KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — A construction worker has been hospitalized in Tyler after being struck by an alleged drunk driver on Highway 155, according to DPS and our news partner KETK. The construction worker was struck by a pickup truck Thursday morning, and is reported to have sustained serious injuries. Officials with DPS said the driver of the truck was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Additional details were not available.

WOOD COUNTY — Four people are dead in a Wednesday evening crash nine miles north of Quitman. According to a DPS news release, preliminary investigation indicates that one vehicle was traveling eastbound on FM 515 when the other vehicle disregarded a stop sign while southbound on FM 2966. The victims, aged 16 to 64, were from Winnsboro and Yantis. A passenger from Garland went to a Tyler hospital with what were termed incapacitating injuries.

TYLER – The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is investigating a Tyler sports bar, Where’s Rufus, regarding the crash that resulted in the death of Smith County Deputy Lorenzo Bustos in July. According to our news partner KETK, TABC claims the business violated a rule and “was operating in a place or manner that would endanger public health.” TABC also said they are still trying to determine the penalty for the alleged violation, which could include a settlement or a hearing. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office says the 29-year-old Bustos died after he was hit by a drunk driver. Daniel Nyenze Nyabuto, 21, of Grand Prairie, was arrested and charged with intoxicated manslaughter.

EAST TEXAS — A number of events are scheduled around East Texas for Veterans Day. Among them: a program from noon till 2 p.m. at the American Freedom Museum on the campus of Brook Hill School in Bullard. It’s co-sponsored by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans Committee and the Veterans Service Committee of the Tyler Economic Development Council. The event will include singing of patriotic songs, the honoring of fallen soldiers, poetry, and remarks from local leaders. Attendees are invited to tour the museum as part of the celebration. There is no charge to attend the celebration, but attendees are asked to register using this link. You can also contact Jackie Clay at (423) 505-6238. Veterans will receive a gift bag which includes a gift card to Chili’s Restaurant or Dairy Queen. Just one of the other community celebrations will happen at Kilgore College. Check here for more information on that event.

LONGVIEW — Longview police say they have found a woman who had gone missing. According to our news partner KETK, Nhan Le-Do, 57, had last been seen on Wednesday. Her car was found near Bill Owens Parkway. Officials say she was found on Clendenen Lane and taken to the hospital.

TYLER — An 18-year-old was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in a Smith County court on Nov. 2. According to our news partner KETK, Jaqualin Humphrey turned himself in to authorities in March after the Tyler Police Department announced the shooting and publicly named him as a suspect. The shooting took place in the area of North Ross Street and West Bow Street in Tyler on Saturday, March 12. Police responded to reports of gunshots in the area and at the same time, they also received a call about two 13-year-old girls who were each shot one time, according to authorities. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to 12 years for shooting two teens

HUNTSVILLE (AP) – Texas has executed an inmate for killing his mother and burying her body in her backyard nearly 20 years ago. Tracy Beatty was given a lethal injection Wednesday evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. His execution came after courts had rejected arguments from his lawyers that he had not been adequately tested for mental disabilities. Beatty was condemned for strangling his 62-year-old mother, Carolyn Click, in November 2003 after they had argued in her East Texas home. Authorities say Beatty buried his mother’s body beside her mobile home. The 61-year-old Beatty was the fourth inmate executed in Texas this year.

TYLER — 75 years ago today Harry Truman was president of the United States, Beauford* Jester was governor of Texas, and the Federal Communications Commission issued a license for a new station in Tyler at 600 on the AM dial bearing the call letters KTBB. The station was owned by local businessmen Clint and Marshall Formby. At the time it signed on, KTBB could only broadcast during daylight hours. In addition to hearing this story at 600 on the AM radio band, you can also hear KTBB at 97.5 FM as well as on smartphones and smart speakers. Though the technology has evolved, what hasn’t changed is local ownership. Today, KTBB is the only locally-owned news media outlet in East Texas.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council approved two street work projects at its Wednesday meeting. One was a $1,318,390 construction contract to replace the streets, infrastructure, and storm sewer under South Thompson Avenue and Barger Street, where officials say the storm sewer and pavement have deteriorated in multiple areas. The Council also gave the nod to a $66,900 engineering contract to design new traffic signal infrastructure and install new equipment at the intersection of West Gentry Parkway and West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. According to officials, the existing traffic signal and associated equipment are past their lifespan, and the traffic signal mast arms are deteriorating and need to be replaced. The project, including the design and construction, is estimated to be completed in about 18 months. Both projects are funded through the Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund.

TYLER – Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran resigned from his position as Smith County Judge on Wednesday following his election to the U.S. House District 1. According to our news partner KETK in a special called meeting of the Smith County Commissioners Court, Constable Josh Joplin talked about his experiences with Moran throughout the years. “You have probably brought this county county further for law enforcement and public safety in your tenure than any county judge ever has in the history of this county,” Joplin said. “Your concerns for public safety and the safety of the people go unmatched.” Commissioner Precinct 1 Neal Franklin was sworn in as the new county judge and taking his seat as Commissioner Precinct 1 will be Bullard Mayor Pam Frederick who was appointed and sworn into office by Judge Reeve Jackson at Wednesday’s special called meeting. The motion to approve her appointment was unanimously affirmed. Continue reading Nathaniel Moran resigns as Smith County Judge

LONGVIEW — A fatal wreck on Wednesday morning shut down the westbound lanes in the 800 block of Loop 281 in Longview at Alpine Road, but that stretch has since reopened. According to our news partner KETK, officials at the scene said the crash was a single-vehicle accident where the car struck the Alpine bridge. Additional information was not immediately available.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County voters voted in favor of Proposition A 53.73% to 46.27%, approving a bond that will fund a new courthouse and parking structure. According to our news partner KETK, the bond devotes $160 million for a brand new courthouse and $19 million for a parking garage. The projected tax impact is 3.67 cents, resulting in an increase on tax bills of $73.40 per year for a $200,000 home. New courthouse construction is set to start in 2024, according to information from Smith County. Standing in downtown Tyler for almost 70 years, the current Smith County Courthouse was built in 1955. It was built to have two trial courts but currently houses seven. Continue reading Voters approve $179 million bond for new Smith County courthouse

EAST TEXAS — Voters in East Texas joined numerous others in hitting the polls for Tuesday’s midterm elections. One top issue: deciding on a proposed new courthouse for Smith County, and voters ruled in favor of that proposition. There was also a race to determine the successor to Congressman Louie Gohmert, with Republican Nathaniel Moran handily defeating Democrat Jrmar Jefferson. And Republican District 6 state Representative Matt Schaefer easily overcame a challenge from Democrat Cody Grace. Click here for the election results in Smith County. Check this link for Gregg County’s results.

ATHENS – A Henderson County man was arrested on Monday after being accused of possession of child pornography. According to our news partner KETK, Blake Ethan Phillips was charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography and 10 counts of possession with intent to promote child pornography. His first court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 8.

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – A Texas inmate whose lawyers say has a history of mental illness is scheduled to be executed for killing his mother and burying her body in her backyard nearly 20 years ago. Tracy Beatty of Whitehouse is set to receive a lethal injection Wednesday evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. The 61-year-old Beatty was sentenced to death for strangling his mother, Carolyn Click, following an argument between the two in her East Texas home in November 2003. The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Wednesday morning to stop his execution. His attorneys argued he is being prevented from receiving a full examination to determine if he is intellectually disabled and possibly ineligible for execution.

MARSHALL – Police continue to seek leads in a shooting at Marshall’s Wiley College. Officials say at 1:40 Sunday morning, the Marshall Emergency Telecommunications Center received multiple calls regarding gunfire on Wiley Avenue. Marshall police responded, along with the Wiley College Police Department and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. On arrival, officers say they found one gunshot victim. The shooter had fled the scene. Investigation revealed that a second gunshot victim was transported to the hospital by private vehicle. Marshall police are working with the Wiley College Police Department on this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to contact the Marshall Police Department at 903-935-4575 or the Marshall/Harrison County Crime Stoppers at 903-935-9969.

ATHENS – The Athens Collection Site will be open this week to help residents clean up after a tornado was confirmed in the city, according to the National Weather Service. Our news partner KETK reports the building on Aaron Street will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents can drop off storm trash for free. People should bring proof of residence like a water bill or ID and separate brush and debris. If people need help while they are cleaning up, they can reach out to Carla Henson at [email protected] or call 903-677-6615. No one was injured due to the tornado, but buildings were damaged and trees were knocked down, said the city of Athens. Residents are also urged to report any storm damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Continue reading Cleanup continues after Athens tornado

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. In Gregg County, 
Longview maintenance is scheduled to begin bridge channel repair on South Loop 281 at Harris Creek. Motorists should expect right lane closures north and southbound with flaggers controlling traffic. In Smith County, 
Tyler maintenance will have a base failure crew on SH 64 eastbound near the Oil Palace. Motorists should expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. When complete, crews will base failure work on FM 850 from SH 31 heading east towards Overton. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the Tyler District.

TYLER — Smith County’s vacant building on Line Street in downtown Tyler was heavily damaged in Friday’s storms. Officials said Monday morning that crews were working to clear the debris, and the parking lot and front entrance of the Adult Probation building across the street are closed. Smith County is planning on having the brick building demolished as soon as possible, according to a news release. Appointments at Adult Probation have been temporarily postponed. If you are on probation in Smith County, you can follow the department’s Facebook page to stay updated by clicking here.

WOOD COUNTY – DPS reports one person has died after an officer-involved shooting in Wood County on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, officials said the incident involved the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, and the case is being investigated by the Texas Rangers. The name of the victim was not immediately released.

WILLS POINT — A woman was killed in Wills Point after being hit by a train. According to our news partner KETK and Wills Point Police Chief Aaron Long, officials received a dispatch call on Sunday evening from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office regarding a pedestrian/train crash near Ash Lane (Lybrand Crossing). Officers arrived to find a dead female and began conducting an investigation, speaking with multiple witnesses and train personnel. The woman was identified by witnesses and family as Emily Ross. Continue reading East Texas woman fatally struck by train

TYLER — A new poll shows that the issues voters care most about favor Republicans. The University of Texas at Tyler poll surveyed about one-thousand registered voters. The top two issues are securing the border and the economy and inflation, which are issues Republicans are stressing. The majority of voters in the poll feel Governor Abbott will do a better job at securing the border over Democrat challenger Beto O’Rourke. Something Abbott has made a key issue of his 2022 midterm election campaign. O’Rourke has focused more on gun legislation and abortion rights. The poll shows Abbott with a six-point lead over O’Rourke. Election day is Tuesday, November 8.

ATHENS – The National Weather service has been assessing storm damage in East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, the NWS Fort Worth had a storm survey teams out in Henderson County on Saturday and continued surveying through the weekend. The team in Henderson County confirmed a tornado impacted the city of Athens. They gave it a preliminary rating of EF-2 with max winds up to 115 mph. Extensive damage was reported at the Athens Steel Building Corporation on Northeast Loop 7. Trees have also fallen in the area near the building as well as on County Road 3718. We’ll continue to update this story as new information comes in.

PITTSBURG – Pittsburg Police Department said Sunday that a vehicle pursuit ended after a 15-year-old female allegedly stole a Jeep Wrangler in Harrison County and crashed into an unmarked Pittsburg Police car. According to our news partner KETK, Pittsburg Police said that they were asked by DPS to deploy stop sticks in order to stop the chase that had come in on Highway 11 east from Harrison County. Authorities said that the chase ended when the suspect crashed into the unmarked Pittsburg Police car on the 600 block of South Greer Boulevard. Officials said, the suspect was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault on a public servant, evading arrest, and criminal mischief greater than $2500 and less than $30,000. They were transported to Gregg County Juvenile Center, according to Pittsburg Police Department.

HUGHES SPRINGS – Hughes Springs Police Chief Randy Kennedy said that Hughes Springs City Hall is salvageable, even after sustaining heavy storm damage on Friday evening. According to Chief Kennedy, the building’s roof collapsed, windows broke and various rooms received rain damage but the buildings records are intact. According to our news partner KETK, Chief Kennedy said that they are going to have get the windows replaced and a new roof but that the building isn’t as damaged as they originally thought. He added that the Hughes Springs Volunteer Fire Department building is a total loss and will have to be replaced entirely. City Hall will remain locked, so residents will either have to knock or make an appointment to be let in while repairs are being made in the next few days, according to Chief Kennedy. Chief Kennedy added that he wanted to thank a local storage facility for taking in their fire trucks while they work on replacing their fire department.

MORRIS COUNTY – Morris County Judge Doug Reeder announced on Saturday that a tornado which left several houses destroyed on Friday has also left one person dead. According to our news partner KETK, the tornado was one of three which hit Morris county. It downed many trees, power lines and destroyed or damaged several homes before killing one person north of State Highway 49, according to Judge Reeder. The tornado eventually passed into Cass county after starting in Cason. Judge Reeder added that crews are continuing to work to clear roads.

ATHENS — As storms moved through East Texas, some places in the Athens area were severely damaged. According to our news partner KETK, extensive damage was reported at the Athens Steel Building Corporation at 900 Northeast Loop 7. Trees have also fallen in the area near the building as well as on County Road 3718. As of Saturday morning, the National Weather Service has not yet confirmed that a tornado touched down in Athens.

EAST TEXAS — Hughes Springs sustained major storm damage from possible tornadoes in the area according to our news partner KETK. The Hughes Springs Fire Department and city hall sustained drastic damage as a result of the storm. Paris has also sustained major damage to homes and properties. The Morris County Sheriff’s Department said they have received numerous calls reporting damage in the area but could not confirm or deny if anyone has been injured. The county has emergency responders answering multiple calls and is asking residents to take caution and watch for downed trees and power lines. Hughes Springs Police Chief Randy Kennedy said that Hughes Springs City Hall is salvageable, even after sustaining heavy storm damage on Friday evening. Continue reading Damage from storms in East Texas

LONGVIEW == The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center will be closed to the public on Saturday, Nov. 5, to allow staff to attend a Celebration of Life for lead adoption counselor Nina Allen. Allen died in a tragic accident this past weekend. The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. at Life Church in Longview. According to a news release, during her four years with the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center, Allen helped adopt over 6,000 animals. She also regularly appeared in promotional material for the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center including a video with a dancing goat that went viral with more than 8 million views.