KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler man accused of threatening to shoot up a Tyler Walmart days after the El Paso massacre was in court on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the initial hearing for Trumaine Washington, 31, lasted a matter of seconds with prosecutors and defense lawyers agreeing that the case would more than likely go to trial. Washington’s defense said that there would need to be one more pretrial hearing and then they could proceed to trial. Continue reading Man Accused of Threatening to Shoot Up Wal-Mart in Court

RUSK COUNTY — A man has been arrested by Rusk County authorities following a December church arson. According to our news partner KETK, Paul W. Kennedy, 38, has been formally arraigned on a structure fire at the Shell’s Temple Church of God in Christ. Kennedy is currently in the Rusk County jail with a $100,00 bond. The church was established in 1912 and stood for 88 years before the destructive fire, December 21.

TYLER — A Smith County grand jury has handed down an indictment against a Tyler man on charges of hitting his 65-year-old with her own cane. According to our news partner KETK, Lloyd Wayne Dupont Sr. 62, hit his sister with the cane back in October. A sister of the 2 siblings says she saw Dupont hit his sister in the nose. He is charged with Injury to an Elderly Individual, a second-degree felony, and could face up to 20 years in prison. Dupont’s arraignment is scheduled in February. Dupount awaits the proceedings in Smith County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

MURCHISON — Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, will host its first Wild Impact Volunteer Experience on Saturday. This event is for people over age 18 who are interested in helping animals and experience life at an animal sanctuary. Participators will get a rare behind the scenes look into what it takes to care for over 800 residents. The Wild Impact Volunteer Experience is $99 and includes a plant-based lunch with the staff, and a bus tour around the 1,400 acre property where participants will see the sanctuary’s residents. Continue reading Wild Impact Experience Sat at Black Beauty Ranch

TYLER — This year’s 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence luncheon is fast approaching. The celebration is slated for March 17th at Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Conference Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to presenting BBB’s year-end review, BBB will present the BBB Awards for Excellence to 5 companies, 1 nonprofit and 1 veteran-owned business who demonstrate ethical behavior and exemplify integrity in all aspects of their operations; toward their employees, vendors, customers, and within their community. Continue reading 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence Luncheon

TYLER – Tyler ISD is preparing to invite the community to an open house event for the recently completed state of the art academic and administrative wing of John Tyler High School. The campus renovation is part of the $89 million campus project. Which comes from the TISD $198 million BOND2017 project. The event is set for Jan. 28. The come-and-go event will give guests the opportunity to view the modern, collegiate-inspired space that holds academic classrooms, learning environments, science labs, collaboration spaces, administrative offices, etc… Continue reading John Tyler High School to Host Open House

LONGVIEW — Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano, has disciplined the majority of the South Jail employees, following the escape of Jace Laws in December. According to our news partner KETK, 9 staff members voluntarily resigned, 1 retired, 8 were given a three-day suspension, 7 were given a written reprimand. Laws was not discovered missing until 3 days after his escape. Authorities say carved out portions of the brick in the South Jail, before getting into the courthouse infrastructure and eventually exiting through the courthouse. Continue reading Cerliano Delivers Discipline After Inmate Escape

TYLER — South Fleishel Ave. in Tyler was closed on Jan. 16 of last year. On Wednesday, Tyler City Engineer Lisa Crossman told KTBB the work is completed and it’s all systems go. Crossman said, “the project did tackle the challenges of drain pipes that were originally installed through the property. Some ended up being in people’s yards basically and in some cases actually ran underneath houses.” Homeowner’s were able to access their homes during the year long construction of the Fleishel Avenue Drainage Improvement Project.

TYLER — The U.T. Tyler Book Club is gearing up for their next book to cover. Organizers say if you are ready for a good book to read, you should join them for “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” The review will happen on Feb. 13th at 9:30 a.m. So you still have time to purchase or check out our next exciting book by Heather Morris. The UT Tyler Book Club Review happens at The Mentz Library. You will want to RSVP as parking passes will be given out. RSVP to community@uttyler.edu or phone 903.566.7487.

PALESTINE — On Tuesday the University of Texas at Tyler and Trinity Valley Community College formalized a partnership in which nursing students will concurrently earn degrees from both institutions. Both Presidents, UT Tyler’s Michael Tidwell and Trinity Valley’s Jerry King, were on hand to sign declarations making the understanding official. This is important because Texas is expected to experience the second largest nursing shortage in history within the decade. The goal of the partnership is to help offset a would be shortage by producing quality nurses who will serve the region and the state.

TYLER — Traffic is opened up and moving freely following the completion of a drain project on South Fleishel. LouAnn Campbell told KTBB Tuesday afternoon, the last barriers came down early Tuesday afternoon following the completion of a new drainage system under the road. Previously the street and homes experienced flooding in that area. It is expected that the new storm drain system will increase the capacity of the existing infrastructure and send the water outfall northwest of South Fleishel Avenue and East 6th Street alleviating the issues.

TYLER — A portion of North Palace Avenue will be closed between West Nutbush Street and West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on Tuesday. According to the city of Tyler, Centerpoint Energy crews are repairing a gas line. It is expected that the work will be completed on Tuesday evening. If you have questions about the work being done, you can contact Centerpoint Energy at (903) 534-9393 ext. 245, for more information.

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation following the discovery of a man’s body. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse told KTBB on Tuesday, “that the body of Darrell Gene Blankenship, III, 24, Tool, was found just before 9:00 Monday morning at the entrance of “Sky Country” Subdivision. A passerby made the discovery. Blankenship’s body has been sent to Dallas for autopsy. Texas Rangers are assisting with the investigation.

TYLER — The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County and Discovery Science Place Museum will open a permanent exhibit for children, with the goal of presenting kids the opportunity to learn about the voting process. Voter information will also be available for adults and will continue to be part of the on-going exhibit. Kids will cast a ballot for the animal of their choice who will be running for “Mayor” of Hometown, within the museum. On January 25th, from 10 a.m. to noon “hands-on” activities will be available for the kids and voter registration will be available for adults.

TYLER, Texas (Jan. 13, 2020) – The University of Texas at Tyler announced the winners on Monday that that the UT Tyler University Academy – Tyler won the East Texas High School Idea Challenge, conducted by the University for students in grades 9 – 12. High schools across East Texas were invited to participate in the tournament-style event, which challenged students to come up with innovative solutions for problems or start-up ideas for untapped markets. Eleven teams participated in the competition held Monday at the Soules College of Business. Continue reading UT Tyler Hosts East Texas Idea Challenge

TYLER — On Monday a Tyler man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual contact and sending inappropriate texts. According to our news partner KETK, Andrew Crawley, 27 admitted to rubbing his 13-year-old sister-in-law’s hand over his groin while he was driving her to his home. They were on the way so that the victim and her sister could spend the night. Later that night, Andrew would later text her that if she could keep doing it, he would give her unlimited snacks and time at his house. She immediately refused. Continue reading Tyler Man Sentenced to 12 years Prison

TYLER — Tyler Police investigated the remains of a decomposed human skeleton found 2 days before Christmas, in 2004. The male was discovered behind First Baptist Church in a heavily wooded area off of FM 2813 in South Tyler. Police released a sketch released a sketch by a D.P.S. Forensic Artist out of Austin on Monday, with the hopes that the public will come forward with information. After the discovery, the remains were sent to a forensic lab for possible identification. Investigators checked all local missing person reports and were unable to make a match. Continue reading Police Release Forensic Facial Sketch

TYLER — With the recent storms over the weekend,the BBB of Central East Texas is reminding residents to be cautious of “Storm Chasers.” Mecehle Mills told KTBB on Monday, “they usually peddle these unbelievable deals, get a down payment for a job and then never come and do the work.” Mills continued, “our best advice is for you to initiate contact with whichever business you are considering using, that way you have time to research different companies and choose which ones you want to get bids from.” Continue reading BBB Warning Beware of “Storm Chasers”

TYLER — On Monday, the City of Tyler and the Parks and Recreation Department planted a tree in honor of former Councilmember Ed Moore. Moore served the city from 2013 to 2019. The ceremonial planting of a Ginko tree took place at Gassaway Park, and was held to honor Moore’s years of service and community efforts. Typically Ginko trees will live hundreds of years. There is a Ginko tree in front of City Hall that is over 200 years old. The newly renovated Gassaway Park is on Shady Trail Dr. in Tyler.

TYLER — The Great Decisions Global Affairs Discussion Program is nearing kick-off. The Tyler Public Library, in cooperation with the League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County and the Tyler Branch of the American Association of University Women, will be sponsoring the series. This admission-free program starts Wednesday, and takes place through March 4. Continue reading 2020 Great Decisions Program to Launch

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler woman is arrested for intoxication assault Monday morning following a head-on collision. It happened just after midnight on Hwy 271, south of the U.T. Health Science Center. Witnesses told police that a 2005 Mercedes-Benz was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when it struck a 2019 Nissan Sentra head-on. The driver of the Mercedes, Jasmine Gonzalez, 19, of Tyler, was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the crash. She was transported to a local hospital, treated and released into police custody. Continue reading Tyler Woman Arrested following Early Morning Wreck

EAST TEXAS — The National Weather Service has confirmed that three tornadoes touched down in East Texas during a line of storms Friday evening. They were in Nacogdoches County, Northwest Panola County and Center. All three were classified as EF-1 tornadoes with winds up to 100 miles per hour. Continue reading Three Tornadoes Confirmed in East Texas

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches County has reported one fatality as a result of Friday night’s storms. According to our news partner KETK, Nacogdoches County Emergency Management Rescue crews responded to a residence off of FM 225 for a man trapped by a tree. Larry Hadnot Jr., 44, was inside the home when a tree was blown onto the house trapping him. Another individual was inside the house but was able to escape with minor injuries. Hadnot was pronounced dead at the scene. Early damage reports in the county include multiple trees down, some structures damaged and power outages. As of Saturday morning, all roads in Nacogdoches County are reportedly open. There are power lines down, some in remote areas.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police are assessing possible damage in the area from Friday night’s storms. According to the Kilgore Police Department Facebook page: “Unfortunately, it does look like we sustained more residential damage than originally believed. We will be doing damage assessments in the area for a little while today, that may include launching a drone. If any residents have immediate needs, please contact us and we’ll try to give some direction or assist how we can. Remember, be very cautious in using contractors who are soliciting door to door, we’re already seeing them roaming the neighborhoods.” Continue reading Storm Damage Assessment Continues in Kilgore

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A search warrant executed at a home in Wills Point leads to drugs and firearms seizures. According to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, around 2:30 Friday afternoon, law enforcement officials raided a home on 4th Street and seized approximately 30 pounds of illicit prescription pills with an estimated street value of $500,000. Additionally, multiple firearms, ammunition, narcotic related paraphernalia and other illegal drugs were seized. The residence is located across from a pre-school/ day care facility. One suspect was arrested. Continue reading Drugs, Weapons Seized from Wills Point Home

KILGORE — Officials in Kilgore said on Friday that Lantrip St. will be closed from the intersection of Henderson Blvd. to Thompson St. to start the next work week. The road will be widened to accommodate the additional traffic expected with proposed new development. Traffic will be detoured on to Thompson Street or Kay Street. Construction is expected to be finished by the end of March. This project is being funded through a partnership with Hometown Restaurant Group, the developers for Dairy Queen. Continue reading Kilgore Prepares for Detour Starting Monday

TYLER — All Tyler ISD after school activities have been canceled due to severe weather forecasted for a vast majority of the area. The cancelations include out of town athletic events as well as Boys and Girls Club after school care.Tyler – Due to the current storm predictions, tonight’s John Tyler and Robert E. Lee basketball games have been rescheduled for tomorrow: Continue reading TISD Cancels After School Activities for Friday

SMITH COUNTY — Threats of “Supercell Thunderstorms” have Smith County officials on high alert. Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks told KTBB on Friday afternoon that, “Judge Moran and I have been monitoring potential problems continually, and at this time it is looking like East Texas is looking at some rounds of some pretty significant storms and so we are taking action to make sure our law enforcement partners, our fire, and E.M.S. personnel responder’s as well as our road and bridge departments are ready and on stand-by to take action if necessary. Continue reading Smith County Preparing for Potential Storms

ATHENS — Athens Masonic Lodge #165 is hosting Carter BloodCare for a blood drive at Brookshire’s on Saturday. The Blood Drive Chairman, Daniel Hunt told KTBB on Friday, we normally try to do 2 Blood Drives a year, but Carter BloodCare, contacted us and told us they were critical on blood and asked us if we would do another blood drive this year.” The drive set for 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the store’s parking lot on E. Tyler St. in Athens. Continue reading Blood Drive to Replenish East Texas Blood Supply