KTBB News, Weather, Talk

GLADEWATER – Our colleagues at KETK report that the National Weather Service (NWS) said the Longview and Gladewater areas along the Sabine River are in the ‘major’ flooding category Tuesday morning. The category is reached when water levels reach 36 feet deep in this area, putting houses and secondary roads at risk. “That’s the highest level at which a river is going to rise, but we’re not seeing record-breaking levels along the Sabine,” KETK Chief Meteorologist Carson Vickroy said. On Sunday, the river crested at nearly 38 feet and has slowly receded since then. Nicholas Bruton, a Sabine River fisherman, said it looks to be well over the normal water level. Continue reading Sabine River flooding still impacting East Texas

GLADEWATER – The Gladewater Fire Department is seeking help to purchase a rescue boat after identifying a need during the recent flooding of the Sabine River and surrounding areas, according to our news partners at KETK. According to a release, the fire department water rescue team received several calls for help and are now trying to secure funding for a Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC). Gladewater FD said the boat would allow crews to work in narrow fast moving water and to be used in extreme rescue situations. “We have put in for grants to possibly help with this purchase, but these take time and may or may not be funded. We are asking for your help and support in acquiring a RDC ASAP,” the fire department said. To donate, people can contact the fire department at 903-845-2484.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council approved an engineering agreement with C.T. Brannon Corporation for $420,285.00 to extend the 12-inch diameter water main at Highway 271 to FM 14 and North Broadway Avenue.

According to a news release from the City of Tyler, the existing water line on Highway 271 ends south of Loop 323, and the project will begin there. It will extend north past Loop 323 before turning west to connect to the 16-inch water line on FM 14. North Broadway Avenue currently has multiple undersized mains that are not looped.

This project will also replace the aging smaller lines with a new 12-inch water line and connect the dead end together. According to a preliminary engineering assessment, the project is expected to require approximately 10,100 linear feet of water line for the Highway 271 segment and an additional 3,300 linear feet for the North Broadway stretch. Continue reading Water line project to improve water pressure, quality

TYLER — To ensure the long-term reliability and safety of Tyler Water Utilities’ (TWU) drinking water infrastructure, the City Council approved on Wednesday, June 12, a contract in the amount of $980,659 with HDR Inc. for a comprehensive condition assessment of the Lake Tyler raw water pipelines.

The Golden Road Water Treatment Plant, which accounts for approximately half of the drinking water supplied to the City of Tyler, relies on two parallel pipelines from Lake Tyler for its raw water supply. Constructed in the 1940s and 1960s and spanning roughly eight miles each, these pipelines are considered vital infrastructure for running the plant and ensuring the delivery of safe and quality drinking water to the City of Tyler. Continue reading City of Tyler to evaluate Lake Tyler raw water pipelines

TYLER — Fleishel Avenue is closed going east and west at the intersection with Beckham Avenue due to repairs being made at the traffic signal, according to the City of Tyler. The time-frame for the closure is unknown at this time. Drivers are urged to use an alternate route.

SMITH COUNTY — Groups of volunteers made it to East Texas to help with storm recovery efforts. Texans on Mission, formally know as Texas Baptist Men, have helped homeowners who are unable or cannot afford to remove trees from their properties. According to our news partner KETK, the group worked in a neighborhood off of CR 1111 near Chandler Tuesday afternoon.

Tyler resident Lela Clarke said her and her family are extremely grateful for everything the group has done. “It makes me start crying, they’re not getting paid for that,” Clarke said. She is grateful the volunteer group lent a helping hand when they felt hopeless. Continue reading Volunteer groups continue storm cleanup efforts in East Texas

TYLER — The winner of the 2024 Cattle Baron’s Ball Truck Charitable Raffle received her new 2024 GMC Canyon Tuesday, donated by Hall Buick GMC. According to a release, Kim Updike, who has been attending the gala since 2007, won the raffle for the donated truck after purchasing three raffle tickets. The organization said that Updike and her husband have been longtime supporters of the Tyler Cattle Baron’s Ball, and that they have entered the raffle for the past 10 years. Updike said she started getting involved in the organization after her mother passed away from lung cancer.

“It’s a charity that we enjoy being a part of,” Updike said. “Everybody is affected in some way or another by cancer, personally or by a friend or family member, we’re all affected by it. It’s one of my passions to support the American Cancer Society.”

SHELBY COUNTY –Our colleagues at KETK report that authorities in Shelby County have found the body of a fisherman who went missing in the Toledo Bend area Sunday. According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, John Martin, JR. of Joaquin took a boat out on the water in the Huxley Bay area Sunday and did not return. The SCSO and Texas and Louisiana Game Wardens searched the north part of Toledo Bend on land and water to find him. SCSO Chief Deputy Chad Hooper and Game Warden Sam Anderson located Mr. Martin’s body and discovered his boat in the waters of Toledo Bend. “While this isn’t the outcome anyone had hoped for, we are grateful to be able to bring him home to his family,” wrote Sheriff Kevin Windham on Monday evening, SCSO stated that they are forever grateful for the assistance of the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office

ATHENS – FEMA opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Henderson County June 11 to provide help to East Texans affected by severe storms that happened April 26 through June 5. The center is located in Athens at the Henderson County Senior Center on Highway 31 East. The center will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Please note, you don’t have to visit the Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. You can either call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m, or go to the FEMA website. The deadline to apply for FEMA benefits is July 16.

TYLER — The Chapel Hill Independent School District Education Foundation announces the recipients of this year’s Teaching Innovative Grants, totaling over $13,500 in funding. These grants will empower 12 dedicated teachers and staff members across the district to bring their innovative ideas to life and enhance the educational experience for students.

The Innovative Teaching Grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative instructional approaches to the accomplishment of the program’s objectives. Chapel Hill Education Foundation offers teachers and administrators the opportunity to apply for grants to support innovative programs or projects to support higher levels of student learning. Continue reading Chapel Hill ISD Awards over $13,500 for Teaching Grants

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County has been approved as one of the counties that FEMA will offer individual assistance to residents who suffered damages from recent storms. Smith County Judge Neal Franklin on Tuesday, June 11, gave the latest update to Commissioners Court on the recent storms that have caused major damage throughout the county. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have started going out in the county to help register those with damages to see if they qualify for federal assistance. They are knocking on doors in the areas that suffered the most damages first. All of the employees have FEMA badges on and they are there to help so don’t be alarmed. Continue reading Smith County storm update

LONGVIEW – The Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved several resolutions on Monday, including raises for teachers and staff. According to our news partners at KETK, the board approved a 4% raise for teachers and a 4% “increase in the midpoint for all other district employees.” “This increase in staff compensation allows us to recruit and retain competitively in each position within the region,” Shalona McCray, chief human resources officer said. The trustees approved a $6.5 million reimbursement for bond projects. Dr. Wayne Guirdry, assistant superintendent of finance, said that this allows the district to pay for bond projects with existing funds, and then reimbursing those funds with bond money after they are issued. Continue reading Longview ISD approves raises and bonds

MARSHALL – Our colleagues at KETK report that Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Investigators discovered a fatal shooting over the weekend is the result of a family argument. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to a shooting on Mitchell Road at 11:31 a.m. on Sunday. When deputies arrived, they found 25-year-old Derrick Jamison dead and two other family members with gunshot wounds. Officials said a call came in to report 44-year-old Bryan Jamison, Derrick’s uncle, lying on the floor suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg and buttock. The caller also claimed Audrey Jamison, who was identified as the owner of the residence and Derrick’s grandmother, sustained injuries to her head and face from shattered glass. Continue reading Fatal shooting in Marshall result of family argument

HENDERSON COUNTY – According to Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, and our news partners at KETK, a 5-year-old child wandered into Lake Palestine and drowned on Saturday afternoon. According to the sheriff, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, game wardens and the Crimes Against Children Task Force responded to a call of a missing 5-year-old child in the Parkside Shores subdivision. Hillhouse said that officials discovered that the child had wandered into Lake Palestine and drowned. Authorities said that the incident is still under investigation by game wardens and the Crimes Against Children Task Force.

TYLER – A man is now facing additional charges in Tatum after police said he assaulted an officer and escaped custody at a Tyler hospital. According to officials, Antwuan Jefferson was arrested for robbery and assault on Sunday after he “had robbed the victim and taken an undisclosed amount of money.” Jefferson was incarcerated in the Rusk County Jail before an officer was reportedly instructed to take him to a Tyler hospital for medical treatment. “This medical treatment had nothing to do with the arrest or his incarceration in the Rusk County Jail,” officials with Tatum PD said. Jefferson allegedly assaulted an officer after being seen by medical professionals at the hospital, and attempted to take a firearm from the officer. Officials said the officer retained the firearm, and Jefferson escaped custody. Continue reading Jail inmate re-captured after escaping custody

TYLER – The City of Tyler said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is going door to door to help with disaster claims and some residents might be eligible for assistance. According to our news partner KETK, FEMA personnel will stop by between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to explain the process as some residents may qualify for basic home repairs and other storm damage related expenses. People can apply online or by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is July 16.

If residents are not home at the time FEMA stops by, they will leave a flyer with information and ways to contact them. Personnel will prioritize areas where many residents filled out the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool Damage Surveys. Continue reading FEMA going door to door in Tyler

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said they are looking for a man who reportedly carjacked a vehicle on Monday and pulled a knife on the driver. According to our news partner KETK, around 4:30 a.m. the driver of a white over gold 2003 Ford Expedition saw a person walking down SH 110 and decided to give them a ride. The man, described as a white male in his late 20s or early 30s with dark sandy blonde hair, entered the vehicle and allegedly pulled a knife on the driver and ordered them to get out of the car, a release said.

The sheriff’s office said the last place the stolen vehicle was located was in Terrell on East I-20, but the Terrell Police Department were unable to locate it or the suspect. The owner of the vehicle was able to call police after walking to a Valero station because the man reportedly took their cell phone.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-566-6600.

PALESTINE — The Palestine Police Department arrested a wanted man who reportedly hid drugs inside a washing machine at a laundromat. According to our news partner KETK, police were patrolling the area of North Queen Street and West Spring Street on May 31 where they saw Cordero Smith driving a vehicle and recognized him due to numerous outstanding warrants for his arrest. Police reportedly observed Smith enter the County Rub laundromat with another person.

When police attempted to arrest Smith after he left the laundromat, he allegedly attempted to evade them. Officers at the scene used their taser and took Smith into custody. Continue reading Wanted Palestine man jailed; meth hidden in laundrymat

MARSHALL – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting in which one person died and two others were injured. According to our news partner KETK, deputies found 25-year-old Derrick Jamison shot to death late Sunday morning on Mitchell Road in rural Marshall. Two others, Bryan Jamison and Audrey Jamison were taken to local hospitals for treatment for their injuries. Authorities are continuing to investigate.

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man who reportedly carjacked a vehicle on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, officers say the driver of a 2003 Ford Expedition saw a person walking on SH 110 early Monday morning and offered to give them a ride. The person, once inside the vehicle, pulled a knife on the driver and ordered them out of the car. That person is described as a white male in his late 20s or early 30s with dark sandy blonde hair. Sheriff’s deputies say the vehicle was last seen on I-20 East in Terrell, but Terrell PD couldn’t find the vehicle or the person suspected of stealing it. Smith County Sheriff’s Office asks if anyone has information on the carjacking, to contact them at 903-566-6600

TYLER – The City of Tyler is accepting applications for City Boards and Commissions until Friday, Aug. 2. The City Council will make appointments at the Wednesday, Sept. 11 meeting. Those appointed will serve voluntarily and without pay for two-year terms. The boards and commissions include: Continue reading Tyler accepting applications for City Boards and Commissions

SHELBY COUNTY – Authorities are searching for a fisherman who went missing in the Toledo Bend area Sunday according to our colleagues at KETK. According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, John Martin, JR. of Joaquin took a boat out on the water in the Huxley Bay area Sunday but has yet to return. The SCSO and Texas and Louisiana Game Wardens are continuing to search the north part of Toledo Bend on land and water to find him. If you have any information on where he is, contact Chief Deputy Chad Hooper at 936-572-5045 or the SCSO at 936-598-5601.

HENDERSON – One person is dead after a shooting in Henderson on Saturday according to our news partners at KETK. An emergency shots fired call came in around 10:30 p.m. and officers arrived to find the victim and an alleged suspect still on scene. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, police said, and the victim was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. The case remains under investigation. Details are being withheld pending notification of family members.

TYLER – Dr. Harrison Ndetan, distinguished teaching professor at The
University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, has been selected as a Piper Professor by the
Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation. Ndetan is the second faculty member to be selected for this
recognition in UT Tyler history. Continue reading UT Tyler professor selected as a Piper Professor

LUFKIN – A man is now in custody following an hours-long standoff with Lufkin authorities. Jason Penick, 47 of Lufkin, was arrested for aggravated assault of a public servant after he reportedly shot at arriving officers before barricading himself inside a home. According to our news partner KETK, the situation started as a disturbance call but then escalated when Penick reportedly fired at responding police officers. The man then barricaded himself inside the home and the other residents were safely evacuated, according to a Lufkin PD press release.

Additional reports were made about shots being fired but these are actually gas canisters being shot into the home, Lufkin PD explained. The Lufkin PD Swat Team, Angelina County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the situation.

MARSHALL – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said that a 25-year-old man was killed and two others were injured during a shooting on Sunday according to our colleagues at KETK. The sheriff’s office responded to a reported shooting on Mitchell Road at 11:31 a.m. on Sunday. When deputies arrived they found Derrick Jamison, 25, dead and two others who were injured. Bryan Jamison and Audrey Jamison were taken to local hospitals to be treated for their injuries. Deputies and crime scene workers are currently at the scene investigating the shooting.

MARSHALL – UPDATE: Robert Eugene Wood, 74 of Marshall, has been found after being reported missing on Sunday, according to the Marshall Police Department.
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Our partners at KETK report the Marshall Police Department is asking the community to help them find a 74-year-old man with dementia and Alzheimer’s who went missing on Sunday. Robert Eugene Wood, 74 of Marshall, was last seen in the 3200 block of Elysian Fields Avenue around 5 a.m. on Sunday. According to Marshall PD, Wood may be disoriented since he suffers from both dementia and Alzheimer’s. They added that he can be recognized by his distinctive hat. Continue reading Missing 74-year-old found in Marshall

TEXARKANA – A 79-year-old man was recued on Friday after accidentally driving his car into Bringle Lake, the Texarkana Police Department said. According to our colleagues at KETK, a local angler heard commotion at the Bringle Park boat ramp and saw a man sitting in the drivers seat of a sinking car. The angler, identified as Ricky Dumas, was able to get the elderly man out of his Honda Accord before it went underwater. Continue reading Man rescued after driving car into Texarkana lake

TYLER – Our colleagues at KETK report that severe weather that hit Tyler for the past few weeks has left damage in their path across East Texas, including the Tyler Berry Farm that saw damage across the property raising concern for the blueberry season rose. “Lots of trees are down, matter of fact when you come down our driveway, it’s kind of a mess, it’s cleaned up, you can drive through there, you can make it through there,” Tyler Berry Farm general manager Nancy Wiggins said. Unfortunately due to storms, the Tyler Berry Farm had to close down for a few days, but thankfully no harm was done to the blueberries. Continue reading Tyler blueberry season prospers despite storms