KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TRINITY COUNTY — A former Trinity County animal control officer pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child on Tuesday morning.

According to our news partner KETK, Brandon Daniel Furman was an employee at the time he committed the offense. Furman was arrested on July 1, the same day allegations against him came to light and was placed on administrative leave. Wallace says his conduct is a betrayal of the trust his office placed in him, citizens, his family and most importantly, the young victim.

“This office is deeply sickened by his actions. We are grateful that this painful matter has reached its conclusion,” Wallace said. “The plea agreement was made in consultation with the victim’s family so the child would not be required to endure the emotional and embarrassing burden of testifying in open court.”

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is currently working a major traffic accident on Highway 69 North, near Harris Nursery. At this time all Southbound lanes of travel are shut down and only one Northbound lane is open. Official ask that you consider other routes.

TYLER – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Foundation proudly announces Lilli Halifax as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) Miracle Child, representing CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. During the announcement, Tyler Mayor Don Warren presented Lilli with a key to the city, symbolizing the start of her year-long role as an advocate for pediatric health care and a beacon of hope for children across the community.

Born with Goltz Syndrome, Lilli has faced numerous tests and surgeries with courage and support from the CHRISTUS CARES pediatric team. Affectionately known as “Silly Lilli,” she embraces life with curiosity and resilience. Passionate about content creation, she is building her YouTube channel, Lilli’s World, to inspire others with positivity and strength. Continue reading CHRISTUS announces Miracle Network Child

TYLER — The Oil Palace in Tyler is up for sale with a listing price of $6.9 million, according to our news partners at KETK. Listed on Staples Commercial Group, the East Texas venue is described as one of the region’s most iconic entertainment venues with 44 acres, seating for 7,000 to 9,000 and comes with all original operating equipment, including audio equipment, lighting and kitchen equipment. Continue reading The Oil Palace hits the market for $6.9M

TYLER – The SPCA of East Texas is asking the community to help them stay open after a recent downturn in donations. The nonprofit animal shelter told KETK News that they’ve received about $100,000 less in donations than they expected to this year, and that they might have to close down if they can’t make up for this financial shortfall.

“Unfortunately, when we’re talking about a shortfall like that, it’s the animals that really suffer because we have to look at cutting back on services,” SPCA of East Texas executive director Emily Heglund said. “Tomorrow’s Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2 and we’re asking for the community to step up and help us out with donations if they can.”

To donate, visit the SPCA of East Texas online. The SPCA is also taking physical donations of supplies like pet food and cat litter in person at 3245 W. Grande Blvd in Tyler.

TYLER – Judge Derrick Choice announced on Monday that he is running to be reelected as Smith County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace in 2026. Choice was first elected to the position in 2022 after the resignation of former judge Quincy Beavers Jr. Choice is running for reelection as a part of the 2026 Democratic Primary, ahead of the local elections in November.

“Serving the people of Smith County has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Over the past term, I have worked diligently to ensure that justice is served with fairness, integrity, and compassion. I remain committed to being a voice for the people upholding the law while also understanding the needs of the community I proudly call home,” Choice said on Monday. “With your continued support, I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made and continuing to serve with dedication, transparency, and respect for all.”

SABINE COUNTY– According to our news partner KETK, four more people were arrested by the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office over the weekend in connection with “Operation Crystal Ball.” The sheriff’s office first initiated the operation in March in order to combat meth activity in the county. Since its start, the operation has resulted in more than a dozen charges involving nearly 20 individuals, as well as the seizure of approximately 495 grams of methamphetamine.

As the operation is in its completion phase, members of the sheriff’s office are arresting individuals who were found dealing meth or in possession of large amounts of drugs. Those arrested over the weekend include: Lori Nicole Williams: charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, Kade Harley: charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, Cody Rhodes: charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and Justin Tood Short: charged with possession of a controlled substance.

All four people arrested over the weekend remain in custody.

NEW BOSTON – East Texas State Rep. Gary VanDeaver of New Boston said on Monday that he won’t be running for reelection in Texas House District 1 in 2026. This announcement comes less than two months after the Republican Party of Texas officially penalized him for making votes and taking actions against party platform policies.

Our news partner KETK News spoke with VanDeaver on Monday. He said he’s been working up to this announcement for the past couple of months and those penalties had nothing to do with it.

“This is a decision I’ve been working on trying to make for at least two months. Really a little longer than that. I just believe the time is right,” VanDeaver said. “I believe that these representative positions were never intended to make careers and never intended to be full time jobs. Our forefathers they set up a system where we serve temporarily and then we go home and we live under the laws we make and so at the end of this term, I will have served for 12 years, and I just believe that’s really long enough.”
Photo courtesy of Gary VanDeaver.

VanDeaver’s last term will end in Jan. 2027 and several candidates have already announced campaigns to replace him as State Representative for House District 1. Sean Huffman is running unopposed so far in the Democratic Primary, while Josh Bray and Chris Spencer have both announced their running in the Republican Primary. Continue reading State Rep. Gary VanDeaver not seeking reelection

SMITH COUNTY — The City of Troup is alerting residents of a prominent fundraiser they may receive in the mail, calling it a scam. The fundraisers are sent by an organization known as the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association (USDSA), which presents itself as a non-profit dedicated to supporting local law enforcement and the community. In recent mailings, the group requests donations for their Troup Area 2025 Fund Drive, claiming that they provide police agencies in Troup with bulletproof vests, helmets and other lifesaving equipment.
Continue reading Scam alert from the City of Troup

Update: KTBB received an email from from Sergent Pedro Maya of the Tyler PD, informing us the accident has been cleared up.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is currently working a Major Traffic Accident at East Front Street and South Porter Avenue. At this time, all west bound traffic on East Front Street is being re-routed onto Old Henderson Highway, all east bound traffic is being re-routed onto South Palmer Avenue. East and West bound lanes on East Front Street are currently closed between Old Henderson Hwy and South Palmer Avenue. Officials said the scene remains active and officers are on-site directing vehicles. Drivers are urged to find alternative routes and use extra caution due to poor weather conditions.

TYLER — With the Christmas season here, so are the parades! But incoming weather has caused multiple parades to be postponed. Our news partners at KETK, have provided a list of Christmas parades in east Texas. Continue reading East Texas Christmas parades

TYLER — A tanker truck stalled on Troup Highway, causing temporary traffic delays on Monday morning. According to our news partner KETK, officials with Smith County ESD2, the truck stalled along Troup Highway near Toll 49, blocking traffic. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the tanker’s stoppage was not immediately released

TYLER — The Christmas season is here. And so are the Christmas parades. Our news partners at KETK, have a running list for you. You can see it here.

SMITH COUNTY— An 18-wheeler rolled over on Highway 110 North, south of Swan, Monday morning in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, crews were out clearing the scene as boxes from inside the 18-wheeler were also thrown alongside the road. Traffic delays have also happened.