KTBB News, Weather, Talk

CHAPEL HILL — Eight months after a major accident sent an infant and two adults to the hospital, a Chapel Hill intersection some deem dangerous has received funding for a left-turn lane. According to our news partner KETK, the upgrade will be implemented on State Highway 64 at Wolfe Lane. State Representative Matt Schaefer pushed TxDOT to allocate funds for the project, and his office announced the funding Tuesday. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2022.

AUSTIN – A Longview resident claimed a top prizewinning ticket worth $3 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game $750 Million Winner’s Circle. Lottery officials say the ticket was purchased at Murphy Express 8894 on E. Loop 281 in Longview. The claimant elected to remain anonymous. This was the eighth of 12 top prizes worth $3 million to be claimed in this game. $750 Million Winner’s Circle offers more than $750 million in total prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 2.88, including break-even prizes, according to Lottery officials.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The SPCA of Texas seized 12 dogs from a Van Zandt County home Monday after they were found living in what were termed poor conditions. According to our news partner KETK, the organization’s Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit removed 12 Chihuahua mixes that were “in bad shape – emaciated with spines and ribs visible, some with hair loss.” The SPCA said the dogs are being cared for with bedding, food, water, treats, toys, and medical attention. The organization says it needs the public’s help in finding homes for all the dogs. Those looking to add a furry member to their family can email [email protected].

KILGORE — Kilgore police are searching for a man who escaped from them late Monday night. The department said they pulled over 30-year-old James Collie Butler III at Green Hills Dr. and Higginbotham Rd. According to our news partner KETK, Butler has several warrants out for his arrest and records show he has been charged with burglary on three separate occasions. Officers say that he was able to “slip his handcuffs to the front” and ran away. He is 5’10”, 175 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Butler was last seen wearing a white polo shirt, jeans, and black shoes. Continue reading Kilgore Police search for man who escaped officers

LONGVIEW — Longview police have arrested two people and are looking for a third in an armed robbery of a convenience store Saturday morning. According to our news partner KETK, an employee at an EZ Mart on Judson Road told police three men robbed the store at gunpoint at 2:22 a.m. Police started chasing a car that pulled out of the parking lot. When the car crashed, police arrested two of the three men inside. The third one ran away, said information from the police department. Police have charged Lamar Jackson Jr., 24, and Andre Mason, 19, both of Shreveport, with aggravated robbery. They are in the Gregg County Jail. The third man was still on the run Monday afternoon. Those who have information are asked to call Longview Police Department Criminal Investigations at 903-237-1110.

ATHENS — Ricardo Abundiz, 43, has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child. That’s according to our news partner KETK. In May 2019, a 10-year-old girl reported that Abundiz had sexually abused her for years. Henderson County Sheriff’s Office investigator Jerry Moore’s work on the case led to the discovery of DNA evidence, said information from the district attorney’s office. Abundiz is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life and is forbidden by a court order from ever having contact with the victim.

LONGVIEW — Buckner Longview is calling on the community for the final week of its annual Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls drive to reach its goal of 2,000 pairs of shoes. The goal of this year’s Longview Community Shoe Drive drive is to put new shoes on the feet of local children at the Junior League of Longview during the annual School Supply Train in August. Donations can be made now through June 18, according to a news release. Go here for more information.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert released the following statement Monday on the filed lawsuit against the use of magnetometers on the House floor and fines for alleged violators: “It is an honor to be joined by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), and counsel, former DHS Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli, in bringing suit in the D.C. Circuit Court against the unprecedented power grab by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

“With the Speaker’s full support, Democrats passed House Resolution 73 that would subject Members of Congress to illegal interference in the course of fulfilling their duties. Under Section 1(a), I received a notice from the Acting Sergeant at Arms alleging a violation for ‘failure to complete security screening in the House Chamber,’ when in fact I had completed the screening before entering the House Chamber. Continue reading Gohmert issues statement on suit involving magnetometers, fines

TYLER — Supporters of pride month gathered in downtown Tyler Sunday for a festival after some made their opinions heard against this type of event in the Rose City. According to our news partner KETK, for the first pride event in downtown Tyler, the turnout was larger than expected for organizers. About 1,000 people showed up to the festival on Sunday. “The community has truly come together for this,” Pride Festival organizer Raynie Castaneda said. While festival-goers were celebrating pride, others were caught in deep conversations discussing whether homosexuality was right or wrong. Continue reading Peaceful discussions held by opposing sides at Tyler Pride Festival

TYLER — Plans call for the westbound lane of West Houston Street between South Palace Avenue and South Glenwood Boulevard in Tyler to remain closed at least until sometime Monday. The closure was put in place Friday due to groundwater issues, . Officials with the city say the street department will reassess the situation on Monday.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning continued construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the week of June 14. Tyler Maintenance plans to continue ditch work and base repairs on FM 2089. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. Base repairs are planned on SH 64W at Toll 49. Expect lane closures utilizing signage and cones. Longview Maintenance plans to conduct ditch cleaning operations on FM 1845 near the Upshur County line before moving to US 80 at the White Oak city limits. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control. Go here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

EAST TEXAS — Workforce Solutions East Texas announces its workforce centers will fully open to the public and no longer require an appointment starting June 14. WSET has primarily served clients virtually throughout COVID-19 and began offering in-person services by appointment in June 2020. The centers will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Longview Workforce Center has moved recently and is temporarily operating in a mobile center parked at the Kilgore College-Longview campus. Assistance is available to veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people who have been dislocated from a job. Details on workforce center locations and service hours can be viewed here.

TYLER — Smith County is putting up 26 surplus vehicles for auction this month. According to a news release, there will be everything from a 1992 dump truck and a 2000 van to a 2008 Dodge Charger and a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The online auction is set for June 14-28 at this website. You can view all of the vehicles for sale and make bids there starting Monday, June 14. Inspection and viewing of the vehicles in person can be done from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 17; Monday, June 21; and Friday, June 25, at Gulf States Lumber Yard on East Line Street in Tyler. The surplus vehicles come from the Smith County Road and Bridge Department, the Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control, the Fire Marshal’s Office, the Records Department and constables’ offices.

LONGVIEW — Interstate 20 will be closed between Longview and Hallsville from 7 p.m. Sunday, June 13, until 5 a.m. Monday, June 14, as crews work to demolish the bridge crossing the interstate at Lansing Switch Road in preparation for its replacement. Eastbound traffic will exit at Loop 281 and be detoured down FM 968 to FM 450, where drivers will get back on I-20. Westbound traffic will exit at FM 450 and be detoured up to US 80, and then to Loop 281, where they will get back on I-20. This work was originally scheduled for the night of June 6, but was postponed due to the weather. The construction schedule and highway closure can change again due to inclement weather or other unforeseen problems, according to a TxDOT news release. Anyone having any questions about the road closure, detour route, or repair work can call the TxDOT Marshall area office at 903-935-2809.

LONGVIEW — Judson Road between Hoyt Drive and Pegues Place in Longview will be fully reopened to traffic as of Sunday evening, June 13. Meanwhile, McCann Road between Glencrest Lane and Lehigh Street will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction, according to a city news release. Traffic on McCann Road will initially be routed into the two west-most lanes – next to Town Lake Village and New Hupei Chinese Restaurant. Additionally, barriers will prohibit entering or exiting the intersection of Spur 63 and McCann Road – next to Electric Cowboy and Lone Star Ice House. Access to all area businesses will be available throughout the project. Click here for more information.

TYLER — This summer – a traditionally slow season for blood donations – Carter BloodCare strongly urges Texans to give blood for other Texans. Green Acres Baptist Church is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 13. To receive more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Kevin Burdette at (903) 525-1186. CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 14, in the Wisenbaker Center on the main Tyler campus. To receive more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Wendi Tuz at (903) 606-1615. Continue reading More blood drives scheduled

TYLER — Tyler police are following up on a Friday evening shooting at the Alpine Creek Apartments on Paluxy Drive. Police say they responded around 7 p.m., with multiple callers giving suspect information. Officers located and detained the suspect, who they say appeared intoxicated. According to authorities, it was determined that the suspect, identified as 46-year-old Johnathan Mitchell of Tyler, began shooting a pistol at several people who were in the apartment complex. Nobody was struck by a bullet, but three people where shot at, according to police. Multiple shell casings were found on scene. Mitchell was charged on sight with 3 counts of aggravated assault and booked into the Smith County Jail.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert has released a statement in response to his comments on the changing of Earth and Moon’s orbits during a Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing. According to Gohmert, “One of the great things about east Texas is the vast resource of common sense, including an understanding of sarcasm. President Biden indicated that he wants to be part of international climate deals, which actually hamstring our economy, send money from the US to other countries, and all while pollution continues to pour out of China and India unabated. The climate has never stopped changing and will not stop changing, but the legitimate question is whether or not actions of humanity truly cause ongoing changes. Continue reading Gohmert issues statement on changing of orbits

TYLER — The City of Tyler is accepting applications for its boards and commissions. The deadline to apply is Aug. 6. Appointments will be made by the City Council at their Sept. 8 meeting. Those appointed will serve voluntarily and without pay for two-year terms. Anyone interested in serving can complete an application here. Applications can also be picked up at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, or you can call the city clerk at (903) 531-1106 and have an application faxed or mailed to you.

TYLER — Tyler police continue to seek suspects in an aggravated robbery May 8 around 11:30 p.m. at the River Oaks Apartments on Troup Highway. Police say Adrian Kendricks-Williams, 20, was assaulted by seven people who also held him at gunpoint and stole his wallet and phone. One suspect is the victim’s ex-girlfriend. Three suspects are in jail, but four remain at large: 19-year-old Erica McFall, 21-year-old Dakota Williams, and 21-year-old LaCourtney Johnson, all from Tyler; and Brandon Bradford, 20, of El Paso. Anyone with leads should call 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

LONGVIEW — New details emerge about a Longview man charged with manslaughter in an April crash. According to our news partner KETK, court documents now reveal Luis Rivas was looking at his phone just seconds before. crashing his pickup truck into the back of a small SUV. Rivas left the SUV driver unconscious, and an 81-year-old woman died the next day from her injuries. To this day, that driver remains in critical condition. When the officers arrived, Rivas immediately confessed the accident was his fault. Under Texas law, the maximum sentence for manslaughter is 20 years in prison.

TYLER — State Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, visited Tyler on Thursday to meet with the Smith County Republican Club. The 87th legislative session recently came to an end, and now East Texas lawmakers are focusing on the upcoming special session in Austin. According to our news partner KETK, Hughes spoke at the Hollytree Country Club about his expectations for that next session. He said Governor Greg Abbott will call lawmakers in to talk about election security and integrity. Hughes also wants a bill similar to his Senate Bill 7 to make it through in session. Continue reading Sen. Bryan Hughes speaks to Smith County Republicans

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has voted in favor of annexation of 5.16 acres of property at the southeast intersection of Highway 64 East and Smith County Road 219, zoned for commercial use only and expanding District 4. Council also approved an ordinance conveying the alcohol wet/dry ordinance to the property, according to a news release. The move allows the property owners to legally sell beer and wine for off-premise consumption with the approval of state and federal permits and licenses. A CEFCO fueling station with a convenience store is located on the property. A larger property adjacent to the convenience store is currently undeveloped. The owner may add more commercial development to the property, according to the release. The City voted in favor of the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption on November 6, 2012.

TYLER — The TSA Pre✓ mobile enrollment center will be at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport in the commercial terminal building from July 12 through July 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to a city of Tyler news release. That’s after TSA updated its Pre✓ service website to include Tyler as an on-site location for enrollment and renewal. Travelers interested in TSA Pre✓ can now schedule their in-person appointment to complete the background check and fingerprinting at the mobile enrollment center. Before applying, be sure to visit here for full details. TSA Pre✓ is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience, according to the release. Appointments are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

LONGVIEW — Authorities in Longview have arrested a Tatum man for alleged animal cruelty. Police say they were dispatched Wednesday afternoon to the America’s Best Value Inn on Estes Parkway regarding a disturbance in one of the rooms. Upon arrival, officers made contact with 54-year-old David Fields, who they say admitted to punishing his dog for using the bathroom on the floor. An officer found the dog in the room and observed what was termed serious injury to the animal. During the investigation, a veterinarian told officers that the dog had severe trauma and was taken to Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center for treatment. Fields was jailed on a charged of cruelty to an animal with serious bodily injury, a 3rd-degree felony.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Board on Thursday appointed Lindsey Harrison to fill the seat for District 6 vacated by Fritz Hager. According to our news partner KETK, her LinkedIn account shows Harrison has worked as a marketing specialist in the medical device industry and has a degree from Texas Tech University with a concentration on communication. She has been active in the Junior League of Tyler and Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County, according to information she posted about herself online. She attended TISD and has children in the school district. Hager announced earlier that he would be leaving his post on June 10 to attend law school and eventually practice law with his wife at their firm, Hager Law, PLLC.

LONGVIEW — The East Texas Food Bank is holding its monthly drive-thru produce distribution Friday in Longview from 8-10 a.m. at the Gregg County Fairgrounds. Officials say families should enter from 300 W. Cotton. As with past distributions, the events are open to anyone and there are no eligibility or paperwork requirements. These are drive-thru distributions and walk-ups will not be accepted. Multiple households can carpool. To pick up items for another household not present, a note must be provided. Food bank staffers say they serve an average of 1,200 families at each distribution. They cite an increased need for food assistance as the pandemic’s effects continue to be felt. Future Longview distribution dates are July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10, all from 8-10 a.m.

TYLER — Tyler City Manager Ed Broussard reflects as the city sees sales tax allocation numbers way up from last year at this time. Broussard told KTBB news, “We are very proud of the Tyler economy and how well it was able to rebound and come out of… that kinda COVID slump that happened in March and April of last year.” But Broussard says the city will continue its policy of budgeting conservatively for the coming fiscal year “so we don’t get stuck in a spot where we have to pull back or stop” certain services due to insufficient funds. Continue reading Broussard upbeat but cautious on sales tax news

FAIRFIELD — The Lindale man accused of killing a DPS Trooper is set to appear in court. Dabrett Black is facing a capital murder charge for the death of Trooper Damon Allen. Allen was shot after a trafficl stop on Thanksgiving, 2017. Black fled the scene and was arrested a short time later near Houston after a standoff with police. A change of venue to Freestone County was granted. Two hearings are scheduled for today, one to withdrawal counsel and one for competency. Black faces life in prison if convicted.