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AUSTIN — October is another strong month for sales tax allocations in Tyler and Longview as the two cities continue to reflect a statewide trend. Tyler gets $5,063,802 from the state comptroller’s office, compared to $4,290,319.71 last October. Tyler’s year-to-date figure is $48,193,329.90; a year ago at this time it was $43,824,616.59. Longview is receiving $3,476,324.17 this month, a jump from the $3,051,313.34 it was handed in October 2021. For the year to date, Longview has collected $36,258,278.47, up from $31,539,533.18 last October.

LONGVIEW — Longview officials announced shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday that Hawkins Parkway had reopened from Fourth Street to Eastman Road after crews worked to address a diesel spill following an early morning crash. The wreck involving a passenger vehicle and tractor-trailer at Hawkins and Eastman resulted in the release of diesel fuel onto the roadway, which appears to have run off into a neighboring creek. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has been notified.

ATHENS – Officials say the remains of an Athens native killed in World War II will be interred Oct. 21 at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Arkansas. According to our news partner KETK, U.S. Army Pvt. John P. Cooper went missing during a battle in Germany in 1945. The War Department issued a presumptive finding of death for him in 1946. Cooper was accounted for this past June after his remains were identified through circumstantial evidence and dental, anthropological, and DNA analysis.

TYLER — After being put on hold because of the pandemic, plans to build a new Smith County courthouse are being discussed again. According to our news partner KETK, community members met at a town hall meeting to learn more about the bond proposal. The bond will be up to the community to vote for or against in the November election. “There’s no room in the courthouse for what we are doing, and we are putting the public in jeopardy,” said Precinct 4 commissioner, JoAnn Hampton. The proposal will build a new courthouse and closer parking garage. A closer parking area will allow jurors to not have to walk two blocks from the juror parking lot. Community questions and concerns were heard at the town hall meeting. Continue reading Smith County residents voice opinions on new courthouse bond proposal at town hall

GILMER — A Gilmer resident claimed a winning ticket worth $5 million in one Texas Lottery scratch-off game. According to our news partner KETK, the ticket was a part of the scratch game “$200,000,000 Cash Blowout!” and the ticket was purchased at Tiger Express on Highway 271 in Gilmer. The winner elected to remain anonymous. The lottery said this was the second of four top prizes worth $5 million to be claimed in this game. The first was claimed in Corpus Christi in March. “$200,000,000 Cash Blowout! offers more than $225 million in total prizes,” the lottery said. “Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 3.38, including break-even prizes.”

TYLER — To help reduce fatalities in East Texas, TxDOT launched a program called “Be Safe, Drive Smart.” According to our news partner KETK, “Walking billboards” were on the UT Tyler and Tyler Junior College campuses to spread the word about driver and pedestrian safety. The walking billboards wore human-sized signs on their backs with reminders of road safety. Road fatalities are not just a big city issue, small and medium size markets are not immune. Jaywalking is illegal and dangerous, a ticket can be issued if someone is caught. According to TxDOT, the winter and fall months are the most dangerous time of the year on the roads because of low visibility. “Use reflective clothing, carry a flashlight, something like that so motorists are aware that you are out there,” said TxDOT Public Information Officer, Jeff Williford.

SMITH COUNTY — People in one Smith County neighborhood say car burglars are keeping them awake at night. According to our news partner KETK, the rash of burglaries happened on Oct. 4. People in the Flint neighborhood near County Road 148 FM 2493 say they are frustrated with the recent crimes, urging others to make sure your vehicles are properly locked at night. Sergeant Larry Christian with the Smith County Sheriff’s office says the four burglaries were within a 1/4-mile radius early that Tuesday morning all in the same neighborhood. Because of this, investigators said they believe the burglars could potentially live in the area. He says the suspects have been going up to cars just to see if they are locked to see which ones are unlocked making for easy pickings. Continue reading 4 car burglaries reported in single day in Smith County, officials say to take precautions

LONGVIEW — A Gilmer man has been arrested in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a Longview motorcyclist last week. According to our news partner KETK, Victor Frausto-Lopez, 37 of Gilmer, was identified as the driver of the car that caused the crash and fled the scene. Frausto-Lopez was arrested by Longview police officers and an Upshur County sheriff’s deputy without indicent after officials said a warrant was obtained for his arrest. He was arrested for accident involving injury or death. The Oct. 5 crash on West Marshall and Bill Owens Parkway killed 25-year-old motorcyclist, Tristen Gore, of Longview.

SMITH COUNTY — Former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Congressional Candidate and Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran. According to our news partner KETK, in a statement posted Monday to Trump’s Truth Social account, he said Moran would make an “outstanding” representative for the district. “As the Judge of Smith County, Nathaniel is a Proven Conservative who knows how to Lower Taxes, Grow the Economy, and Create Jobs. He Strongly Supports our Brave Law Enforcement and Veterans, Election Integrity, Secure Borders, and our under siege Second Amendment,” Trump’s statement continued. Moran tweeted on Monday to say he received a call from Trump endorsing him. Continue reading Former President Trump endorses Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran for Congress

TYLER — Bengali, the oldest living tiger in the world, has allegedly been dead since May 9, according to document’s released Thursday in a lawsuit against Tiger Creek Sanctuary. According to our news partner KETK, Bengali’s death was announced by Tiger Creek in response to an emergency motion for preservation of evidence that the Animal Legal Defense Fund made in its on going lawsuit against Tiger Creek. The ALDF is suing Tiger Creek for allegedly violating the Endangered Species Act, claiming they harmed, harassed and killed several animals including nine lions and tigers between 2018 and the initial filling of the lawsuit in March of 2022. Continue reading Lawsuit against East Texas animal sanctuary

KILGORE – Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said that they and Kilgore Police Department arrested Luis Sanchez of Henderson on Friday, after he was found to be in possession of a $10,000 stolen Kubota lawnmower. According to our news partner KETK, authorities said that they received a complaint on Oct. 1 from the owner of a lawncare business stating that his Kubota zero-turn mower, 16-foot trailer and weed eaters had all been stolen. During their investigation, officials said they obtained a video of a Toyota Tacoma in the area where the equipment was stolen from without a trailer attached. Then they said, the truck left the area with a trailer and equipment in tow. They added that they believe the truck and trailer used were also stolen. The owner of the equipment then contacted the authorities again when he found his mower for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Continue reading East Texas man ‘buys’ back his own stolen $10000 mower on Facebook Marketplace, seller arrested

JACKSONVILLE – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said that they have arrested Eric Lowe, who allegedly forced himself into a Jacksonville home and hit one of the residents with a crowbar on Saturday morning. According to our news partner KETK, after the break-in a warrant was issued for Lowe’s arrest. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Tyler Police Department then located and arrested the suspect in Smith County. Authorities say that they found what they suspect to be methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia on Lowe when he was arrested and they expect additional charges to be filed.

TYLER – The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming November elections is Tuesday Oct. 11, according to the Texas Secretary of State. This November’s elections will have many important races like the Governor’s race, several state and U.S Congress seats and many local elections as well. The Texas Secretary of State’s Important Election Dates website lays out all the important dates and deadlines for all of Texas’s elections. KTBB will keep you updated on the latest election news.

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is looking for people accused of committing mail theft in the Chapel Hill area. The mail is delivered to this neighborhood between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, officials shared a photo of a Chrysler 300 that residents have seen near their mailboxes. Law enforcement are asking people to call them if they see the vehicle and not try to approach the car. The sheriff’s office also asked people to let them know if they see a license plate number. The Chrysler has damage to the passenger side front fender and the roof paint of the car was also damaged, said officials. Call the sheriff’s office at (903) 566-6600 with any information.

TYLER — A Smith County jury has sentenced 43-year-old Philip Shane Young of Athens to 60 years in prison for evading with a vehicle. According to a news release from the Smith County DA’s Office, a Texas Parks and Wildlife officer saw Young at the State Park Exxon on FM 14 at approximately 10:00 p.m. on March 6, 2021. According to authorities, Young appeared to be intoxicated, and when officers approached his vehicle, he sped off. Young then led officers on a high-speed chase from 95 to 100 mph down FM 16 for approximately 20 miles. During the course of the evading, officials say Young ran a red light at the intersection of FM 16 and Highway 69 with other cars present and subsequently caused a vehicle in front of him to run off the road. Continue reading Athens felon sentenced to 60 years for evading with vehicle

TYLER – 27-year-old John Khuu of San Francisco, California, has been indicted in Tyler federal court for alleged money laundering conspiracy. According to the indictment, Khuu is alleged to have conspired with others to launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking organization through cryptocurrency. The defendant allegedly distributed counterfeit pharmaceutical pills and other controlled substances on dark web markets to customers across the United States. During the course of the conspiracy, Khuu and his co-conspirators allegedly laundered more than $5,350,000. Khuu was arrested in California in August. Click this link for more details.

SMITH COUNTY — Jackson community residents’ concerns continue to grow after more than a decade of dealing with unclean water. According to our news partner KETK, the community held a meeting Thursday and said enough is enough.
“Well, we don’t really know how good the water is because we have so much raw sewage all over the place,” said Jackson resident Nola Chandler (pictured). Chandler has had her water tested by Jackson Water Supply because she has one of the oldest houses in the community. She said that previous tests have come back with excessive amounts of magnesium. Many residents use filtered water and bottled water. After her recent test earlier this year, the water supply company has not gotten back to her with the results. Continue reading Jackson community voices water concerns

KILGORE — Smith County Precinct 4 Commissioner JoAnn Hampton was honored Thursday by the East Texas Council of Governments when they named a conference room after her. Hampton has served on the ETCOG Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for a total of 19 years. She is retiring December 31 from her commissioner’s post, which she has held since 2003. A conference room in the ETCOG building in Kilgore was named the “JoAnn Hampton Conference and Awards Room.” “This is a great day for East Texas,” ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland said to a group of family, friends, and coworkers. “We’re recognizing excellence in service and applauding their dedicated service.” Continue reading Commissioner JoAnn Hampton honored by ETCOG

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department announced Thursday that they arrested Ceylan Bridges, 25, in the 2015 murder of Devyn Gibson. According to our news partner KETK, police said in September 2015 that Gibson was found dead in the street near Rothrock Dr. and Sibley St. from multiple gunshot wounds. According to the department, this was the eleventh homicide of the year. Authorities say they captured Bridges without incident and booked him into the Gregg County Jail on a warrant for murder.

RUSK – A Shreveport man was arrested Wednesday in Mesquite for the capital murder of two people in Cherokee County, according to the sheriff’s office. The suspect, who officials identified as Devon Harris, turned himself into the Mesquite Police Department, according to our news partner KETK. Harris is accused in the murders of Jakari Hogan and Ronnie Pearson on Jan. 30 on Hwy. 79 East at the Cherokee/Rusk County line. The two men were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds after officials received a call about about two injured men found on the side of the highway. A warrant for Harris’s arrest was issued in February, and a multi-agency search for Harris was conducted in both Louisiana and Texas for his arrest, according to officials.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler has received a $100,000 gift from the estate of Elizabeth “Bitsy” Wright. The gift will establish an endowed scholarship for students in the university’s sociology and psychology programs. “We are grateful for this gift that will continue to benefit students for many years,” said UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun, as quoted in a news release. A UT Tyler alum, Wright died in June. She served as a member of the UT Tyler Alumni Council and the College of Arts and Sciences Development Council. She worked at a Dallas art museum and was a designer for Dallas fashion manufacturers. It was her ambition to combine art with her sociology degree to help uplift children to thrive through difficult situations, according to the release.

SMITH COUNTY — Wesley Hicks was sworn in to office Thursday to serve as Interim Smith County Precinct 5 Constable. “I am honored to serve in this position as Precinct 5 Constable and look forward to serving the citizens of Smith County in this new role,” Hicks said. Family, friends and co-workers attended the swearing-in ceremony, conducted by Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran in the Commissioners Courtroom. Hicks has 13 years of experience in law enforcement and 16 years as an emergency medical technician, emergency medical dispatcher and supervisor. Hicks has worked as Deputy Constable for Precinct 5 for three years. Before that, he worked from 2013-2019, for the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, as a Patrol Deputy, Patrol Sergeant and then Lieutenant. Continue reading Interim Precinct 5 Constable sworn in

TYLER — Gov. Greg Abbott met with local business leaders in Tyler on Wednesday as a part of his reelection campaign and discussed how his efforts as governor have impacted the Texas economy. According to our news partner KETK, as a part of the roundtable discussion, Abbott addressed how local businesses are tackling supply chain challenges and providing jobs. Abbott also said Texas leads America in oil and gas production and that its production is being threatened by his opponent in the gubernatorial race, Beto O’Rourke, with his support of the Green New Deal. “Beto’s solution would decrease oil and gas production,” Abbott said. Continue reading Gov. Abbott says he’s running for reelection to keep hard working jobs ‘alive and well’

TYLER — Officials say an assault on a Smith County sheriff’s deputy has led to a 95-year prison sentence for a 41-year-old repeat felon. According to a news release from the Smith County DA’s Office, on August 24, 2021, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of a man wandering in the middle of State Hwy. 14 near County Road 310 pointing a gun at passing cars. Deputies arrived on scene and detained Christian Dewayne Smith while they investigated. Smith then assaulted one of the deputies by biting him on the wrist. A jury first found Smith guilty of assault on a public servant, then passed sentence after hearing evidence of Smith’s extensive criminal history — which includes 13 prior criminal convictions and multiple prison sentences. Smith was on parole for a 2016 felony drug conviction when he assaulted the deputy.

AUSTIN – The University of Texas System Board of Regents named 14 educators at UT institutions, including one from UT Tyler, among its 2022 Outstanding Teachers. Ashley Dalby, M.S., a lecturer in health and kinesiology at UT Tyler, is among the honorees. Recipients will each receive a medallion and a check for $25,000 in recognition of their contributions to student success and learning, according to a news release. They will be formally recognized by the Board of Regents at the upcoming board meeting in November.

TYLER – DPS reports a 19-year-old Tyler man was arrested Tuesday for intoxicated manslaughter and other charges in connection to a fatal wreck on Highway 110. According to our news partner KETK, a DPS report from the Sunday crash says Nicholas Agustin was driving south when he lost control of his Ford Crown Victoria, entered the northbound lanes, and collided with a Honda Civic. The passenger of the Civic, David Lewandowski, 51, of Hewitt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Agustin, who DPS said was not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to a local hospital with non-incapacitating injuries. The driver of the Civic was transported to a separate hospital with incapacitating injuries. Continue reading Teen arrested on multiple charges in fatal weekend wreck

GILMER – Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman (pictured) is now in charge of prosecution and charging decisions relating to the case of an East Texas judge. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Judge Dean Fowler, who presides over the 115th District Court in Upshur County, was charged with driving while intoxicated following an arrest in early September. Four days after his arrest, Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd filed a motion asking to be recused from prosecution and charging decisions in the case. Judge Alfonso Charles agreed and assigned Putman the case. Continue reading Upshur County DA recuses himself from prosecuting district judge, tags Putman

TYLER – The East Texas State Fair is celebrating another successful year, including some record-breaking activity, after wrapping up Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, fair President John Sykes said despite families being impacted by inflation, the attractions still saw a bigger turnout than ever. “Our entries this year in all of our contests– in some areas, they even quadrupled the number of people participating in our Floral Cup, our horticulture, arts and crafts and even our livestock show,” explained Sykes. The Fair saw more than 250,000 visitors this year, which was about the same as last year. Continue reading East Texas State Fair celebrates another big year

LONGVIEW — Longview police say a Pine Tree High School student was apprehended Monday for allegedly making threats of violence toward the campus. According to our news partner KETK, a Longview police school resource officer responded to the threat around 1:25 Monday afternoon. Detectives got a “directive to apprehend” signed by a judge on the charge of exhibition, use, or threat of exhibition or use of firearms, regarding the threat towards students on campus, according to police. Officials said the student was apprehended off school grounds and taken to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center. This is at least the fourth threat of violence reportedly made by a student to a Longview campus since the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Continue reading Pine Tree student apprehended for alleged threats