KTBB News, Weather, Talk

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed a Tyler healthcare executive to a state board. Named to the Texas Health Services Authority Board Of Directors is Dr. Paula Anthony-McMann. She is the vice president and chief information officer for the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System. Her term will expire June15th, 2017. The Texas Health Services Authority is responsible for coordinating the implementation of health information exchange in Texas.

TYLER – The State Commission of Judicial Conduct has suspended Smith County Judge Joel Baker without pay. During Tuesday’s commissioners court meeting, a release from Seana Willing, Executive Director of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, was issued saying the suspension takes effect immediately. Baker remains free on bond after, last week, being indicted, arrested, and charged with three counts of violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act. He allegedly held illegal closed meetings to discuss a red-light traffic enforcement contract. He is also under investigation for allegations he was involved in explicit sexual behavior online while conducting government business. Continue reading Smith County Judge Joel Baker Suspended

SMITH COUNTY — One person was injured and another arrested following a stabbing in Smith County. It occurred around 7:00 Monday evening on County Road 246, off State Highway 31 East. The stabbing appears, at this time, to be the result of some sort of civil dispute. The victim, Charles DeWayne Harris, was treated and released from a Kilgore hospital Monday night. Charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Weapon is Ernest Mosley Harris, Jr., 48. He is being held in the Smith County Jail with bonds totaling $150,000.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Traffic Department continues repairing the traffic signal at South Southeast Loop 323 and Old Henderson Highway, with work scheduled to last until 1 p.m. During this time, motorists should expect lane closures for eastbound traffic on Old Henderson Highway and northbound traffic on South Southeast Loop 323. The Tyler Police Department will be on scene to direct traffic while the signal is dark.

TYLER — A missing persons report has been filed with the Smith County Sheriff’s Department for a Tyler teen who has been missing for nearly a week. He is 14 year old Logan Kerns. He was last seen on Wednesday, June 15th, off Highway 80 and Eastman Road in Longview. His family has put out some 250 posters about Logan in downtown Longview. He was said to have been seen with a black woman named Gypsy and a black man named Kevin. If you know where Logan can be found, you can contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office or the Longview Police Department.

PALESTINE — Police in Palestine are searching for the people who reportedly set a pit bull puppy on fire, and left it for dead around 7:15 Monday morning on South Street near the corner of San Jacinto Street. According to KETK, officers say they received a call from someone who told them three black men, two black women, and one Hispanic female were seen pouring an unknown accelerant on the puppy. They then reportedly set the dog on fire. Officers found the dog badly burned but alive. The dog is being treated by a veterinarian. Continue reading Pit Bull Puppy Set on Fire, Left for Dead in Palestine

SMITH COUNTY — One person is in the hospital, another arrested following a stabbing in Smith County around 7:00 Monday evening on County Road 246, off SH 31 East. KETK reports details are limited, but a 41-year-old man was reportedly stabbed in his chest and leg. His condition is unknown at this time, there’s no word on the identity of either man, and officials haven’t said what led to the stabbing. However, we are told both men have the same last name and could be related. We will update you once more information becomes available.

TYLER — Tyler’s People Attempting to Help, better know as PATH, is expanding beyond Smith County. After serving Smith County for over 30 years, PATH is expanding its services to residents in neighboring counties. Those residents needing use of the food pantry, basic dental needs and other services can get assistance at the PATH office on West Front Street in Tyler. Path Executive Director Greg Grubb says, while it will take additional funds and volunteers for the expansion, he feels that will not be a problem.

MARSHALL — The latest fatality accident in Harrison County is a one vehicle wreck that left one person dead. The crash occurred around 4:15 Monday morning on Farm Road 1997 near Marshall. Dead at the scene was Brandon Amie, 32, of Marshall. The Department of Public Safety reports his pickup was heading north when, for unknown reasons, the pickup went partially off the east side of the road. The driver over corrected, crossed the road to end up in a ditch where the vehicle overturned. Amie, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the vehicle.

TYLER – A young woman is dead and her passenger injured in a predawn one-vehicle wreck in Smith County. State Trooper Jean Dark says the wreck occurred around 2:00 Monday morning on State Highway 31, 4½ miles east of Tyler. The preliminary investigation shows a car was traveling west when, according to the passenger, the driver fell asleep. The vehicle drove off the road to the left and into a ditch, where it hit a private drive and rolled over. The driver, 18 year old Tambilan Williams, of Tyler, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, 17 year old Jaun Woods, of Tyler, is in serious condition at East Texas Medical Center.

HARRISON COUNTY — Three people are dead, two others in the hospital following a head-on crash in Harrison County around 4:00 Saturday afternoon. KETK reports the vehicles collided on Highway 43 between Marshall and Tatum. Troopers say a car was traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver, 21-year old Victoria Sherman, then veered into oncoming traffic. She hit a truck head on. She, the passenger of her car, and a passenger in the truck were killed. The driver of the truck and another passenger are in the hospital.

TYLER — Smith County Judge Joel Baker remains free on bond after being indicted, arrested, and charged with three counts of violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act. According to KETK, Sheriff Larry Smith says a warrant was issued for Baker’s arrest around 3:00 Friday afternoon and he turned himself in. Judge Baker is also under investigation for allegations he was involved in explicit sexual behavior online while conducting government business. That investigation is still ongoing and it does not appear Friday’s booking has anything to do with those allegations. Additionally, proceedings continue in an effort to have Baker removed from office. Continue reading Baker Awaits Further Proceedings Following Indictment, Arrest

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in TxDOT’S Tyler district during the week of June 20. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues.

In Anderson County, County Road 1231 at Stills Creek closes Monday for the start of a bridge replacement project. The closure will remain in place for at least two months as the new bridge is built. Motorists will have to use alternate routes to reach their destinations. Continue reading TxDOT Issues Updated Work Schedule

LONGVIEW — Longview-area residents are gearing up for a big change in animal care. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center is set to open in a few weeks, but the movement to change the area’s mindset toward animal welfare started months ago. Directors say it’s paramount they get the word out that the new shelter signals an intention to make Longview and Gregg County a better place for animals as well as people. Continue reading New Longview Shelter Signals Shift in Caring for Pets

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office have formed a DWI Task Force in response to recent DWI-related fatalities in the region. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, officials said the task force will be out in force during the July Fourth weekend. In addition, regular shift officers will assist task force officers to identify and arrest impaired drivers on area roads. The anti-DWI effort will begin at 8 p.m. July 1 and operate through 4 a.m. July Fourth. Marshall police Chief Jesus “Eddie” Campa and Harrison County Sheriff Tom McCool said the new DWI task force will have “zero tolerance” for any drivers found to be driving while intoxicated.

TYLER — Tyler’s state representative is getting busy with Lone Star Card reform. The Texas Lone Star Card program is designed to help needy East Texas families buy food through cash benefits, but Matt Schaefer says some are abusing this privilege. According to KETK, Schaefer said he and his staff found millions of dollars in fraud after comparing the Texas program to other states. “In the state of Texas, our Lone Star Card does not have the name or the picture on there. There’s no personally identifiable information at all,” said the District 6 Republican. Continue reading Schaefer Promotes Lone Star Card Reform

TYLER — Tyler now officially has a new police chief following the recent retirement of Gary Swindle. Jimmy Toler, a 22-year veteran of the Tyler Police Department, was sworn in Friday afternoon. Toler’s worked within the Patrol, Investigations, and Administrative Divisions of the department. He has held the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and Assistant Chief of Police. Among other things, Toler performed analysis for building a South Sub-station that received the approval of the Tyler City Council. He remains a member of the City of Tyler Performance Excellence Program and continues to work to implement strategic planning principles and best practices throughout the organization, according to a news release.

TYLER – The Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County has a new executive director. Stepha​n​ie Taylor moves into her new position Monday. Taylor most recently served as Director of Community Outreach and Public Information Officer at the Northeast Texas Public Health District. According to a news release, she has more than 15 years of experience in the public health and nonprofit sectors. As the Alliance’s executive director, Taylor will lead a staff that provides services to more than 3,500 people in Smith County living with dementia.

TYLER — After nine years on the run, 31-year-old Alan Patterson of Tyler has been arrested by U.S. Marshals in Austin for probation violations stemming from an aggravated robbery conviction in 2004. Patterson was sentenced to probation for the robbery case but later absconded, according to a news release. On May 14, 2007, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office issued a felony probation violation warrant, but officials say Patterson had fled Smith County. Continue reading Fugitive for Nine Years Arrested by U.S. Marshals

TYLER — Upwards of 200 people turned out Thursday evening at Tyler’s Bergfeld Park for a vigil honoring victims of the devastating Orlando attack last weekend. The event was hosted by groups representing the LGBT community and others. One of the organizers and speakers, Brenda McWilliams, says it was an occasion for “grieving and sharing our sorrow…and even in our sorrow, our hopes for a brighter future and more positive change.” She added that all of those are “elements of our common bond.” McWilliams says she hopes the violent shooting incident’s victims give people “courage to seek out and participate in conversations and community, not condemnation” and “courage to speak and act in ways that foster love and compassion, not hate and violence.”

HUNTSVILLE (AP) — A 49-year-old East Texas man set for execution next week for the slaying of his 2-year-old daughter 14 years ago has won a reprieve. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has halted the scheduled Tuesday lethal injection of Robert Roberson III. Attorneys for Roberson contend he is innocent of capital murder for the February 2002 death of his daughter, Nikki Curtis, at his home in Palestine. Lawyers argue in appeals that his conviction was based on “junk science” and “false, misleading and scientifically invalid testimony.” They say new scientific evidence establishes he would not have been convicted. The child had serious head injuries. Roberson contended she accidentally fell from a bed. The appeals court has sent his case back to his Anderson County trial court to review the claims.

TYLER — Crews are facing a major problem on Lake Street in Tyler, and it’s going to affect travel for awhile to come. On Wednesday, the City of Tyler Street Department closed both lanes of the 1100 block of East Lake Street between Elizabeth Drive and Magnolia Drive for emergency drainage and street repair. After assessment of the situation, it has been determined that the structural integrity of the culvert under East Lake Street has been compromised, according to officials. This section of the road will remained closed for major repair until further notice. Continue reading Part of East Lake Street Closed till Further Notice

TYLER – The members of the North East Texas Regional Mobility (NET RMA) met Wednesday and awarded Judge Bill Stoudt’s proposal on behalf of Gregg County with $400,000 as the first recipient of its annual Priority Project Program. The money goes to Gregg County’s proposal for the reconstruction and improvements to the U.S. 259 and Hawkins Parkway intersection in northeast Longview. The proposal is a partnership involving the City of Longview, Gregg County, and TxDOT. Continue reading NET RMA Announces Priority Project Winner

SMITH COUNTY — Officials Thursday released more information on the death of a pedestrian on I-20 in Smith County. DPS Trooper Jean Dark says troopers responded around 3:20 Thursday morning to a location five miles north of Tyler. According to Dark, preliminary investigation revealed that a pickup was traveling westbound in the inside lane after passing a truck-tractor semi-trailer. Dark says a pedestrian was very near the westbound inside lane and yellow stripe when the pickup struck him. The pedestrian has been identified as Andrew Griffin, 47, of Waxahachie. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as Heather Roussere, 32, of Alba. There was no immediate word on any possible charges.

LUFKIN (AP) – An East Texas man must serve life in prison for the 2015 fatal shooting of his wife as the couple argued near their infant son. Joshua Ingram was sentenced Wednesday night in Lufkin. An Angelina County jury hours earlier convicted the 32-year-old Lufkin man of murder in the death of his spouse, Jennifer. The couple’s then-3-month-old son was not injured during the February 2015 gunfire at the family’s home. An autopsy determined the 29-year-old victim was shot numerous times. Lufkin police found the baby at the residence after being contacted by a relative who said Ingram had called his mother to say he shot his wife and was going to kill himself. Ingram was captured at a video store a few hours after the shooting.

BELTON (AP) – A former Texas law enforcement officer who worked for several East Texas agencies must serve life in prison without parole for the 2014 killing of Little River-Academy police Chief Lee Dixon. David Gene Risner was sentenced Wednesday night in Belton. Jurors on June 6 convicted Risner of capital murder, but deadlocked on whether he deserved the death penalty or life in prison without possibility of parole. A judge then sentenced the 59-year-old Risner to life behind bars. Dixon was fatally shot in June 2014 while responding to a report of an armed man. Dixon was the only police officer in Little River-Academy, a town of about 2,000 located 60 miles northeast of Austin. Risner formerly was a police officer in Edgewood, Gun Barrel City and Grand Saline, plus worked for the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.

TYLER — Tyler-area residents are continuing to join hands in a spirit of peace and unity following the Orlando massacre. This evening at 6:30, a consortium of local groups representing the LGBT community and others will hold a vigil at Bergfeld Park honoring victims of the attack. Organizers say attendees should expect “peaceful, non-violent words and actions.” On Tuesday, the East Texas Islamic Society held its already-scheduled annual open house Tuesday evening in observance of the holy month of Ramadan. A huge crowd was on hand, and society spokesman Anwar Khalifa says after 13 years of holding the event, attendance gets better every year. Given what’s been on the news, Khalifa says that’s “very encouraging,” noting that “we’re all here for knowledge…and better understanding.” He adds, “I feel like it’s extremely important that we open our doors for our community.”

HENDERSON — The judge presiding over the Bernie Tiede case has dismissed the convicted murderer’s theft indictment, agreeing it violated Tiede’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial, according to the Longview News-Journal and KETK. The action by visiting Judge Diane DeVasto expands the possibilities for Tiede, who is appealing a 99-year sentence jurors levied in April after hearing three weeks of testimony. Defense attorney Mike DeGeurin’s motion for a new sentencing trial, which would be Tiede’s third for the 1996 murder of 81-year-old Marjorie Nugent in Carthage, remains pending before DeVasto. Continue reading Bernie Tiede Theft Charge Dismissed

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview man is safe after his boat capsized Tuesday morning on the Sabine River, just north of the Texas 149 bridge. KETK reports, Ismael Martinez, 59, had been planning to spend his Wednesday morning fishing just near the bridge. But when he got to the spot where he was going to tie off his boat, the boat flipped. A rescue call came in to emergency responders at 7:45, Gregg County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Josh Tubb said. Emergency response teams from Gregg County, Lakeport, Texas Parks & Wildlife and the Longview Fire Department responded to the scene, with the Longview Fire Department’s water rescue team bringing the man’s boat to shore. Martinez was not injured, but he did lose one sandal and his bait.