KTBB News, Weather, Talk

COLLEGE STATION — On Tuesday, the Texas A&M University announced they are awarding approximately $164 million in grants to Texas volunteer fire departments. According to our news partner KETK, the grants are thanks to the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, which was established by Texas House in 2001. The program provides grants to rural volunteer fire departments for essential firefighting equipment and training.

“Texas fire departments are the front line of local response, and their equipment capacity is vital to response time and effectiveness,” Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis said. “This historic funding reflects the strong support of the Texas Legislature and governor. Their investment allows us to continue supporting and equipping firefighters who protect Texas’ lives and property.”

The multimillion-dollar grants will benefit a total of 879 fire departments across Texas. Several East Texas fire departments will receive funding, you can the complete list from KETK, here.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County has seen a 25% increase in DWI charges from 2023 to 2024, largely due to enhanced enforcement efforts, according to a detective with the sheriff’s office. Ryan Edmonds, a DWI expert currently assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, explained to our news partner KETK that the rise in DWI arrests is attributed to increased training and the deployment of task forces during peak times for intoxicated driving.

“The biggest factor behind that increase is probably the enhanced enforcement that we’ve put into place,” Edmonds said. Continue reading DWI arrests rise amid stricter enforcement

UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas – Our news partners at KETK report that Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd announced on Tuesday that he will be retiring from his position at the end of October. Byrd sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday, stating that after serving as the Upshur County district attorney for the past 18 years and serving as a prosecutor in the state of Texas for the last 24 years, he will be retiring from his role on Oct. 31. Byrd’s first assistant, Barry Wallace, will assume duties as district attorney until Gov. Abbott makes an appointment or someone is elected next year.

TYLER – People in the Tyler area are being asked to continue to conserve water this week as city crews make repairs at the Lake Palestine water plant. Our news partner KETK is reporting that the Lake Palestine Water Plant has been offline since Thursday to fix equipment issues and flooding. Over the weekend, the City of Tyler’s water supply was limited to just the water from Golden Road.

Water Utilities Director Kate Dietz advises residents to continue to follow the water restrictions. Outdoor watering is limited to even-numbered addresses on Sunday and Thursday and odd-numbered addresses on Saturday and Wednesday. Watering only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. As of now, four out of the eight filters at Lake Palestine are now up and running once again. Even so, Golden Road is still providing for the majority of the water demand right now.

Prohibited Non-Essential Uses: Washing sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, or buildings (except for fire protection) and using water for dust control.

Dietz is also asking everyone to limit car washing between 8 p.m. and midnight. For a full list of water conservation guidelines, visit the City of Tyler website.

CARTHAGE — The Carthage Police Department has officially relocated its operations to a new multi million-dollar facility. According to our news partner KETK, the new standalone police headquarters was completed Oct. 14, and is located at 453 West Sabine Street. The project, estimated at $3.7 million, was approved by the City Commission in June of 2024, according to the city.

City officials expect the new facility not only to alleviate current space constraints but also to help in recruiting officers, enhancing safety and security, improving evidence processing and offering more suitable work environments.

“All administrative functions, public services, and correspondence will now take place at this new location. The department looks forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Carthage with professionalism and dedication from its updated facility.” the Carthage Police Department said. For more information contact the department directly at 903-693-3866.

LONGVIEW — Our news partners at KETK report a woman has been arrested following the investigation of a Longview house fire in September, believed to be arson. According to Fire Marshal Marcus Delaney, 25-year-old Tasha Neal has been accused of arson after an investigation was conducted into a Longview house fire. Continue reading Longview woman accused of arson

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that Lee-Autrey Jodeci “Jody” Morgan, 33 of Tyler, has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison on Monday for the 2023 murder of his brother. Morgan was arrested for murder on July 15, 2023, after his brother, Jaraine Johnson, was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds in the backyard of a home. The district attorney’s office said a 9mm handgun found in Morgan’s truck was matched to bullet casings recovered from the crime scene where Johnson was killed. Two court-appointed mental health experts examined Morgan, and testified that he was competent to stand trial even though he suffers from paranoid personality disorder and schizophrenia. 241st District Court Judge Debby Gunter accepted Morgan’s guilty plea on Monday. He’ll be eligible for parole in 15 years.

TYLER – The world is breathing a sigh of relief this evening as 20 Israeli hostages are now back with their families. This comes as a result of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, ending the bloody two-year conflict overseas that’s claimed nearly 70,000 lives. The first phase of this peace plan calls for Israel to pull back troops to an agreed line, with Israel still retaining control of over 53% of the land in Gaza.

President Trump said Gaza will now be governed by an international ‘Board of Peace’. The board will be focused on rebuilding Gaza, while a future permanent government is determined. Congressman Nathaniel Moran of East Texas agrees with this strategy, saying this “peace through strength plan” is critical to keeping peace in the Middle East.

“We’ve got to be with them across the sea,” Moran told our news partner KETK. “We can’t just wait for it to come to our borders.” Moran added that the top priority now is to provide the immediate resources needed, to help families impacted by this deadly conflict to get back up on their feet. Continue reading Rep. Moran reacts to return of Israeli hostages, ceasefire

ANGELINA COUNTY – The Angelina County Sheriff’s is mourning the loss of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department assistant commander Chad Gartman, who died of cancer on Sunday. Gartman, who was 52-years-old, had a lengthy 31-year career in law enforcement and became a Texas Peace Officer after he graduated from the Angelina College Police Academy in 1994. He served as a deputy constable in Nacogdoches County for almost six years before he joined the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and started patrolling in East Texas.

According to our news partner KETK and the sheriff’s office, Gartman became assistant commander of the TPWD in 2016. He managed vehicle acquisitions and fleet maintenance for the over 650 Texas Game Wardens vehicles across the state.

Gartman’s and his wife Ashley had two sons together. Ashley’s father is retired Angelina County Sheriff Kent Henson.

TYLER – The Republican Party of Texas met on Saturday to discuss potential penalties for several lawmakers, including two East Texas State Representatives.

According to our news partner KETK, a special meeting of the State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) was held on Saturday, where Texas GOP officials discussed whether or not they would concur with censure resolutions brought by county Republican Party officials. Resolutions were brought against ten State Representatives who are accused of making votes and taking actions against State Republican Party platform policies like having no Democratic Committee Chairs in the State House.

East Texas State Representatives Cody Harris of Palestine and Gary VanDeaver of New Boston were two of those ten State Representatives who faced potential penalties on Saturday.

Harris avoided a concurring vote and any penalties that the SREC could have levied against him but the SREC did concur with the resolution against VanDeaver. Continue reading State Rep VanDeaver responds to censure penalties

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The SPCA of Texas rescued 16 neglected dogs from a Van Zandt County property last week after finding them living in extreme inhumane conditions. According to our news partner KETK, SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit responded to an anonymous request for a welfare check. They arrived at the property Oct. 6. Investigators found the dogs in severe neglect and worked to obtain a seizure warrant for the animals, which they executed the next day.

A press release from SPCA of Tyler said, “A thorough inspection found filthy raised kennels, many without adequate shelter; rough, uneven flooring beneath them; padlocks on every kennel; dirty water contaminated with feces; and live maggots swarming the area beneath the kennels.” Continue reading SPCA seizes abused dogs from Van Zandt County property

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas – Syntedrick Latroy Fuller was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for reportedly evading arrest and having multiple drugs in his possession. Fuller tried to escape on foot after the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville and Bullard Police officers came to his home in Jacksonville to carry out a warrant. After a short chase on foot, 141 grams of ecstasy, 2.8 grams of meth and a firearm were found in his home.

Update: The pedestrian in this incident has died from injuries sustained in the crash. His identity is being withheld until family can be notified. The case remains under investigation.

TYLER — A Monday morning wreck shut down the westbound lanes of 110 Van Highway, just outside of Loop 323 for almost five hours. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police responded to the crash involving a pedestrian. Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh confirmed with KTBB that all roads are clear.

GREGG COUNTY — A man from New Orleans has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the 2020 murder of Joseph Pierre Brice, 44, on Mobberly Avenue in Longview. Brice was fatally shot around 3 p.m. on Feb. 29, 2020. Several months later, Aaron Williams, 41, of New Orleans, was arrested for Brice’s murder.

His case was set to go to trial on October 13, but on Friday, October 10, Williams pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Williams has been in the Gregg County Jail since his 2020 arrest.

LINDALE – The Smith County Sheriff’s office said that two people were injured at a club on Highway 69 near Lindale early Sunday morning. According to our news partner KETK, deputies were sent to the Bourbon West Club on Highway 69 around 1:30 a.m. When deputies arrived they found two assault victims. One shot, another stabbed multiple times. Both were sent to local hospitals for treatment and are in stable condition. The sheriff’s office has an open investigation.

AUSTIN – The Republican Party of Texas met on Saturday to discuss potential penalties for several lawmakers, including two East Texas State Representatives. According to our news partner KETK, East Texas State Representatives Cody Harris of Palestine and Gary VanDeaver of New Boston were two of those ten State Representatives who faced potential penalties from the Senate Republican Executive Committee (SREC).

Resolutions were brought against ten State Representatives who are accused of making votes and taking actions against State Republican Party platform policies like having no Democratic Committee Chairs in the State House.

Harris avoided a concurring vote and any penalties that the SREC could have levied against him but the SREC did concur with the resolution against VanDeaver. Continue reading State Rep VanDeaver penalized by Texas Republicans

UPDATE: The City of Chandler announced on Tuesday afternoon that the boil water notice was lifted due to the water line break getting repaired.

CHANDLER — The City of Chandler has issued a boil water notice for certain areas after a broken water line was discovered. Officials ask residents to boil water used for drinking and cooking. Affected areas include: Charmwood Drive, Copeland Circle, Ridgeway Drive, Ridgewood Lane, Sunnyside Drive, Kidd Drive, Brookshire’s, AutoZone, Starbucks and McDonalds. City officials in a release said the notice will stay in effect until repairs are made and testing confirms that the water is safe to drink. Residents will be notified when the advisory is lifted. If you have any questions you can call Justin Bolton at 903-849-6853 or 903-360-3081.

MOUNT PLEASANT – An East Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Wednesday for the 2023 murder of a 23-month-old girl. According to our news partner KETK, the Mount Pleasant Police Department said they received information about the death of the girl at a local hospital in July of 2023. In October, Jermaine Tyrelle Hooks was then arrested for capital murder in connection with the girl’s death and booked into the Titus County Jail. The mother of the child, Chelsea Lashaun Davis, was arrested that same month. She later entered a plea deal for a fine, court costs and a deferred sentence.

WINONA – Interstate 20 East is shutdown near the Highway 271 exit after an 18-wheeler was involved in a rollover crash on Friday. According to our news partner KETK,. Smith County Emergency Services District 2 said that the rollover crash happened at around 8:00 p.m. on Friday night. No major injuries were reported from the crash but the eastbound side of I-20 will be shut down for the next several hours. Drivers heading east are advised to to seek alternative routes through the area.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department has arrested a juvenile in connection with threatening statements made toward a local school. According to a news release, upon receiving the report on October 9, investigators with the Marshall Police Department began working with the Marshall Independent School District Police Department and the Harrison County District Attorney’s Office to identify and apprehend the juvenile responsible for the statements.

Due to the subject’s age and the ongoing nature of the investigation, additional information was not released.

“The safety of our students, faculty, and community remains our top priority. The Marshall Police Department and our law enforcement partners take all reports of potential threats seriously and will continue to respond swiftly to ensure the safety and security of our schools.” – Marshall ISD Continue reading Threat made towards Marshall ISD leads to arrest

WOOD COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, Brandon Shane Albrightson will spend two years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-State Jail Division for injury to a child. Albrightson was found guilty by a jury on Tuesday, and previously had two misdemeanor assault cases in Wood County from 2022 that were still pending at the time of trial.

On Sept. 14, 2023, a father and two children went to the Winnsboro Police Department to file a police report. The father told officers that Albrightson, the mother’s boyfriend, had “put hands on” the oldest child. Both children, ages seven and 11, described to police a household of violence, depicting multiple altercations involving Albrightson and their mother.

LONGVIEW – A Longview residential fire is now being investigated as a possible case of arson. According to our news partner KETK, and the Longview Fire Department (LFD), reported structure fire occurred at 500 Dell Street on Wednesday morning. One occupant sustained minor injuries during the fire and was taken to a local hospital. It’s estimated the fire caused $120,000 in damage and three occupants have been displaced. On Thursday, LFD announced they’re investigating the fire as a possible case of arson.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office honored one of their longtime leaders on Thursday by unveiling a portrait of former Sheriff JB Smith. According to our news partner KETK, Smith started his tenure as sheriff in 1976 and after more than three decades, he retired in 2013. In a ceremony attended by many members of law enforcement on Thursday, including current Sheriff Larry Smith, former Sheriff JB Smith had his portrait hung next to the portraits of those who’ve held the role before.

“I’m so honored to be part of something like this because I feel like I’m a part of the lasting legacy of Smith County sheriffs,” JB Smith said. “There’s been many sheriffs over the years, and I’m just one of them. But I think I’ll have left a legacy and I hope it’s a positive one. Smith County is probably one of the best places in the whole world to live. We are so blessed here.”

JB Smith is also an author, humorist, rancher, a veteran and an auctioneer. To learn more about his life, visit JB Smith’s website.

CARTHAGE – Carthage ISD’s director of bands Johnnie Cotton has resigned from his position, according to our news partner KETK, after he said the district asked him to hang the Ten Commandments in his classroom on Monday.

“I would like to take this chance to explain why I resigned as Director of Bands at Carthage ISD. I believe very strongly that politics and religion have no place in the public schools,” Cotton said. “I spent my 42 years as a teacher and administrator making sure that my classroom/campus stayed neutral on both counts.”

Senate Bill 10 was passed by the Texas State Legislature in this year’s legislative session and then signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 20. The bill, which went into effect on Sept. 1, requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments from the Hebrew Bible.

“This summer, The State of Texas passed a law stating that you were required to post the 10 Commandments in your classroom if someone donated them,” Cotton explained. “I was informed Monday by Carthage ISD that I must do this and I refused. I was told it was required due to state law. Seeing this as a line I refuse to cross, I resigned.” Continue reading Band director resigns, refusing to post Commandments

TYLER – On Thursday, the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant was taken offline due to multiple critical equipment failures and flooding in the filter pipe gallery. Until the flooding issue can be resolved and the equipment failures repaired, Tyler Water Utilities is relying entirely on the Golden Road Water Treatment Plant to supply water to the entire City of Tyler.

While GRWTP can typically meet the City’s daily water needs during this time of year, any large water main break or sudden surge in demand could cause system pressure to fall below safe and acceptable levels.

To help protect the system and maintain reliable service citywide, TWU has activated Stage 2 of the City’s Drought Contingency and Emergency Demand Management Plan. Stage 2 calls for a 10 percent reduction in total daily water use. As of Saturday, Oct. 11, these restrictions are still in effect.  Continue reading Tyler requiring residents to reduce water

LINDALE – A five-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 20 Thursday afternoon, leaving one person trapped inside a vehicle. According to our news partner KETK, the Lindale Fire Department reports firefighters were dispatched to Interstate 20 eastbound near mile marker 551. At the scene, three 18-wheelers and two passenger vehicles were involved in the crash, with several vehicles sustaining significant damage. The person trapped inside their vehicle was removed and cared for by EMS. The Lindale FD assisted by Smith County ESD 2 and a local hazmat company was conducting cleanup operations on Interstate 20.

HIDEAWAY LAKE – The eastbound lanes of Interstate 20 before FM 849 at mile marker 552 are backed up following a multi-vehicle crash.

LIVINGSTON (AP) — Texas’ top criminal court on Thursday again paused the execution of Robert Roberson, just days before he was set to become the first person in the U.S. put to death for a murder conviction tied to the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

This was the third execution date that Roberson’s lawyers have been able to stay since 2016, including an attempt nearly a year ago that was stopped by an unprecedented intervention from a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers who believe he is innocent.

The latest execution stay was granted by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Roberson had been scheduled to receive a lethal injection on Oct. 16. Since his first execution date more than nine years ago, Roberson’s lawyers have filed multiple petitions with state and federal appeals courts, as well as with the U.S. Supreme Court, to try and stop his execution. Continue reading Appeals court pauses Roberson execution

LIVINGSTON – Palestine native and longtime death row inmate Robert Roberson has been granted a stay by a Texas court Thursday morning. The length of the stay is not yet known. The Dallas Morning News presents this stay not only as an opportunity to present new evidence, but to further look into allegations of judicial bias and misconduct during Roberson’s capital murder trial in Anderson County. Roberson has maintained his innocence for more than 22 years on death row and two previous execution dates as he and his attorneys say new evidence proves Nikki died of accidental and natural causes, including severe, undiagnosed pneumonia and a fall from bed. It is not yet know if the state will attempt to appeal the stay. Roberson, 58, is scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection Oct. 16 in Huntsville for his 2003 murder conviction.

Update: Tyler Police Department has arrested 35-year-old Kendrick Dawone Ross of Tyler. Ross was booked into the Smith County jail Thursday afternoon for Murder and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. His bond has been set at $1,500,000.

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating an early morning shooting that left one man dead. According to the department, around 2:25 Thursday morning, officers responded to a shooting at a residence on North Grand Ave.One victim, identified as Demonta Jaquis Brown, 32, of Smith County, was transported to a local hospital by EMS with gunshot wounds. He died as a result of those wounds.

A female victim is said to be in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds. A suspect was being interviewed by investigators. Police say this is not a random incident.