area. More than 421 men and women are working to restore power to SWEPCO customers in the Ark-La-Tex. The estimated restoration times below tell when the company expects to have power restored to 95 percent of customers in an area. Power may be restored prior to their estimate. Continue reading Thousands without Power Following Sunday’s Storms

LONGVIEW — Since many residents are without power, the City of Longview and the American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter Monday night. It’s located at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex on Jaycee Dr. The shelter has cots and blankets available for those in need. Showers are available, but you will need to bring soap, shampoo, and a towel. Also, remember to bring any medications or medical equipment if necessary. The shelter will be open to anyone without power. The Red Cross says anyone affected by the storms may also call its 24-hour dispatch number, 866-505-4801.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in TxDOT’S Tyler District during the Week of May 29. Work will resume Tuesday, May 30, following the Memorial Day holiday. As for I-20, work will resume on Wednesday, May 31. These 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.

Smith County – Tyler Maintenance will be performing base repairs on FM 14 south of the Sabine River. A second crew will conduct spot seal operations starting on SH 110N then continuing on FM 849 and FM 857. Expect lane closures at both work locations with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith wants to make sure we remember what Memorial Day is all about — honoring those who have given their lives in the service of their country. Smith took the podium Monday at the annual Memorial Day service at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery. The sheriff also hopes those who have made the ultimate sacrifice will be remembered each day — not just one day a year. And he tipped his hat to surviving veterans of America’s armed services.

LONGVIEW — A hunter arrested a year ago on a poaching charge pleaded guilty Friday and was sentenced to probation and a hefty state financial penalty. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Phillip Dale Summerfield, 39, of Big Sandy was indicted in April. He was accused of killing white-tailed deer on land owned by Kilgore civic leader Randy Brogoitti and former Gregg County Judge Mickey Smith in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Assistant Gregg County District Attorney Tanya Reed said part of Summerfield’s probation prevents him from hunting in Texas for two years. Summerfield also must pay the state $10,790 in restitution. The fine goes to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, rather than the landowners, because the state is considered the owner of wildlife roaming its fields and forests, Reed said. Continue reading Poacher Gets Probation, Must Pay Restitution

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is investigating after woman was hit by a vehicle and killed early Monday morning. According to KETK, it happened just after midnight. Dolores Reese, 77, of Longview, was standing in the inside lane of traffic in the 5700 block of West Marshall Avenue when she was hit by a vehicle heading west. Police say the weather was not a factor in the accident.

LONGVIEW — Due to recent storms, the City of Longview Sanitation Division reminds residential sanitation customers that Bulky Item collection is available for collection of yard debris. Residents can call Sanitation at 903-237-1250 to schedule a pick-up. Residents may also take debris to the Compost Site located at 2020 Swinging Bridge Rd. The Compost Site is not open Monday, May 29, but will be open Tuesday, May 30. Please bring a current water bill to the Compost Site to show as proof as customer. Citizens are reminded to follow these simple yard debris guidelines. Continue reading Bulky Item Pickup for Longview Storm Debris

TYLER — A number of observances are planned around East Texas this Memorial Day. One of the events is an 11:00 a.m. service at the Field of Honor at Tyler Memorial Park on State Highway 64 West. Guest speakers will be Sheriff Larry Smith and Rev. Mike Ford. There will be patriotic songs, rifle salutes, and bagpipes, and Taps will be played. Refreshments will be served. All veterans and the general public are encouraged to attend. Continue reading East Texans Observe Memorial Day

TYLER — CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System reports big results from its Food Collection to benefit the St. Paul Children’s Foundation. Officials announced over 2,000 pounds of food was collected and delivered to the foundation’s food pantry at the end of last week. This is an annual event/challenge that bested last year’s total by 700 pounds. The CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Cardiology team collected the most items — 1,104. Pictured are nurses from Education, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Cardiology, and the Observation Care Center, along with staff from Integrated Services.

BEN WHEELER — To help raise funds for victims of the tornadoes that ripped through Van Zandt County April 29, a benefit concert is taking place from 12:30 p.m. to midnight today at The Pickin’ Porch Park in historic downtown Ben Wheeler. The Van Zandt County Twister Relief Concert features a long list of talented musicians who are stepping forward to donate their time to the cause. Confirmed performers include Neal McCoy, Jeff Allen, the Wesley Pruitt Band, Will Burgin, Clay Thrash, Austin Layne, Heather Little, Meredith Crawford, Seek the Peace, Buddy and the Flashbacks, Diamondback TX, Chad Bennett, TuTu Jones, and blacktopGYPSY. Continue reading Van Zandt County Twister Relief Concert

TYLER – With summer approaching, the Tyler Fire Department and several other agencies re-grouped Friday to finalize the draft for their 2017 Heat Response Plan. KETK reports it’s nothing new, but they continue to meet each year to make sure the public is informed properly. “It’s not uncommon to hear about heat related injuries, of course, and illnesses — but also, unfortunately, deaths,” said Tyler Fire Marshal Paul Findley. “Also tied to that, the incidents of children in vehicles.” Findley points to “some startling statistics on how hot it can get inside of an enclosed vehicle.” Their drafted plan shows if the outside temperature is 95 degrees, within an hour the interior air temperature of a car is around 140 degrees. Continue reading Officials Prepare for East Texas Heat

LONGVIEW – The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a theft suspect. The theft occurred on Wednesday at Texas Best Smokehouse on Eastman Road. The man in the pictures is suspected of taking a Husqvarna Backpack Blower. If you can supply information about the man, you are asked to contact Lieutenant Hope at 903-234-3118, Gregg County Crime stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867), or greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

TYLER – A man accused of robbing Rotolos Pizza in Tyler last December will be spending a long time in prison. Freddy Lee Criss, 55, was sentenced Friday by state District Judge Jack Skeen to 6 life prison sentences. He had pleaded guilty to five counts of aggravated robbery and one count of evading arrest. As officers arrived at the restaurant, they saw his vehicle leaving. A chase followed. It ended when Criss wrecked on South Broadway at Loop 49. He then tried to flee on foot, but was arrested after a short chase. Criss has a criminal history spanning over three decades, including bank robbery. In July of 2009, Criss pleaded guilty to the April 2009, robbery of the First National Bank of Emory. He was out of prison on supervised release in the federal bank robbery case when he robbed the Tyler business.

TYLER – The Faulkner Park sprayground has closed for cleaning. The sprayground at 410 West Cumberland Road is expected to reopen Saturday morning at 9:00.

CANTON – A suspect has been arrested in a Van Zandt County road rage shooting that killed a Smith County man. Ryan Mullee, 39 of Lindale was shot to death on Interstate Highway 20 in February of last year. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s office has announced that a suspect in the slaying is in custody in the metroplex. 32 year old Son Duong of Grand Prairie is currently in jail in Arlington on local drug charges along with multiple warrants, including the Mullee murder. He will be transported to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office upon release from Arlington Police Department. Continue reading Suspect in Custody in Van Zandt County Road Rage Shooting

LONGVIEW – The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center is bulging at the seams. To help to find homes for the felines, all cats are free for approved applications. As far as the dogs, they say, make us a deal on dogs we can’t refuse (upon application approval). Also, all will be spay/neutered, 1st set of vaccinations, 30 day flea treatment, wormed, rabies vaccination (if old enough) AND 30 days of free pet health insurance. The center says this would cost you close to $400 on that dog you saw for sale online or in a parking lot. The center, located at 303 H.G. Mosley Parkway, is open from 11:00am till 5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday and Monday.

LONGVIEW – Four men have been arrested in Longview in separate cases of soliciting minors. The sting operation was headed up by the Child Exploitation Unit of the Texas Attorney Generals Office. The four thought they were making arrangements with a 15 year old to have sex. It turned out they were corresponding with an officer in an undercover operation. Arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor, sexual conduct, were 27 year old Nehemias Pineda, of Tyler, (pictured) 49 year old Johnny Houston Jr. of Gilmer, 29 year old Joaquin Pineda of Henderson, and 32 year old Shane Jeffery Chapman of Hallsville. Chapman was also charged with unlawfully carrying a handgun.

PALESTINE – An alarm sent Palestine police to the Trinity Valley Teachers Credit Union on Loop 256. The call came in just after 3:30 Thursday morning. Arriving officers found the ATM at the Credit Union had been removed. The investigation is continuing.

LONGVIEW – Atmos Energy customers in Longview will be seeing an increase in natural gas rates. The Longview city council yesterday approved a 7% rate hike for the company. The company had proposed an 8% increase. But Longview and other cities negotiated the rate lower. The city council vote for the hike was 6 to 1, with councilman David Wright voting against it. He said the company had raised its rates at least 5% for each of the past two years. But inflation had only increased around 2%

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) — Governor Greg Abbott has visited a gun range to sign a law reducing Texas’ fees for licenses to carry handguns to the lowest in the nation. The bill, which was penned by State Senator Robert Nichols of Jacksonville, drop from $140 to $40, the cost of first-time permits, and from $70 to $40 fees for 5-year-renewals. The governor then took target practice, as he often does after signing gun bills. The National Rifle Association said Texas’ gun carry fees are now America’s lowest. Continue reading Governor Signs a Law Authored by an East Texas Lawmaker

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is once again stepping up its patrols targeting DWI drivers over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. The department is participating in a state grant that will provide funding to the department to bring in officers who are not on regular patrol. If a suspected drunk driver refuses to take a breath or blood test, a search warrant will be obtained to have blood drawn by a nurse on staff at the Smith County Jail. And besides looking for the drunk driver, officers will also be checking to make sure everyone is buckled up. The no refusal campaign started Friday and will run through Monday.

KAUFMAN — A Gun Barrel City man has pleaded guilty to the murder of his next-door neighbor in a love triangle. Donald Coleman said John Morgan was dating his estranged wife. So in March of last year, he followed Morgan to the Kaufman Walmart, shot and killed Morgan, then turned the gun on himself. But he survived. Morgan’s daughter, Shauna Constantine, says it happened while she and her dad were having a rough time in their relationship — something she never got to patch up. Coleman, who was left with a permanent brain injury, took a 38-year prison term. A prosecutor says it will effectively keep Coleman, 59, locked up for the rest of his life.

LONGVIEW – One person has been killed in a Longview accident. The motorcycle-truck accident was reported just before 1:00 Thursday afternoon on West Loop 281 and Ray Street. Pronounced dead at a Longview hospital was Charles Tems, 40, of Gladewater. Investigators report Tems was westbound on Loop and was not wearing a helmet. The truck was making a left turn from the center lane of the loop onto Ray Street. The accident remains under investigation.

TYLER- A scholarship has been created at Tyler Junior College for students in the school’s Associate Degree Nursing program. The Smith County Medical Society Alliance presented school trustees on Wednesday a check for $30,250 to create the endowed scholarship. The endowment will allow TJC to award a $1,200 scholarship each year to a deserving nursing student. Funds for the scholarship were raised through the medical alliance’s book sales held in April and October.

KILGORE – A Gregg County woman has been arrested for shoplifting at the Wal-Mart in Kilgore. She is also charged with assaulting the arresting officers. Arrested was Megan Elizabeth Curl, 19, of Longview. She has been charged with theft of property, resisting arrest/search/transport, five counts of assault of a public servant and five counts of harassment of a public servant. She is said to have spit on the officers and tried to injure a firefighter. Her bonds total $81,000.