KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – With a winter storm expected to impact East Texas this weekend, local shelters are opening their doors to serve as warming centers for residents in need. Our news partner KETK has put together a list of warming centers open to the public, with updates to follow as additional locations announce openings for the weekend. You can view that list here.

SMITH COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report that a former Smith County Constable was sentenced to two years in jail on Tuesday after violating probation terms. Former Smith County Precinct 1 Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris was initially sentenced to five years of probation after being found guilty of theft while executing an eviction notice in December 2022. Traylor-Harris began his two-year sentence on Tuesday, after violating his probation. Continue reading Former constable sentenced

TYLER — An 18-wheeler truck from Utah delivered 42,000 pounds of mixed goods to the East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) in Tyler. The donation, totaling 25 pallets, was provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to support hunger relief efforts across East Texas. The donation from the Church is part of its ongoing global effort to help individuals struggling with urgent temporal concerns by addressing immediate hunger needs, supporting improved nutrition, and promoting long-term food security. The shipment includes a variety of mixed canned and boxed goods such as vegetables, chili, fruit, beef, peanut butter, dried milk, and numerous other items. Continue reading Food Bank gets big donation

EAST TEXAS – NETRMA will be preparing Toll 49 for the predicted winter weather hitting the area. Efforts include putting brine on bridges and main lanes throughout all of Toll 49. Communications Director Colleen Colby has tips for drivers who still need to hit the roads.

“We’d ask our drivers to be extremely cautious on bridges, overpasses, ramps and turns, any areas that might freeze first,” Colby said. “We’d ask all of our drivers to reduce speed, to allow extra time to reach their destination. Make sure you increase the distance between yourself and any other vehicles and should you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes and steer into the direction of the skid.”

For safety purposes, NETRMA is also asking drivers to stay back at least 200 feet from vehicles treating roadways, and most of all, be patient. Should anything happen, authorities urge drivers to stay in their vehicles. And if you’re stranded, make sure to call 911 to get the appropriate help that you may need.

RUSK — Former Rusk Police Chief Scott Heagney is seeking reinstatement after his termination earlier this month, according to a grievance filed with city leadership. According to our news partner KETK, Heagney, who was fired on Friday, has submitted an internal grievance to the city manager, mayor and city council requesting speedy and retroactive reinstatement. His attorney, David Schleicher of Waco, said the termination occurred while Heagney was actively cooperating with the city to schedule a required fitness-for-duty exam.

City officials previously said Heagney was terminated after an administrative review, citing that he was unavailable during duty hours while on administrative leave without requesting alternative leave.

“We look forward to Mr. Heagney immediately being returned to serving as Rusk Police Chief,” Schleicher said. “Though we believe the order for a fitness-for-duty exam was not justified, we will continue to cooperate in getting the exam scheduled and completed.” Continue reading Former police chief files grievance

TYLER – TxDOT crews continue to prepare for the  winter storm forecast for East Texas. Crews have been preparing roadways around the eight-county district for potentially icy conditions. Brine operations  on bridges and roadways susceptible to wind and ice started Wednesday.

I-20 and other major roadways were also treated with a brine solution consisting of salt and water designed to help slow the initial freezing on pavement.

Crews have readied equipment and materials and will continue to monitor the roadways throughout the weekend. Drivers should allow a safe traveling distance between their vehicles and the mobile convoys. Continue reading TxDOT treating roadways, caution drivers

TYLER – An estimated 1,000 students from Tyler High School and Legacy High School walked out of classes on Tuesday afternoon in protest of recent ICE activity. According to our news partner KETK, the protest remained peaceful and students who participated created signs and posters urging local law enforcement to end their partnership with ICE’s 287(g) program, which Smith County commissioners approved in February 2025.

Students who organized the protest stated that they would no longer sit idly and watch ICE terrorize communities nationwide. Tyler High English Teacher Stacy Brazill approved her students’ decisions to participate in the protest due to the fear and anxiety the presence of ICE in East Texas has created in their families. Continue reading Students walkout over ICE activity

TYLER – The Caldwell Zoo has welcomed the new year with six newborn greater kudu calves. The Caldwell Zoo had a successful year for its African hoofstock band, welcoming six female greater kudu calves in December. Several members of the herd became first-time mothers in 2025.

According to our news partner KETK, the zoo’s dedicated veterinary team and animal keepers worked diligently to ensure the mothers are comfortable and recovering well.

With all of the calves being born during December, it was crucial to make sure the zoo staff jumped in quickly to keep them safe and warm during the first few weeks of their lives. Most of the calves are being bottle-fed at this time to get their necessary nutrients as moms, babies and the herd adjust to these new additions. Continue reading Caldwell Zoo welcomes six antelope calves

RUSK — More than a month has passed since 57-year-old David Blount disappeared in Cherokee County, leaving his family in a daily struggle for answers amid growing heartache. With no leads, family members said law enforcement does not know where to search anymore and are now urging people to come forward with any information.

Jessica Blount and Justin Blount, David’s niece and nephew spoke with KETK News and mentioned that David would sometimes go for periods without communicating with family members. However, this time it raised immediate red flags. Family members said David goes on fishing trips to Lake Striker but always lets his neighbor know to watch his home. His red truck was discovered along the Neches River four days after he went missing. His family found it strange since he typically fished at lakes rather than rivers and no fishing pole was found in his truck.

Additionally, a kayak was located, but they mentioned that he hadn’t gone kayaking in years. Continue reading Blount’s family pleads for information

JACKSONVILLE – Friday, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotic search for narcotics at a home located in rural Jacksonville. Investigators saw 43-year-old Jessica Wolf smoking methamphetamine during a video visit with an inmate currently in the county jail. Deputies searched the residence and found 46 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana and a firearm.

Wolf was arrested for possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Bond was set on all three charges for a total of $651,000.00.

TYLER – January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and Cervical Cancer Screening Month. Dr. Daren Yeager, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with UT Health East Texas Physicians, shares five things to know about this important topic.

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is a very common virus spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. While many HPV infections clear on their own, some high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer if not monitored.

Screening is recommended for people with a cervix starting at age 21. Pap tests are typically done every three years, while HPV testing may be done every five years for those over 30. A healthcare provider can recommend the best schedule based on individual health history. Continue reading Cervical Cancer Awareness Month