KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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

CARTHAGE — Panola County District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson has named Gregg County First Assistant DA April Sikes special prosecutor in the trial of the suspect in the murder of Panola County Deputy Chris Dickerson. According to a news release, the action follows Gregg County District Attorney Tom Watson’s offer of prosecutorial assistance, with the backing of Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt. Watson says as a former law officer, he was hard-hit by the killing and took note of Davidson’s “smaller staff and limited resources.” Dickerson was shot multiple times while conducting a traffic stop last month in Panola County. Suspect Gregory Newson fled to Shreveport, where he was captured.

EAST TEXAS — Some East Texas students will be getting out of school early Friday in anticipation of strong storms. According to our news partner KETK, car riders in Alto ISD may be picked up at 12:30 p.m. and buses will run at 12:45 p.m. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but student and faculty safety are our priority,” the school district said on its Facebook page. Friday night’s girls’ basketball game will be played on Monday at 5:00 in New Summerfield. The boys’ basketball game will be played at a later time. Elsewhere, Winnsboro ISD will be letting students go at 1 p.m.

TYLER — On Thursday night, the Texas Rose Festival President, Bruce Faulkner, announced the 87th theme, as well as the Queen, Anna Grace Hallmark and Court at the 2020 Winter Gala benefiting the Tyler Rose Museum. This years Queen, Anna Hallmark, told KTBB what representing the festival means to her. “It’s really important to me, I’ve lived in Tyler my whole life, I’ve been around the Rose Festival my whole life, I’m just really excited to bring people in and show them all that we have to offer.” Continue reading 2020 Rose Festival Theme “Secrets of the Garden”

FLINT — An East Texas mother and daughter were indicted Wednesday on stalking charges after admitting to police they were leaving voodoo messages on a woman’s car. According to our news partner KETK, Jaclyn Feagin, 24, and Kristina Ferguson, 46, left messages and objects to harass the victim who had previously dated Feagin’s husband. Some of the items placed on the victims car included:Picture with a red pentagram drawn across the victim’s face, A pair of black male boxer short with the message “Just thought you should know,” A mason jar with a small voodoo doll with pins on the face and heart. There were also sigils that represented “horror, death, pain, insanity, delusion, and destruction,” and a black leather scroll dipped into a red substance. There was also a curse written in Latin. Continue reading Mother and Daughter Indicted for Stalking Victim

ATHENS — The former 2 term Henderson County Judge, Richard Sanders died earlier this week following a lengthy illness. Sanders began steering the county after winning election in November of 2010. Prior to that Sanders acted as the Regional Director for the 5th Congressional District of Texas. Following eight years in national politics, Sanders served Henderson County from 2011 to 2018. Continue reading Services Announced for Former County Judge Sanders

TYLER — The “economic forecast” for the Metropolitan Tyler Area appears to be robust. On Thursday Dr. Ray Perryman told KTBB why the area is looking strong, “Growth is continuing we’ve had some locations and expansions that are doing well. Tyler was just ranked as one of the top cities in the country as far as growth and income, which is basically putting money in peoples pockets. Investments being made in the health and science side is certainly very exciting. There is a fair amount of energy activity in the area, so there is a lot going on right now.” Continue reading Economic Forecast Strong for Tyler Region

TYLER/LONGVIEW – On Monday, Carter BloodCare announced that blood collections are so far behind community requirements that it will take 1,500 people every day for a week to reach a safe and sufficient supply of blood for hospitals and local patients. Thursday, Carter announced it has only seen 50 percent of those needed. According to a news release, if donations continue at this pace, the blood center will have to continue filling hospital orders on an “as needed” basis only — and that’s termed a safety concern. Carter officials continue to urge the public to donate blood. Walk-ins are welcomed. You may also visit http://www.carterbloodcare.org or text or call 800-366-2834 for an appointment.

TYLER — On Wednesday afternoon. Smith County Sheriff’s personnel received a call from local Tyler attorney, D. Matt Bingham. According to Sgt. Larry Christian, Bingham stated that Sharlanda McCoy brought her son to his office in Tyler to cooperate with law enforcement and relinquish her child to the custody of Child Protective Services. McCoy is the mother of three year-old, Cash Rider, who has been missing since January 3, 2020. Smith County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jimmy Jackson and Lt. Nikki Keegan responded to Bingham’s law office. Once at this location, Sharlanda McCoy relinquished Cash Rider to the custody of Sheriff’s personnel without incident. Shortly thereafter, the child was released to Investigators with the Department of Family and Protective Services.

AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Announced Local sales tax allocations on Wednesday. $763.8 million in local sales tax allocations for January will be passed out state wide, that 4 percent more than in January 2019. Tyler will get $3.4 million dollars down from 3.6 million dollars from this time last year. Longview will see $2.7 million, up from $2.6 million last year. You can search other cities numbers by clicking the link. https://comptroller.texas.gov/transparency/local/allocations/sales-tax/cities.php

TYLER — A 44-year-old Canton, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. On Wednesday, Robby Dale Baker was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Baker was also ordered to pay a money judgment in the amount of $8,000. Continue reading Canton Man Sentenced Following Plead Last June

LONGVIEW — The Social Security Administration in Longview was closed on Wednesday after a car crashed through the front doors of the building around 11:00 a.m. According to our news partner KETK, the driver was originally parked in the handicap spot before accelerating through the front glass doors. A second set of glass doors were undamaged. The driver of the vehicle and a woman that was hit while standing on the sidewalk have been taken to the hospital. The condition of each individual is not known at this time.

TYLER — This time of the year Ear Infections are not uncommon. On Wednesday Dr. Christopher A. Perro told KTBB, “Yes, we tend to see more patients this time of year coming in with ear infections. Since the ears and nose are connected, upper respiratory infections like colds dominate in the fall and winter months, and that can lead to more ear infections.” Continue reading Ear Infections Season is Upon Us

ATHENS – A motorcyclist pulled over south of Chandler now faces a variety of charges. On Wednesday Sheriff Botie Hillhouse told KTBB, Keaton Alan Carner, 28, was orginally for moving violations. Carner was on probation for a previous drug offense, had no driver’s license and could not provide proof of insurance. Deputy Meagan Hogan had him step off the bike and noticed he was carrying a knife in his right pants pocket. The ensuing pat-down search revealed an object the deputy suspected was methamphetamine. Continue reading Suspect Faces Variety of Charges Following Traffic Stop

TYLER — On Wednesday, the Golden Road Water Treatment Plant will be taken offline as part of ongoing construction at the plant. This means the Lake Palestine Water Treatment plant will be the sole provider of treated water to Tyler’s water system through March. Residents could potenitally notice a different smell or taste of the water caused by Geosmin. On Tuesday LouAnn Campbell told KTBB,”Geosmin is not toxic, it’s safe to consume. The water is safe to use. Safe to taste, safe to consume, safe to take a bath in, safe to make your coffee with…It is safe to do everything you are already doing with your water.” Continue reading Potential for Water Taste and Odor Explained

TYLER — “While many people are excellent nurses, when someone takes the time to write about their experience – that’s special.” That is just one of the reasons , LTAC chief nursing officer Laurie Lehnhof-Watts said that Mary Harwell, RN, was recently selected by UT Health East Texas as a DAISY Award winner. Lehnhof-Watts continued, “This award is for nurses who provide excellent patient care.” As a winner of the DAISY Award, Harwell received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Continue reading UT Health Decorates Local Nurse Mary Harwell

SPRING HILL — Spring Hill ISD is mourning the loss of a long-time educator who died Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, Holly Ford retired in 2018 after 22 years teaching and coaching tennis at Spring Hill ISD but continued to be active in the district as a substitute teacher. Holly was a native of Gladewater and graduated from Baylor University with her Masters degree in 1982. Continue reading Former Spring Hill Tennis Coach and Educator Dies

LONGVIEW — The anniversary of the Big Inch Pipeline will be celebrated this month in Longview. The East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College and the Gregg County Historical Museum will present, “Oil for Victory: Big Inch Pipeline Lecture and Panel.” Longview is celebrating their sesquicentenial anniversary in 2020 and this month remembers the Big Inch Pipeline. The Big Inch was a 1,254 mile-long pipeline transporting Texas crude oil through the Midwest and on to the east coast. Continue reading Big Inch Pipeline Lecture & Panel Discussion

BEDFORD – Carter BloodCare is issuing another urgent call for donors. Linda Goelzer told KTBB that while Blood supply tends to wane during the winter months, this year the need is more dire. Goelzer said, “We are reaching out with a heavy appeal to our community, because we are in a critical situation, truly critical.” The Director of Public Relations continued, “There’s no other way to get blood for patients, except through altruistic donors.” Continue reading Carter BloodCare Calls on Donors to Step Up

TYLER — The 15th Annual Ice Bowl Disc Golf Tournament is nearing for players of all skill levels. According to our news partner KETK, the Tyler Parks and Rec Department is inviting East Texans to fling a disc to benefit the East Texas Food Bank. The benefit tournament is set for a week from Saturday. The event at Lindsey Park, is a rain, shine or snow tournament, that will continue regardless of the weather, pending road conditions. Continue reading ETFB to Benefit from Ice Bowl Tourney

HARRISON COUNTY — A 3 car crash in Harrison County Sunday evening claimed the lives of two people. According to our news partner KETK, the wreck happened just before 7 p.m. on US 80 just east of Marshall. DPS preliminary investigations claim that 22-year-old Haley Lynn Carroll failed to stop as she approached the intersection of US 80 and lost control of the vehicle. Troopers say her vehicle rolled over into the eastbound lane of US 80, and was struck and then hit by another vehicle. Both Carroll and a passenger in her car, 24-year-old Dusty James Gabbard of Marshall died at the scene. Both were taken to Meadowbrook Funeral Home in Marshall.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments Executive Committee has chosen Rave Mobile Safety to provide mass notification alert system services in the next year. On Monday, Lindsay Vanderbilt told KTBB how some of the advantages will better serve residents. “This is going to allow unlimited notifications, where our previous provider limited everyone to a set number of minutes each month and those Emergency Management Co-ordinators had to watch that minute level and decide whether or not they need to send that alert. Now, they don’t have that constriction of the number of minutes or the number of users.” Continue reading ETCOG Contracts with RAVE for Emergency Alerts

PANOLA COUNTY — A jury trial awaits a suspect accused of a double murder will face a jury next month. According to our news partner KETK, on Monday Marlon Kelly, 23, of Bossier City, found out he will have his trial on Feb 18 for the death of Dalton Berry, 21, of Panola County, and Shayla Carson, 18, of Waskom. They were discovered dead in October of 2018, outside of a mobile home, where another victim was found alive. Continue reading First of 4 LA Men to go to Trial for Murder of 2 E Texans

TYLER — Brad Curtis announced on Monday, his intentions to run for the City Council District 6 seat in the upcoming May 2020 election. The seat is currently vacant due to the death of Chris Sudduth. The City Council election date is Saturday, May 2, 2020. Early Voting will take place April 20-28, 2020. Curtis is a Tyler native, and a graduate of Tyler public schools and Baylor University where he receiving both his BBA and MBA degrees. Continue reading Curtis Makes Bid for Tyler City Council Seat 6

WASHINGTON D.C. — In follow up to the strike that killed the top general of Iran, Gen Qasem Soleimani, Congresman Louie Gohmert tells KTBB, “Democrats are much more interested in politcal gain than they are in protecting American citizens or protecting our country.” The East Texas Congressman continued, “If they were interested in protecting American citizens they would have joined me in being up in arms over lies and abuses of the Patriot Act, the FISA Courts, the FBI, the Intel Community, the State Department, the DOD, as well as DOJ.”

TYLER — New details emerged Monday in a Tyler death reported over the weekend. The woman who police say was killed by Johnny Bradley Osburn is identified as Leslie Michelle Gamino, 42, of Tyler. Police say the preliminary cause of death was multiple stab wounds. Investigators were told that the two were in a relationship. Osburn, 39, is now charged with capital murder according to our news partner KETK, which cites Smith County judicial records. Around 12:54 Saturday morning, a police sergeant found a car belonging to Gamino in the parking lot of the Townhouse Motel on East Gentry. Gamino had been reported missing the previous day by a family member. Her body was found in the trunk, and an autopsy was ordered. Osburn was on location and was detained and interviewed by investigators. He was initially charged with first degree murder and jailed on a $1,000,000 bond.

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse police say 51-year-old Lars Axel Theorine was arrested Saturday afternoon for the murder of 43-year-old Michael Shane Reed. According to our news partner KETK, Theorine is the owner of Paradise Skating Rink and Big Kahuna Indoor Parties in Whitehouse. He was jailed in Tyler on a bond of $500,000. He also has a lengthy arrest record, with 20 prior bookings to his name. According to a news release, police responding to a Thursday night call found Reed dead on the floor with what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. Another person in the home was transported to the hospital for medical issues.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Fire Department is investigating an early Sunday morning fire in a row of commercial buildings on East Cotton Street downtown. According to our news partner KETK, the fire was discovered by firefighters who were returning to their station across the street from another fire. Four businesses were destroyed: Clayton Credit, Desert Tanning, Guys and Dolls, and Pig Trail Inn, where officials say the fire started. Other businesses suffered smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.