KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — Police are investigating after a Longview credit union was robbed Thursday for the second time in three weeks. According to the Longview News-Journal, officers were called to the LeTourneau Federal Credit Union on South High Street. The credit union also was robbed by a gunman Aug. 31. Officers, along with a K-9 unit, searched an area Thursday afternoon for the suspect near the credit union on Garrett Street between Cedar Avenue and Dunbar Street. Police have not said if Thursday’s robbery is linked to the one in August. Continue reading Longview Police Investigate Bank Heist

TYLER – A 54-year-old Mt. Enterprise man has been sentenced in Tyler to 180 months in federal prison for robbing a Longview bank. Patrick Terry Gilbert pleaded guilty on May 27 to armed bank robbery. Gilbert was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $16,134.00. According to federal prosecutors, on Oct. 23, 2015, Gilbert entered the Capital One Bank in Longview dressed in dark clothing, wearing a “Scream” mask and armed with a short-barreled shotgun. Gilbert approached two bank tellers, pointed the shotgun at them, and demanded all of their money. Gilbert took more than $15,000 from the tellers and left the bank. Several weeks later, Gilbert was arrested in Nacogdoches County. He was indicted last November.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department and the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force are investigating six classic vehicles that were stolen at different locations and times this past weekend in Tyler. Several suspects were caught on surveillance video hot-wiring the vehicles and driving them to an unknown location. The vehicles that were stolen are listed below: Continue reading Auto Theft Suspects Target Classic Vehicles

TYLER — A Tyler man has been arrested for aggravated assault following a reported disturbance Thursday afternoon. Kendricks Marsh, 40, was booked into the Smith County Jail. The incident started around 2:00 at 2701 N Tenneha, in Tyler. According to officers, Marsh was reportedly arguing with his neighbors when he left and came back with SKS style rifle. Police said Marsh attempted to fire the weapon at the residents, but the rifle failed to fire. He was arrested a short time later and the weapon was recovered. No injuries were reported. Marsh was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm.

TYLER — It all started October 1, 1962. Now weather wizard Dr. Bob Peters is calling it a day, retiring from the KTBB airwaves after Friday’s on-air forecasts and analyses. He says the technology has come a long way in 54 years. According to Peters, “Now our forecasts for the next 120 hours are about 95 per cent accurate; two weeks, they’re about 85 per cent accurate — and that is very much higher than what it was when I started doing this.” Continue reading After 54 Years, Dr. Bob Peters Retires from the Airwaves

TYLER – A 65-year-old Dallas County physician has been resentenced in Tyler to federal prison for health care fraud and identity theft violations. In July 2014, Tariq Mahmood of Cedar Hill was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, seven counts of health care fraud, and seven counts of aggravated identity theft. That followed a four-day trial in Tyler federal court. Continue reading Texas Doctor Resentenced to Prison Following Appeal

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Thursday headed to the scene of a large marijuana grow — the fourth discovered this week in East Texas. Smith, Anderson, and Van Zandt counties had previously reported similar operations. According to KETK, the latest discovery consists of two separate fields. Henderson County Public Information Officer Mark Sanders says officials started working the fields around 4:00 p.m. Wednesday. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, DPS, and DEA have all been working the scene. Continue reading Fourth Marijuana Grow Discovered This Week in East Texas

WASHINGTON — Republican East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert has received the Guardian of Small Business Award from The National Federation of Independent Business for what’s termed his outstanding support of America’s small business owners. Calling the award an honor, Gohmert says, “Small businesses are truly the backbone of this nation’s economy, and The NFIB works tirelessly to ensure they are protected,” as quoted in the news release. Gohmert’s office says the Guardian recognition is the NFIB’s most prestigious award reserved for lawmakers who vote consistently with NFIB on the key issues identified by small business owners. Gohmert received a 100 voting record during the 114th Congress.

TYLER — A man has been arrested on drug charges after Tyler police executed a search warrant Thursday at his Valentine Street home. Tyler SWAT and Patrol Officers assisted in the operation, which began at 6:30 a.m. Aubrey Ray Wilbanks, 60, was charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), a 2nd degree felony, and possession of dangerous drugs, a class A misdemeanor. Investigators also located firearms and stolen property inside the residence while conducting the search, according to a news release.

HENDERSON — Law enforcement officials have taken into custody a man they say may be responsible for sexual abuse going back as far as 45 years. Dock Lee Minter, 68, of Garrison, turned himself in to deputies at the Rusk County Jail, according to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. KETK reports he was arrested on two warrants for continuous sexual abuse of children. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is asking any potential victims of the suspect to come forward and talk with officials. You can call 903-657-3581 ext. 209 or 903-657-3581 ext. 220.

TYLER — Tyler Police investigators continue to investigate fraud cases involving identity theft and credit card fraud. A group of suspects who are believed to be from out of town are placing hidden electronic devices inside gas pumps and obtaining your credit card information. Police say they will use that information to duplicate a credit card and obtain cash funds and merchandise. Continue reading Fraud Investigators Continue to Investigate Gas Skimmers

TYLER — Two East Texas men have been indicted in connection with an alleged home invasion in early August. According to KETK, the Smith County District Attorney’s Office names the suspects as 19-year-olds Mario Villegas (left) and Alexis Juarez (right), both of Tyler. They’re accused of breaking into a house on August 5 on West Bow Street and threatening to kill the residents. Officials say a man was assaulted inside the house and that the suspects tried to drag him outside. Continue reading Two Indicted in Alleged Home Invasion

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has approved its budget for the new fiscal year. Mayor Martin Heines tells KETK the new budget will save more money than in years past. Also approved was a one-cent property tax increase. That money will help pay for the improvement of city roads. Heines says the decisions made were all in the best interest of the people living in Tyler. He comments, “We have a staff that is committed to the community, and we are proud of the work that they do, and the ability they had to make this budget work with less money.”

TYLER — Three people have been indicted for multiple counts of aggravated robbery in Tyler. According to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, per KETK, the suspects were indicted on Thursday, September 8, for their alleged involvement in a robbery that took place Friday, August 5, in the 3800 block of Lexington Drive. Lavina May Winston (pictured) 21, Darrell Lynn Taylor, 20 and Michael Laderick Fitts, 18, all from Tyler, have been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, each. Their bonds were set at $400,000. The three were allegedly involved in a standoff at the Varsity Place apartments prior to their arrest. Continue reading Three Suspects Indicted Following Stand-Off with Police

PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg Police Department is warning the public about fake movie money being passed around the area. According to KETK, the counterfeit cash, or “Hollywood money” has shown up in Pittsburg. The currency is typically used in television shows and looks similar to the real thing. However, authorities stated the feel of the cash is a dead giveaway for the fake money. Hollywood money has also been reported throughout East Texas, including the cities of Longview, Kilgore, Lufkin and Texarkana. Police advise citizens to not accept questionable money and to contact authorities.

DALLAS — Tyler native Johnny Manziel will be in a Dallas courtroom Thursday, in his domestic violence case. The former Cleveland Browns quarterback is accused of kidnapping, beating, and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, during a fight over another woman. Manziel is charged with a misdemeanor, not a felony, because Crowley didn’t suffer serious injury. The former Aggie standout is back at Texas A&M now, after being cut from his NFL job.

TYLER – Tyler Junior College Campus Police are conducting an investigation regarding shots fired on campus Monday evening at 11:42 p.m. In a news release issued to our news partner KETK, officials say the incident involved unidentified males coming to campus to confront a TJC student outside of a residence hall. According to the released, campus police responded immediately to the scene, secured the scene and also called Tyler Police to respond. The unidentified males fled the scene, and campus police made a determination that this was an incident isolated to a dispute initially involving a few individuals. Authorities say they determined that the incident did not pose an immediate threat to students throughout the campus. There were no injuries. Continue reading TJC Releases Statement on Monday Shooting

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Tyler and Champ Hospitality to continue work to bring a conference center to Tyler. The conference center will be attached to a private hotel. According to a news release, the proposed brand, per the MOU, is Aloft Hotels by Starwood Suites, a global high-end hotel company with 1,300 locations worldwide. Mayor Martin Heines (pictured) said this will be Aloft’s first presence in Tyler, adding that a new hotel wanting to establish itself in the market is a good sign. Continue reading Council Takes Next Step toward Conference Center

TYLER – A 23-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to 20 years, 8 months in federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Jose Maldonado Barragan was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 10 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while illegally in the United States, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Continue reading Tyler Man Sentenced for Drug Violations

EAST TEXAS — Several law enforcement agencies have discovered a marijuana field in Van Zandt County, according to a county official. It’s the latest in a series of such fields that have been found around East Texas in recent days. KETK reports the “pretty large” field is near the intersection of State Highway 19 and U.S. Highway 80 near Canton. The law enforcement official stated the find is the result of an ongoing investigation for the past several days. Continue reading Marijuana Fields Continue to Turn Up in East Texas

TYLER — Longtime philanthropists Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas were presented the UT Health Northeast Galaxy Award during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Center. According to a news release, the Galaxy Award honors the “stars” of philanthropy while raising scholarship funds for students in healthcare and research. UT Health President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun cited the couple’s “numerous heartfelt gifts…to so many institutions, including UT Health Northeast.” Continue reading Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas Honored Tuesday Night With Galaxy Award

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Deputies are investigating an armed robbery Tuesday night. According to KETK, it happened at the Dollar General on Northeast Loop 323 near FM 14 around 9:45. The clerk told police an armed man entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded money. The suspect reportedly took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene. No injuries were reported. Police said this is the same Dollar Store that was robbed on September 5th. The Smith County Sheriff’s office is investigating.

EAST TEXAS — For the fifth consecutive year, The University of Texas at Tyler is reporting a record enrollment increase. The 2016 preliminary fall headcount is 9,889, a 12 percent increase over the 2015 preliminary enrollment. UTT President Dr. Rodney Mabry calls the increase “another amazing milestone in UT Tyler’s history.” Mabry, who plans to retire in December, has been a driving force behind the growth of the university, according to a UTT news release. Meanwhile, preliminary fall enrollment for The UT Tyler Longview University Center increased by 33 percent from last fall to 208 students, Dr. Van Patterson, LUC director, announced. Officials say the LUC, which also saw an increase in spring 2016, continues to grow and expand its academic offerings.

LONGVIEW — City of Longview Municipal Court Judge Larry Merriman has granted an extension for repairs to be made to the former Eden Specialty Care nursing home facility. The extension provides the owners until December 31 to address any and all building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical repairs necessary to eliminate code of ordinance violations or initiate demolition. According to a city news release, the facility was damaged by a tornado in April 2015 and a fire in February 2016. The purpose of the extension is to allow the owners of the property additional time to initiate repair or demolition process while they seek resolution through an appraisal process with their insurance provider. In agreeing to the extension, the property owner agreed to forgo a potential appeal process through the municipal court.

WHITEHOUSE — An East Texas man is behind bars after allegedly stabbing an another person. According to KETK, the Whitehouse Police Department says officers were dispatched to a home on Landon Drive on reports that someone at the residence was being threatened. Police say the caller had been threatened over the phone by her estranged husband, Joseph Lee Bryant, 52, of Whitehouse. Bryant allegedly stated he was “going to come over to the house and kill everyone there.” While en route, officers were told Bryant was at the residence and had stabbed one person, identified as Bobby Ray Culpepper, 45, also of Whitehouse. Continue reading Whitehouse Man Held in Stabbing

MARSHALL — A former Henderson police officer recently cleared of sexual assault of a child charges is eligible to reapply at the department, but he will have to go through a background check, police Chief James Pierson said. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal “Our city policy has a clause, which is, if you’re indicted for a felony, it releases him automatically,” Pierson said of Jeronimo “Jay Jay” Holguin. “When he was indicted, we notified the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement. He was released from employment at that time,” he said, noting Holguin’s position has been filled. Pierson said Holguin can reapply for a position, “but it’s not a reinstatement whatsoever.” Continue reading HPD: Ex-Officer Eligible to Reapply for Job

OVERTON – Greg Grant has been named Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Smith County, effective October 1. That’s according to a joint announcement by the Smith County Commissioners Court and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s headquarters in Overton. Larry Pierce, AgriLife Regional Program Leader, told the Commissioners Court Tuesday that Grant has had a long and distinguished career in horticulture. Continue reading Smith County Extension Agent Named

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has ranked again in the top tier of the national 2017 U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of “America’s Best Colleges.” LETU is ranked 27th in 2017, up from 32 in 2016, among all the universities in its category of “Best Regional Universities in the Western Region.” This year marks the 23rd year the university has ranked in the top tier of its classification. Continue reading U.S. News Ranks LETU in Top Tier of 2017 College Rankings

TYLER — In light of recent attacks against law enforcement officers throughout the country, State Senator and former Mayor Kevin Eltife joined Mayor Martin Heines in announcing a public/private partnership to fund the purchase of special body armor vests for each officer in the Tyler Police Department. According to a city news release, Eltife said he heard from many citizens about their desire to show visible support for law enforcement and that he wanted to help. Eltife added that he spoke to the mayor and Police Chief Jimmy Toler, and that Toler said officer safety is the highest priority. The senator says the rifle–resistant vests will enhance officer confidence during active shooting scenes and high-risk events. Eltife points out that the vests are not part of an officer’s daily uniform but can be used when necessary as a layer of protection over existing soft body armor. He says the vests will offer the highest level of protection. Continue reading Senator Eltife Spearheads Upgrading Safety of Tyler Police