KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department said on Friday they are investigating several incidents of a recent scam. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said most of the victims were elderly. Officials said victims reported that in store aisles and parking lots, someone would drop cash and after they picked up the cash and put it in their wallet, the person would approach the victim and tell them it’s their money. “Then, when the victim exposes their wallet, they or another suspect will steal the wallet or items from it,” officials said. One resident who frequently goes into Hobby Lobby said he’s concerned. Police said it has also been reported that a suspect will drop cash by a register after they see someone has put their debit card in the machine. One suspect will then confront the victim about the money while another takes the debit card from the machine. Continue reading Tyler Police investigate in-person parking lot scam

BRAZORIA — A Tyler man is back in custody after allegedly walking away from a prison trusty camp. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and our news partner KETK, Cadarion Avery, 22, was serving a 5-year sentence for a theft out of Smith County when he left the camp around 11:30 p.m. Friday night. The trusty camp, a housing location outside the main prison for inmates with nonviolent offenses, was located at the Clemens Unit in Brazoria. He was found on Saturday just before 8:00 a.m. near the Clemens Unit, according to TDCJ. Avery will now face felony escape charges.

LONGVIEW – On Saturday, Oct. 7, portions of downtown Longview will be closed for the Longview Great Pumpkin Roll, Ollie’s Skate Shop Downtown Takeover, and Longview Cruisers Cruise Night.

Road Closures for the Event
Friday, Oct. 6 beginning at 6 p.m. – Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.
Westbound lane of Tyler Street from Center to High St.

Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Westbound and Eastbound of Tyler Street from Center to High Street, Center Street from 420 N. Center to Tyler Street, and Methvin Street from Center to Fredonia.

TYLER – A 22-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Friday for his role in the June 2021 shooting death of a Tyler teen. Jason Edward Rhodes, of Tyler, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened outside of a residence on Omega Drive and left Jesse McNeely, 17,  dead from a gunshot wound. In December of 2022, Rhodes was initially arrested for capital murder. He lead Tyler Police on a brief chase after being named as a suspect. Rhodes was indited for armed robbery on Sept. 9, 2021. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to prison for 2021 murder

TYLER – After Tuesday’s historic vote that removed Rep. Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of The House, the search for his replacement begins. Our news partner KETK spoke with local Rep. Nathaniel Moran, (R) Texas. In their conversation he said, “Right now, everything in the house comes to a halt.” Eight Republicans voted for McCarthy to step down, and four East Texas congressmen chose to keep McCarthy as Speaker. Moran also gave his thoughts on who the front-runners are for the position. “The two primary candidates right now are Steve Scalise, who’s the majority leader, and chairman, Jim Jordan, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, both of those men would be fantastic Speakers of The House,” said Moran. He concluded by saying that no matter who gets chosen, it will be a hard road ahead.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been arrested after he reportedly hit and killed a bicyclist while driving intoxicated. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police Public Information Officer Brandon Thornton said that Sergio Retana-Garcia, 28, was driving westbound on East Marshall Avenue when he collided with an individual who was riding their bike while traveling in the same direction. Retana-Garcia reportedly drove away from the scene and the individual was pronounced dead by authorities. Retana-Garcia was later found and booked into the Gregg County Jail for driving while intoxicated 3rd or more and collision involving death.

TYLER – Pets Fur People is having Pets in the Park this Saturday at Bergfeld Park in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, this is their free annual event. Pets in the Park hours Saturday are 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. rain or shine. Whether you have a four-legged family member or not, the fundraiser will be a great way for dog owners meet other dog owners. Pets in the Park will feature food trucks, face painting, raffle prizes and the always popular weenie dog races.

TYLER – A Tyler man was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to second-degree felony child endangerment after his January arrest. Our colleagues at KETK report that Paul Hanna, 38 of Tyler, was arrested in January after his 1-year-old daughter was found, strapped into her car seat, on the side of Rhones Quarter Road. He was booked into the Smith County Jail that night for child endangerment and driving while intoxicated second offense. Police reported at the time of the incident that Hanna was located shortly after the child was found after receiving reports of a drunk driver at a gas station on Troup Highway. Continue reading Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for child endangerment

RUSK COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report the City Attorney for both Henderson and Tatum, Joe Edward Shumate, was booked at the Rusk County Jail Wednesday on two felony charges. According to the records on the Rusk County Sheriff Office’s website, Shumate was arrested and charged with a first degree felony of misapplication of fiduciary property or property of financial institution, greater than or equal to $300,000 and first degree felony theft of property, greater than or equal to $300,000. The attorney has since been released on bond.

TYLER – Whitehouse native and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with his foundation, 15 and the Mahomies, announced a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of America. Our news partners at KETK report that the Super Bowl champion has donated up to 300 scholarships for students to attend the Tyler and Whitehouse-based Mentorship Alliance. The $1.625 million donation will serve as a contribution and a multi-year commitment to support the Boys and Girls Club of America.

TYLER – With severe weather moving through East Texas early Thursday morning, nearly 14 hundred customers are said to be without power as of 3:30 p.m. Thursday according to our news partner KETK. To find a list of counties with power outages from ONCOR and SWEPCO as well as several electric co-ops, click here.

SMITH COUNTY — A portion of Smith County Road 463, just south of Lindale, has been reopened after water over the road, caused by a dam failure, closed the road. Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore said those traveling in the area are asked to be careful on CR 463, at the intersections of CR 462 and CR 472, as well as under the overpass of Interstate 20.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue was one of 30  professionals nationwide to be selected to participate in a Wildland Fire Investigator Course in Redding, California. “The class exceeded my expectations. It was a privilege to have instructors with so much knowledge and experience in the wildland fire investigation field,” Hogue said. “The U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE personnel are topnotch and I’m excited to bring back what I’ve learned and share it with local fire investigators.” The training was offered September 25-29, 2023, by the U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Academy, U.S. Forest Service and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Continue reading Smith County Fire Marshal attends national training

LUFKIN – According to our news partner KETK a Lufkin High School student was detained on Wednesday morning after a gun was found in their backpack. According to the school district, a gun was reported to be in a student’s possession while on campus. An investigation of the report led to the weapon being confiscated from their backpack and the district said the student was detained. “Thank you to our students, staff and Lufkin ISD PD for responding in a timely and efficient manner,” the district said.

TYLER – UT Tyler hosted it’s fifth annual top 25 percent celebration Wednesday morning at Patriot Plaza. According to our news partner KETK the event recongnizes the top high school students from each graduating class who are accepted into UT Tyler automatically. About 1,600 students from 66 high schools in East Texas, Dallas and Houston assembled for the celebration.
Continue reading UT Tyler hosted it’s 5th annual Top 25% celebration

PANOLA COUNTY – Two men were arrested on Tuesday afternoon after being pursued by authorities through East Texas and captured in Panola County. According to our news colleagues at KETK, the Panola County Sheriff’s Office were notified around 4:07 p.m. that Shelby County units were pursuing the car on FM 699 towards Carthage. Panola County units and a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper responded.
Officials said a Panola County deputy set up spike strips at CR 405 and FM 2517 while other units stopped traffic on FM 2517. The fleeing car struck the spikes around 4:17 p.m., according to Panola County, and continued to flee with three deflated tires before running into a ditch near CR 4053. Continue reading 2 arrested after car spiked during pursuit through East Texas

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – Four residents of Louisiana were arrested in deep East Texas for possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop Tuesday morning. According to the Nacogdoches County sheriff’s office, and our news partners at KETK, deputies were patrolling on South Street and performed a traffic stop on a SUV traveling 62 miles per hour in a 45 MPH construction zone.During the stop, deputies detected the odor of what they believed to be marijuana. While questioning the driver, identified as 34-year-old Nikita Webber of Shreveport, and three other passengers officers received conflicting details of the group’s trip from Houston to Shreveport, according to a release. Continue reading Louisiana residents arrested for meth possession in Nacogdoches

TEXAS – The largest Powerball jackpot of 2023 is now up for grabs, as the grand prize for tonight stands at an estimated $1.2 billion. According to a release from Powerball, it’s the third largest jackpot in game history and the seventh largest in U.S. lottery history. Tonight’s drawing offers a cash value worth an estimated $551.7 million. If no winner claims the record-setting prize after Wednesday’s drawing, Saturday’s drawing is set to be an estimated $1.4 billion.

TYLER – Tyler police are searching for a man whose last contact with his family was Aug 19. According to our news partner KETK, 40-year-old Justin Jeremy Miller may have been riding a black bicycle when he disappeared. Authorities say Miller is 5’11”, 160 pounds with blue hair. Tyler PD asks if you have any information on Justin Jeremy Miller to please contact them at 903-531-1000.

GREGG COUNTY — Longview ISD and Kilgore College executives are set to sign a dual credit expansion program into effect this Thursday. Here’s what that means for local students. According to our news partner KETK, the growth of the dual credit program will build on the current systems in place under the newly enacted House Bill 8. According to both institutions, the aim is to provide increased educational opportunities and cost-effective pathways for high school students to earn college credit. “Effective immediately, HB-8 brings significant changes to the tuition rates for dual credit students. Students enrolled in public schools, who are officially certified by the state of Texas as free and reduced lunch recipients, will now receive dual credit courses tuition-free,” Dr. Brenda Kays, Kilgore College President. Continue reading Longview ISD, Kilgore College expand dual credit program

TYLER – On Wednesday at 1:20 p.m. central time, the nation will receive a practice emergency alert. Once every three years, FEMA partners with the FCC to test the efficiency of their system. According to our news partner KETK the message will be in English or Spanish and it will say the following on your devices: “This is a test of the national wireless emergency alert system. No action is needed.” Even if your phone is on silent or you’ve turned the settings off, you will receive the alert. The sound is alarming to most but it is to keep you and your family as safe as possible.

SMITH COUNTY – Authorities say a Frankston woman was killed Sunday night when her car collided with a semi-trailer truck. According to our news partner KETK, 36-year-old Danica L. Maclin was driving south on Highway 155 south of FM 2661 when she lost control of her vehicle and crossed over into the northbound lane. DPS reported that Maclin was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was not injured.

SMITH COUNTY — Two juveniles are back in custody following their escape Tuesday. Officials said they were apprehended around 9:30 Wednesday morning by Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies and taken to the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center. Law enforcement officials had been  searching for two 16-year-old males that escaped the custody of a juvenile detention center after authorities said they scaled a fence. According to our news partner KETK, on Tuesday around 2:30 p.m., the two juveniles were in the welding shop of the H.O.P.E. Academy Vocational Residential Program when authorities said they ran away after scaling a fence while using welding gloves and jackets to help them “defeat the security wire on the fence.” The juveniles are on probation for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

WASKOM — According to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, detectives have arrested a Texas woman for firing a weapon at a couple in Greenwood over the weekend. Our news partner KETK reports that Alicia Whitfield, 40 of Waskom, was arrested after an investigation revealed she fired a weapon at her ex-boyfriend and a woman at the Tobacco Country Bar on Highway 80 in Greenwood, Louisiana. CPSO detectives stated that Whitfield fired several shots from her vehicle after she spotted the couple in the bar’s parking lot on Saturday night. The shots that were fired then struck the victim’s car four times, leaving two bullet holes in the passenger side door, one in a rear tire and one in the back window that exited through the front windshield. No one was injured in this incident. Continue reading Waskom woman arrested for domestic shooting

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK the Smith County Precinct 1 Commissioner Pam Frederick announced on Monday that she is running to be re-elected in 2024. Frederick, who is running as a Republican, was elected to the position in 2022 to fill the term of Neal Franklin, who replaced Rep. Nathaniel Moran as Smith County Judge. Previously she served Bullard for 20 years as member of city council and then as mayor. Frederick said her work as commissioner on the mental health crisis has brought tangible results. Specifically, Frederick said she was proud of creating a mental health diversion officer position at the Smith County Jail. Frederick concluded her announcement by saying that it’s been an honor to serve the community as commissioner. Continue reading Frederick announces Commissioner re-election bid

MARSHALL — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a two-day wild horse and burro event Oct. 13-14 at the Marshall City Arena in Marshall, Texas. The event begins Friday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m., and will feature 120 animals for adoption. Adoptions take place Oct. 13, noon-6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct 14, 8 a.m.-noon. As part of the program’s efforts to find every horse and burro a good home, BLM now offers up to $1,000 to adopt an untrained animal. This incentive is offered for every animal in Marshall. On July 26, 2021, BLM announced additional steps to secure the health and safety of animals through the Adoption Incentive Program, including conducting inspections of wild horses and burros within six months of the adoption date. Continue reading Wild horse and burro event in Marshall

TYLER – A Bullard man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to leading authorities on a pursuit in a U-Haul van. Steven Shelton-Groves, 30 of Bullard, was arrested in February after officials at the time said they were alerted to him for driving a U-Haul van with stolen property. He also reportedly had a warrant for a parole violation as well. Officials attempted a traffic stop on the van, but said Shelton-Groves drove off and later crashed into two cars going south on Loop 323, injuring several people including himself and his passenger. Shelton-Groves pleaded guilty to evading arrest with a vehicle and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.