KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report that one person is dead after a crash Tuesday morning in Smith County involving a motorcycle and 18-wheeler.The crash happened on Highway 155 South near Toll 49, south of Tyler, and traffic was significantly impacted due to the crash.

WHITEHOUSE – City of Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley announced that a disaster declaration has been issued after June 3rd storms ravaged the area. According to a release, the declaration allows “[…] staff to access additional resources as needed to address the challenges associated with the storms and allows staff to take necessary measures to protect public safety while coordinating emergency response efforts.” The city urges citizens to follow their social media platforms for any updates and to contact electric service providers to report any power outages. The city also announced that residents can also utilize the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free once a month by showing a copy of their most recent City of Whitehouse water bill to dispose of limbs and other brush.

TYLER – The City of Tyler urges all residents to report personal property damages to the Texas Division of Emergency Management through the iSTAT Damage Surveys (texas.gov). Listen to the iSTAT How-To Video Guide on the page for instructions on correctly reporting damages. 
 
The Emergency Operation Center is fully activated, and nine City crews and two Forestry Service crews are working to assess damage, clear roadways, and repair traffic signals affected by the recent severe thunderstorms that moved through the area. Residents are advised to be cautious and aware of downed trees and power lines. 
 
About 1,000 911 calls have been recorded since 7:30 p.m. on June 3. No storm-related fatalities have been reported, and emergency services are running at full strength. 
  Continue reading Smith County storm damage report

SMITH COUNTY – Due to heavy rain, the City of Tyler Water Utilities is temporarily closing all public boat ramps on Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East. The ramps are being closed because of boating hazards due to debris that has washed into the lakes by recent rains and to reduce shoreline erosion. The ramps will be closed until further notice. County officials say the ramps will reopen once the lake levels recede.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Longtime Van Zandt County Precinct 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr. is dead after a tree fell onto his car while he was driving Monday night. According to our news partner KETK, a initial DPS reports the 76-year-old Melton Jr. was driving on FM 279 near Edom around 8 p.m., when a tree fell onto the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Melton’s wife Janice, was taken to a Tyler hospital for treatment. Officials say the investigation into the incident is continuing.

LONGVIEW — As a result of severe weather passing through the evening of June 3, parts of Longview are dealing with power loss, downed trees, and other sporadic storm damage. The Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton St., is available as a cooling and charging station on Tuesday, June 4, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Businesses or residents may self-report storm damage utilizing the iStat form on the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) website: click here.

Sign up for Emergency Weather Alerts with the City of Longview’s Smart 9-1-1 Alert system to be informed about any watches or warnings during this storm season. You can sign up here.

TYLER — The National Weather Service Office in Shreveport has issued a flood watch for Tyler until 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5.  The City of Tyler Streets and Stormwater crews are responding to down trees across the city, according to a news release. Crews will also intervene during a severe weather event where roads have washed out, and other public facilities may be compromised.

If you have an emergency, call 911, stay on the line and DO NOT HANG UP until your call is answered. Answer all questions and follow instructions.

The Tyler Police Department’s non-emergency line (903) 531-1000 should be used for all other calls and notifications, including traffic signal issues and down power lines. Continue reading Flood watch issued through Wednesday night

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County first responders responded to over 1,000 911 calls since 7:30 p.m. on June 3. No storm-related fatalities have been reported, and emergency services are running at full strength according to a county news release. Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore reported 71,000 residents and businesses were without power in the county. Emergency calls included nine homes with trapped residents, one water rescue, multiple people trapped in vehicles due to power lines and/or downed trees, as well as multiple traffic lights out, he said.

The Smith County Road and Bridge Department is working on a list of Smith County roads that could have wash outs or downed trees. Continue reading Smith County Storms Update

SMITH COUNTY — Following Monday night’s storms, multiple traffic signals, trees and power lines are down throughout the area. Drivers are asked to drive slow and turn around if they see water over the roadway and residents are asked to avoid driving if not essential. Tyler police are asking residents to report down power lines to the Tyler Street Department at 903-531-1393.

EAST TEXAS — After continued severe weather hit East Texas earlier this week, about 19,786 customers are reportedly without power as 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. Click here for the full list.

RUSK COUNTY – The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said a man has been arrested for intent to promote child pornography and additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. According to our news colleagues at KETK, over the course of the investigation probable cause for an arrest and search warrant was issued for a residence in Rusk County. The sheriff’s office arrested James Eugene Garner, 29, who was charged with possession of child pornography with the intent to promote.

TYLER – A 21-year-old man was arrested last week for intoxication manslaughter in connection to a car accident in March in Smith County that left two people dead. According to our news partner KETK, 21-year-old Jose Bravo Jr. of Tyler, was arrested on May 27 after, according reports, he told authorities he had been drinking before the crash in Smith County, near the Lone Star Event Center on FM 2767.

Police say the one car crash happened March 24, as the lone vehicle was traveling Southwest on the road and then took “faulty evasive action to avoid striking a dog.” The car traveled off the roadway, rolling over multiple private drives and resulted in three people getting ejected.
Continue reading Tyler man arrested for intoxication manslaughter

GLADEWATER – The Gladewater Police Department said a woman with 12 warrants was arrested after she bit an officer during the arrest process. According to our news partner KETK, police responded to a call about a woman following people around the Dollar General on 904 E Broadway Ave. When they arrived, officers encountered the suspect who they identified as Angela Renee Baird-Curtis, 36 of Gladewater, who was wanted in the City of Gladewater for multiple warrants. “During the arrest process, Baird-Curtis resisted, leading to an altercation where she attempted to escape and assaulted an officer by biting him,” Gladewater PD said. The officer was able to detain Baird-Curtis with the help of a bystander, a release said. Baird-Curtis was charged with resisting arrest search or transport, assault of a public servant, escape while arrested and her bond totals $42,000. She is currently being held at the Gregg County Jail.

GILMER – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that a dead body was found in a vehicle connected to a recent missing person case on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Upshur County Sheriff’s Deputy David Hazel said that on Saturday, Gilmer PD found a vehicle with a decomposing body inside. The body is reportedly being sent to have an autopsy done on it. Officials with the The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the car found with the remains was the same car connected to a missing person in the county. The identity of the deceased could not be confirmed by officials at this time, but a missing person had been reported in Upshur County on May 19.

TYLER — The City of Tyler announced their outdoor warning siren vendor will be performing test announcements this week starting on Monday. Officials said the tests are to adjust the sound levels of the digital voice message. The test will provide sound from the sirens, and will start with dinging sounds and then a message. “Please be aware that this is only a test for them to adjust the sound levels coming from each siren and will continue until all sirens are tested,” authorities said.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department said that two people were arrested on Saturday after 2,500 suspected fentanyl pills, a bottle of “lean” and two firearms were seized. According to Kilgore PD and our news partner KETK, a search warrant was executed at 1223 East North Street by the ProActive Community Engagement (PACE) Team and some members of the North East Texas Regional Swat Team. The items reportedly include 2,500 pills of suspected fentanyl and two fire arms, one of which was allegedly stolen.

Kylan Timothy Earl Johnson and Kaeleigh Rei Richardson, 24 of Kilgore, were arrested in connection to the search.

Johnson and Richardson were both charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance between 200 grams and 400 grams, theft of a firearm, possession of a dangerous drug and possession of marijuana less than two ounces.

Johnson was also arrested for a Gregg County warrant, according to Kilgore PD.

Continue reading 2,500 suspected fentanyl pills, guns seized in Kilgore

GILMER – Gilmer Police Department said that they arrested seven people on Saturday as a part of their prostitution investigation “Operation Dear John”, according to our news partner KETK. “Prostitution often comes with drug use and distribution, as well as, human trafficking. Gilmer Police take an active role in deterring such criminal activity.” Gilmer Police Department

The following seven individuals were reportedly arrested in connection to the operation: Continue reading Gilmer Police arrest seven in prostitution investigation

PALESTINE – The Palestine Police Department said they arrested a 19-year-old man for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection to a stabbing on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, at around 2:21 a.m. on Monday a Palestine PD officer responded to Palestine Regional Medical Center-East Campus and reportedly found someone transporting a stabbing victim. According to Palestine PD, the officer helped medical staff put the victim on the gurney before they were taken for emergency treatment.

Then Palestine PD officers reportedly went to the 500 block of Fort Street to investigate the stabbing and speak with anyone involved. Marvin Osarius Villalobos-Flores, 19 of Palestine, was identified as a suspect in the assault and officers also found a kitchen knife reportedly used to do the stabbing. Palestine PD said the stabbing victim is expected to survive.

Villalobos-Flores was booked into the Anderson County Jail on the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is being held on a $100,000 bond.

TYLER – For almost fifty years Mike Tucker and The Caldwell Zoo have grown up together. Mike started working for the zoo when he was in high school. And, Friday May 31, he retired on his own terms.

In his forty-eight years at Caldwell Zoo, Tucker has worked in every part of the zoo’s operation. He has been an animal keeper, curator and head of Guest Services. When he started, Caldwell Zoo had 7 total employees. Now, that number is at over ninety. Many of these employees Mike has hired and trained. “Really, I’ve only had one job my whole life,” he reflects. “I really did grow up with the Zoo. We’ve been through a lot together.”

In Tyler Mayor Don Warren’s proclamation, “As Mike retires, we celebrate his incredible journey and dedication to our beloved zoo. Although he will miss the responsibilities and details, he’s looking forward to spending quality time with his family and returning to some old hobbies. He is excited to travel with his wife and do a little more fly fishing. Join us in honoring Mike’s massive commitment to every part of the Zoo. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Mike! We will surely miss you.”

TYLER – A man accused of attempting to kidnap and rape a woman running at the Rose Rudman Park in 2019 was sentenced to life in prison on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, an unidentified woman was running at Tyler’s Rose Rudman Park when she noticed James Earl Roberts Jr. She believed he looked suspicious and ran away. Officials say Roberts reportedly tackled her, put his hands over her face and dragged her into the woods.

Continue reading Life sentence for attempted kidnap and rape

SMITH COUNTY – The Dogwood Estates community, which is north of Arp is without water and electricity due to the recent storms. According to Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore said late Wednesday night that after losing power, the water tower would not operate. This left Dogwood Estates thirty homes without water.

SWEPCO was able to restore power Thursday, but it went out again Thursday night. Starting Friday afternoon, bottled water was being distributed to the community, as well as non-potable water for animals. The Smith County Emergency Services District 2, Arp Fire Station 2, on County Road 246 South, is the location for water distribution.

Moore said they are working to get a generator to power the water tower. However, there is currently no estimated time for the power to be restored.

CARTHAGE – The Panola County Sheriff’s Office said they are investigating the drowning of a 2-year-old child who died early Friday morning according to our colleagues at KETK. The sheriff’s office said they responded to Private Road 7000 near Carthage at 6:11 a.m. with UT Health EMS. A 911 caller had reported that CPR was being done on a 2-year-old child but it was unsuccessful. Precinct 1 and 4 Justice of the Peace was contacted and an autopsy has been ordered from Dallas. The sheriff’s office Criminal Investigation Division and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services are investigating the death. “We extend our condolences to the family in their time of grief,” officials said.

PALESTINE – A man was arrested for arson in Palestine after he reportedly set a garage on fire and assaulted one of the residents on Sunday night according to our news partners at KETK. Police officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Brierwood Drive for a residential fire. At the scene, the officer made contact with a resident who “witnessed one of the residents pour gasoline on the garage door and then light the surface on fire.” Officials said the resident also reported he was assaulted by the person who lit the fire, who reportedly placed his hands around his throat Larry Rhone, 46 of Palestine, was found at the scene and placed under arrested after the initial investigation and officers at the scene reported to observe Rhone had a strong odor of gasoline on his clothes. Rhone was booked into the Anderson County Jail for arson intend to damage habitation and assault of a family/house member to impede breath. His bond was set at a combined $210,000.

SMITH COUNTY – There are only two Smith County roads that area closed Monday, June 3, after being washed out from the recent storms. County Road 381, which runs southeast of U.S. Highway 271, is closed just south of the railroad crossing because of a wash out. Smith County Engineer Frank Davis says it would take about three weeks, depending on the weather, to replace the culvert.

County Road 498 also remains closed so Road and Bridge crews can replace two culverts. The project was already scheduled for later this summer, but recent rains have undermined the structures, requiring an emergency replacement. Davis said the section of CR 498 that is closed is 0.65 miles east of CR 431. He also expects the project to take about three weeks, depending on the weather.

Smith County recently launched an interactive map that lists all of Smith County road closures. You see them by clicking this.

WHITEHOUSE — A Whitehouse man was sentenced to 55 years in prison on Friday after pleading guilty to stabbing his mother to death in October 2021. According to our news partner KETK, at around 5:15 p.m. the Smith County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call of a woman being stabbed by her son in a neighborhood south of Whitehouse off Highway 110. Before deputies arrived to the scene, dispatch received a second call from the victim and reportedly told officials her son had stabbed her and had stolen her Honda CRV. When deputies arrived, they took her to a local hospital where 60-year-old Bernice Slabaugh, later died from her injuries. Officers with the Tyler Police Department located the car on Golden Road and pulled it over. The driver was detained and later identified as Carson Aaron Epifano, 26 of Whitehouse, and the son of the victim.