KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Smith County Tax Office is mailing out 187,000 property tax statements. Payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement; it will take you directly to the payment page on your account. If you live in the Whitehouse Independent School District, your property tax statements will not be mailed until after the November 8 General Election, Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber said. Tuesday, January 31, 2023, is the deadline for paying property taxes. Taxpayers can make their payments online, in person, through the Tax Office’s drop-box outside of the Cotton Belt Building, or by mail. Click here for all the details.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance will be working to repair a drainage structure on SH 149. The work will be off pavement, but there will be a lane closure in that section. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have a level up crew on SH 64 at the SH 135 overpass. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

COFFEE CITY – Coffee City Police Department pulled over Darren McKinley of Chandler Friday and make this discovery. According to our news partner KETK, McKinley had a “female juvenile” in the car and she had a protection order against him. Officials also found out that she was one of two females listed on a Smith County protection order against him. Coffee City police arrested McKinley for violating that protection order and he was taken to the Henderson County jail. Authorities also said that the “female juvenile” in question was returned to her mother.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon on North Broadway Avenue in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, investigators say the victim was shot multiple times and taken to a local hospital with their condition unknown at this time. Currently police are looking for two people they say allegedly fled the scene on foot after the shooting.

TYLER – The National Weather service has issued a grass fire danger statement for Van Zandt, Hopkins and Rains counties. The statement says there is a critical fire threat near and North of I-20 and near and West of U.S-281. According to our news partner KETK, this is because of a combination of unseasonably warm weather in the low to mid 90’s, low humidity and sustained windy conditions. The National Weather Service also asks for extreme care in outdoor activities. And to avoid outside burning of any kind due to the potential of a grass spreading quickly.

TYLER – Tyler High School administration said that one of their students was arrested after threatening the school in a social media post. According to our news partner KETK, school officials said they and the Tyler ISD Police Department began investigating the threat after they were alerted to the post by another student who found it on social media. After their investigation, officials said that the student was captured and faces disciplinary action and potential charges from the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. Continue reading Student arrested for allegedly threatening Tyler High School

TYLER — Several have been arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor after the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division conducted an operation led by DPS Special Agents, with assistance from other agencies. According to a news release, the operation was an undercover effort to identify and apprehend sexual predators. Officials say the suspects are Peyton Brewer, 20, of Troup; Kevin Bokoutou, 21, of Dallas; Luis Lopez, 30, of Jacksonville; Christopher Terrell, 41, of Troup; Rayme Everett, 22, of Tyler; and Jeremy Martin, 42 of Dekalb. All were booked into the Smith County Jail.

TYLER — Smith County issues a fire danger advisory as the National Weather Service predicts 15-25 mph winds — with higher wind gusts possible — on Saturday and Sunday. Smith County Fire Marshal Chief Deputy Chad Hogue said high winds and low humidity will result in “elevated fire danger” this weekend. Although Smith County is not currently under a burn ban, the Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to refrain from burning.

TYLER — An auction of Smith County surplus vehicles, furniture, and other items is now open to bidders. The online auction can be found at this link and will end November 7. In-person viewing of the items is available from 1-5 p.m. Friday, October 28, and 8 a.m. to noon Monday, October 31, at 302 E. Line St. Continue reading Smith County online auction begins

OVERTON — Several firefighters and the fire chief have submitted their resignations from the Overton Volunteer Fire Department. According to our news partner KETK, they gathered at Thursday’s city council meeting and were allowed to speak on their concerns that stemmed from decisions and issues made by city management. Since the initial resignations, two have been rescinded. They said issues started in May when three Overton city council members attempted to resign, but were required to return to their positions through restraining orders. The now-former assistant fire chief, T.J. Lewis, stated that small-town politics were the reason for several volunteers to quit. As the first one to resign, Lewis believes communication is the biggest problem. Continue reading Concerns ongoing as Overton firefighters submit resignations

EAST TEXAS — Two East Texas school districts are reporting school bus crashes, but no one was rported hurt in either incident. According to our news partner KETK, officials say Tyler ISD bus 44 was involved in a crash on Loop 323 on Thursday afternoon. The bus was carrying students from Tyler Legacy High School and Three Lakes Middle School, the district said in a Facebook post. Longview ISD announced that bus number 23 was hit while carrying students from Judson Middle School Thursday evening. The bus was struck while crossing the intersection of Judson and George Richey Roads.

EAST TEXAS — Early voting began Monday in the November general election, and both Smith and Gregg Counties are posting information on casting your ballot. There will be six early voting locations throughout Smith County, while Gregg County is offering nine places to vote. Early voting continues through November 4. Click here to view more election information for Smith County, and click this link for additional Gregg County election information.

TYLER — The son of a Tyler pastor convicted of theft against an elderly person pleaded guilty Thursday in Tyler to credit card abuse against an elderly person in connection to the same crime as his father. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County DA’s Office reports Jerome Anthony Milton, 27, was sentenced to two years’ deferred adjudication. The DA’s office said there will be a restitution hearing in February where he will be ordered to pay back the money that he was involved in stealing. Continue reading Son of Tyler pastor pleads guilty to credit card abuse against elderly person

SMITH COUNTY — A man’s sentence was reduced in Smith County on Thursday after a court reporter lost records, according to Jacob Putman, the Smith County District Attorney. According to our news partner KETK, Joel Lee Gonzales was originally sentenced to life in prison for the charge of aggravated assault against a public servant, and he later appealed. Due to the error, a new trial was required. But, instead of having a new trial Gonzales agreed to plea to 49 years in prison, said the DA’s office. In May of 2020, a Smith County deputy initiated a traffic stop in the county on Interstate 20. The deputy then asked Gonzales to exit the car. The sheriff’s office said Gonzales got a gun that was between his legs, chambered a round and drove away. He later crashed his car and ran away into the woods. Deputies located him, and he was arrested.

TYLER — Following an undercover operation dating to February 2021, three men were indicted by an East Texas grand jury and are accused of transporting two African elephant ivory tusks from an Oklahoma residence to Tyler for sale. According to our news partner KETK, David Bartlett (pictured), 46, of Dill City, Okla., was allegedly joined by two others identified as Dusty Caudill and Darryl Garcia. The tusks were valued at $350. The three have been charged with conspiracy to transport wildlife in interstate commerce, and Bartlett and Garcia were additionally charged with transportation of wildlife in interstate commerce and violating the Endangered Species Act.

WASHINGTON – White Oak ISD was awarded $500,000 to improve school safety measures, U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced Thursday. The funding comes through the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), which were recently authorized by Sen. Cornyn’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law in June. According to a news release, this targeted legislation addresses specific concerns that have led to recent mass shootings, including the need for additional mental health services and school safety resources. Continue reading Cornyn: White Oak ISD to receive $500K to improve school safety

TYLER — UT Tyler Professor of Nursing Dr. Cathy Miller presented her research on human trafficking to the World Health Organization at the United Nations in New York. According to a news release, Miller is part of a team spearheading the UN’s Global Strategic Operatives for the Eradication of Human Trafficking Initiative. “Trafficking in Persons is recognized as a global pandemic with tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions, of human beings being victimized every day,” said Miller as quoted in the release. She adds that most TIP victims “never receive the health care and other after-care support they need through the referrals of health care providers.” UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun comments, “We are proud of Dr. Cathy Miller and the work she is doing to shed light on human trafficking and to help improve health care on a global scale,” also as quoted in the release.

LONGVIEW — Democratic governor candidate Beto O’Rourke hosted a rally at The Exchange Locale and Marketplace in downtown Longview on Wednesday as he encouraged people to get out and vote. That’s according to our news partner KETK. “Too often, Democrats write this part of the state off, but we are not making either of those mistakes. We are showing up and with this community,” said O’Rourke. He also took the opportunity to address many concerns Texans have, including immigration. “We need a Texas-based guest worker program where we can connect those who want to come into this country to work with jobs where we would otherwise be unable to fill,” added O’Rourke. Continue reading O’Rourke campaigns in Longview

TYLER – A Grand Prairie man was indicted on Oct. 13 for intoxicated manslaughter in the death of a Smith County deputy. According to our news partner KETK, Deputy Lorenzo Bustos, 29, was killed in July after the back of his patrol unit was rear-ended on Highway 155 near CR 1237 at a moderate speed while he was standing at the back of the car. Daniel Nyabuto, 21, initially arrested for intoxication assault, has remained in jail since the day of the crash, and his bond was set at $750,000. The charge was upgraded to intoxicated manslaughter causing death of a peace officer after Bustos died in the hospital.

LONGVIEW — Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, Edwin Street between Estes Parkway and Green Street will be closed to all traffic. Officials say the closure is needed to facilitate the reconstruction of the Mobberly Avenue and High Street intersection. The closure will remain in effect until further notice. This street work is part of the Mobberly Avenue and High Street Intersection Improvements project. Click here for more information.

LONGVIEW — Court documents show a former Longview police lieutenant who was arrested by the FBI and accused of attempting to engage minors in sexual activity online has been ordered to house arrest. According to our news partner KETK, Seth Vanover was released from the Smith County Jail October 13 in the custody of a family member. Under the conditions of his release, Vanover was ordered to home incarceration, which restricts him to a 24-hour lockdown except for court approved activities. In addition to house arrest, Vanover was ordered to comply with location monitoring technology and standard sex offender conditions for release. Continue reading Former police lieutenant ordered to house arrest

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners Court approved using up to $4.5 million of its ARPA funding to build a road for a new business park, which could bring in hundreds of new jobs to Smith County. According to a county news release, Tyler Economic Development Council President/CEO Scott Martinez told the court that Smith County has missed opportunities for new manufacturing and distribution companies due to a lack of a business park that would accommodate large companies. TEDC has identified 412 acres just south of Interstate 20, west of Highway 155 and east of County Road 336. Continue reading Commissioners Court approves using ARPA funding for economic development project

TYLER — This week, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard received new pavement markings and traffic patterns between West Gentry Parkway and North Broadway Avenue as part of the 2022 Seal Coat Program. The lane configurations have been changed from two-lanes in each direction with a center turn lane to one-lane in each direction, a center turn-lane, and on-street buffered bike lanes. The changes were made to make better use of the existing pavement based on traffic volumes and to improve safety. The existing traffic volumes did not justify two travel lanes in each direction. The new pavement markings provide for buffered on-street bicycle lanes which provide residents with more options for using the roadway. Continue reading New traffic pattern, pavement markings on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

TYLER — Inflation and a turkey shortage this year could ruin dinner for many families across the country. According to the CDC, the bird flu has infected almost 48 million birds in the U.S. According to our news partner KETK, Greenberg Smoked Turkeys said they’ll have turkeys available to order up until Thanksgiving. “We sell one product and one product only. We have to make sure we have it. Last year, we placed our order in November and had everything here as early as March,” said Jake Greenberg, Assistant Manager at Greenberg Smoked Turkeys. An employee that has worked there for many seasons says it doesn’t hurt to order early. Continue reading Despite turkey shortage, Greenberg Smoked Turkeys says they will have plenty

TYLER — T.J. Austin Elementary has seen significant results through its “Amplify Program” for reading and writing, according to our news partner KETK. “We have implemented this Amplify curriculum and other things to ensure number one that teachers have a curriculum they can trust and implement with integrity, but also get the results to ensure that all students are growing throughout our campus,” said T.J. Austin Principal Josh Currie. The new program helps put students at their appropriate grade reading level which helps them prepare for their future careers. Continue reading Texas Education Commissioner visits Tyler elementary school

TYLER – On Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the right lane of I-20 westbound from mile marker 560 to mile marker 558 (east of Lindale) will be closed. Crews will be conducting cleanup in response to an accident that occurred on Tuesday morning. The Texas Department of Public Safety will also be on site to conduct the accident investigation.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying remains found in northeast Smith County in July. They say the deceased person is a black male believed to be between the ages of 40 and 55. He had two yellow/gold metal crowns, one of which is on his upper front left tooth. He was found wearing a red “Drip Too Hard” t-shirt and black pants. The sheriff’s office currently has no leads on the identity of this person or where he is from. The depiction at left is a DPS Forensic Artists rendition based on skeletal remains. If you have any information, contact Detective Joshua Decur at (903) 566-6600 or [email protected].

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office seeks your help finding 27-year-old Kendrick Bernard Bell, accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Officials say Bell is 5’7″ in height and weighs 170 pounds. Bond is set at $750,000. Authorities say Bell is wanted for questioning and is suspected of shooting a victim October 8 by firing several rounds into the victim’s car where he was seated. Bell’s vehicle has been recovered and it is unknown what he is driving now. He is to be considered armed and very dangerous. You’re asked to contact Detective Aaron Hinton with any information with at (903) 566-6600 or [email protected].

TYLER – A Tyler man was sentenced to 33 years in prison after pleading guilty on Tuesday to the murder of a 21-year-old mother of two who was killed in a 2020 shooting. Our news partner KETK reports Catalino Castillo Marin Jr., 23, was arrested in August 2020 after a Tyler shooting left 21-year-old Diamond Samantha Cruz dead and led to a manhunt for his arrest. According to court documents, a .40 caliber handgun was found lying near her body at the time of the incident “as well as spent casings and unfired rounds.” One person interviewed by investigators told them Marin came to her residence “with blood on his hands stating he and the victim…were fighting over the gun when she shot herself and stated ‘he did not mean to do it,’” according to an affidavit. Continue reading Man gets 33 years in young mother’s murder