KTBB News, Weather, Talk

CARTHAGE — Hundreds turned out Saturday for the funeral of Panola County Deputy Christopher Dickerson. Dickerson was shot to death during a routine traffic stop early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the nation is now mourning his loss along with his hometown of Carthage. People from far and wide turned out Saturday to hear kind words spoken and stories told about the 28-year-old.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a weekend shooting incident. Around 2 a.m. Saturday, deputies were dispatched to an area on Old Gladewater Hwy., where witnesses said they’d heard several gunshots. Further investigation revealed that the gunshots came from a residence in the area. Physical evidence was located near the driveway of the residence and the crime scene was secured. Continue reading Early Morning Shooting Being Investigated

TYLER — On Friday, Jan. 3, contractors began working to remove the bridge on Victory Drive that collapsed during heavy rains in the spring of 2019. According to a news release, the city of Tyler decided to remove the bridge and permanently close off the south end of Victory Drive due to repair costs outweighing the cost of removal. Since the bridge collapse, the south end of the road has been blocked off while the north end remained open to through traffic. Continue reading Victory Drive Bridge Removal Underway

LONGVIEW — All roads except for the right hand turn lane on Fourth Street going west onto Loop 281 in Longview are back open after the entire intersection was closed following a gas leak Friday morning. Longview Fire Marshal Kevin May told KTBB Friday, “At about 10:30 this morning, a construction company was running underground fiber optic cable when they hit a gas line. The gas line is approximately 8 feet under the road. He said crews had to dig up the thoroughfare to make repairs to the broken line before fixing the road.

WHITEHOUSE — A Whitehouse man has been arrested after his half-sister accused him of molesting her. According to our news partner KETK, 21-year-old Sean Anderson was accused of touching his nine-year-old half-sister’s “private parts.” Reportedly the incident took place in December, after the child got into his bed because she had a bad dream. The child also said that Anderson would make her touch him and that it had happened at least twice. Continue reading Whitehouse Man Arrested Following Charges of Molestation of Half-Sister

ATHENS — The new year has brought new changes for the Henderson County Republican Party. Betty Holland chaired the Party for 10 years. She oversaw the county achieve 100% Republican elected officials. After leading for the past decade, Holland submitted her resignation, effective at the end of 2019, to spend more time with family. At that same meeting, the County Executive Committee elected Daniel Hunt as interim Chairman to serve out the rest of Holland’s term. Hunt was the only candidate to file for the position in the upcoming Republican primary elections. He becomes the permanent chairman June 1, 2020. Hunt took over the county Party on January 1, 2020.

WASHINGTON D.C. — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert weighed in on the killing of Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani. On Friday the U.S. District 1 Congresman told KTBB, “I don’t think the world is in a more dangerous place when you have eliminated the top terrorist from the top terrorist country in the world, along with some of his henchmen. I think it was a great move by the President, a bold move.” A U.S. drone strike on a Baghdad airport took place Thursday night. Continue reading Gohmert: A Great Move by the President

LONGVIEW — On Thursday, Gregg County Inmate Jace Martin Laws entered a guilty plea to the offenses of Escape while Arrested or Confined and Evading Arrest or Detention with a Motor Vehicle. He was convicted in October on 2 counts of Assault of a Peace Officer. Laws was subsequently sentenced to 40 years on count one and 30 years on count two. Continue reading Captured Escapee Sentenced to 8 Years on Each Count

SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County grand jury has handed down an indictment against a Tyler man for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman. According to our news partner KETK, Victor Ortiz, 23, was arrested October 4, 2019, for the alleged attack and is facing third-degree felony charges. Documents did not indicate how the incident started or what Ortiz’s relation was to the victim. Ortiz will have his case in the 7th District Court with Judge Kerry Russell presiding. His first court date has not been scheduled. Ortiz has past convictions for misdemeanor drug possession and traffic violations. If convicted, Ortiz faces up to ten years in prison for the attack.

CARTHAGE  — The funeral for Panola County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Dickerson will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the Carthage Civic Center. Deputy Dickerson died after being shot numerous times during a traffic stop early Tuesday morning. Authorities say Gregory Newson, of Shreveport, was arrested about an hour later following a high speed police chase in Louisiana. Deputy Dickerson spent eight years with the Panola County Sheriff’s Department. In 2018, he and two other deputies received an award from the East Texas Council of Governments for saving a woman trapped in a burning home. Donations for Deputy Dickerson’s family can be made through the East Texas 100 Club or at the Panola County Sheriff’s Office.

NAVARRO COUNTY — A Tyler woman died early Wednesday in a crash near Richland. According to our news partner KETK, Pamela Coffman, 60 of Tyler, was discovered in a vehicle submerged in Richland Creek around 3:30 p.m. on the I-45 East service road. The Corsicana Daily Sun reported that Coffman’s 2010 black Ford F-150 pickup was traveling south on the service road, which is a dead end road. It’s not known why the pickup failed to stop at the end of the roadway, causing it to strike an embankment and vault into the water. The accident remains under investigation.

CARTHAGE — Panola County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Dickerson will be laid to rest Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the U.S. Honor Flag will be present to honor Deputy Dickerson. Dickerson was shot and killed in the line of duty earlier this week on a rural road near Carthage. The suspect Gregory Newson of Shreveport is awaiting extradition back to East Texas. Arrangements for Deputy Dickerson are as follows: Visitation will be Friday, from 5:30-8:00 PM at the Carthage Civic Center. The Funeral will be on Saturday, at 2:00 PM at the Carthage Civic Center, with burial to follow in the Restland Memorial Park Cemetery.

LONGVIEW — A Parking citation in Longview is about to become more costly. On Thursday the Parking Compliance Officer begin distributing informational notices to all vehicles parked in downtown parking spaces that a new $14 state-mandated fee will now be imposed. Most downtown street parking is limited to 2-hours from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. during weekdays. Previously a parking violation would cost $ 7, the same violation will now cost $21.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is inviting the public for an open house that will be held with the focus of amending the Transportation Improvement Program. The purpose of the TIP is to list the transportation improvements that are scheduled to be implemented within the next four years. The meeting scheduled for Jan 7, kicks-off a ten-day public comment period, that runs through Jan. 17. Continue reading Tyler Area MPO to Host Open House

TYLER — The Kick-Off Event for Lighten Up East Texas 2020 , now in it’s 8th year, is this Saturday. On Thursday Terrence Ates told KTBB, “this is not a contest for who loses the most number of pounds, this is actually a lottery for anybody that loses a little bit of weight.” Ates continued, “if you lose 5% of your body weight, you will have an equal chance to win this year’s grand prize which is going to be $5,000 cash.” The weigh in will take place inside Broadway Square Mall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Continue reading Kick-Off Event Saturday for Lighten Up E TX 2020

Van Zandt County — A New Years Party turned deadly in Canton. Early Wenesday morning officers responded to a shooting resulting in the death of Alan Bates, 61, of Plano. According to witnesses Bates became involved in an argument earlier, that couple left before things continued to escalate. Authorities were told at a point later on, Bates became upset again this time was asked to leave. Continue reading New Years Party Turns Deadly

TYLER — Many celebrated the end of 2019 with parties, and resolutions. Several East Texans rung in the year in the process of having new babies. On Wednesday Brittany Storey introduced KTBB to one of the newest babies of the decade, “Her name is Hayven, she is 7lbs and 8 oz, she has little black curls on the top of her head, she looks a lot like her brother, absolutely adorable.” Fred Storey said resolutions were easy, “I just want to be the best Dad I can be for both of my children, to be there for them, and to provide them with everything that they need.” Continue reading New Year, New Babies, Same Joy

TYLER — On Tuesday the Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas finished up 2019 with a list of the Top Ten Scams of the year. “Scam artists are not going anywhere. In many cases, we’ve seen them become more aggressive, Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas said. “Whether it’s online or over the phone, we must remain vigilant when it comes to protecting personal and financial information.” Continue reading BBB Names Top Ten Scams of 2019

MARSHALL — A majority of residents have been given the “all-clear” to return home after a gas well blowout a week ago on Christmas Day. As a result of that blast, residents found temporary residence. According to our news partner KETK, Mark Brandon, CEO of Tanos Exploration gave a press conference on Tuesday stating they have allowed residents to return to the area but under caution. Continue reading Residents Cleared to Return Home

TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for a suspect wanted following a shooting Tuesday near downtown Tyler. Tyler Police Detective April Molina told KTBB that the case is still under investigation, a man had to be taken to the hospital after being shot near S.Kennedy Avenue and West Dobbs Street. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officials did determine there was an exchange of gunfire between the victim and the suspect. Continue reading Gunman Sought following Tuesday Shooting

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Deputies have arrested a Flint man after finding methamphetamines and firearms in his vehicle. According to our news partner KETK, on Monday, a Smith County deputy observed individuals standing around a truck parked at a convenience store on Hwy 155 in Flint. When the deputy approached the area, the individuals fled the scene in different directions. Authorities found the owner of the vehicle, Zaccereth Drake Silva, 23, of Flint, to have an outstanding warrant for a parole violation. The deputy requested K-9 assistance who alerted authorities of narcotics within the vehicle. The deputy found a large amount of methamphetamines, five handguns, a rifle and significant amounts of cash. One of the handguns was reported stolen. Continue reading Flint Man Busted with Meth, Firearms

PANOLA COUNTY — Sheriff Kevin Lake says, “Law enforcement agencies were able to capture the suspect who shot and killed Deputy Chris Dickerson around 2 a.m. Tuesday. Sheriff Kevin Lake says multiple Texas Rangers have been processing the crime scene. According to our news partner KETK, the suspect has been identified as Gregory Newson, who was able to leave the scene, but was arrested in Shreveport after crashing his car and being chased on foot. Newson has been charged with capital murder.

TYLER — Roberts and Roberts Law firm is reminding people to be safe throughout the New Years Celebrations, with their annual ‘The Ride is on us’ campaign. According to our news partner KETK, the initiative has been running for several weeks. Organizers say the intent is to prevent drinking and driving during the holiday season. The law firm is providing Tyler and Longview residents free rides home through January 1st. Organizers say as long as you’re within the city limits of Tyler or Longview, you can be picked up from wherever you are and dropped off at your house. Call Tyler Car Service at (903) 592-3232.

TYLER — The Glass Recreation Center has re-opened following a $100, 000 dollar face lift of the original structure. The city of Tyler’s Adriana Rodgriguez told KTBB on Tuesday, “the center has had a major renovation including new work out equipment, a refinished gym floor, paint, and maintenance among other items. Glass Rec Center is also offering a new year kick-off membership for $25, for the entire year. The incentive will run from the 1st through the end of the month of January. You can get more details, including rental fees, and special classes offered by clicking the link. https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/parks-rec.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A transition is happening in Cherokee County as the community shifts from Rave Mobile Safety to a new system. According to our news partner KETK, officials are asking people that live with-in the area and that are current subscribers to update information through out the new system. If you do not receive ‘Code Red’ alerts, they ask that you subscribe to receive the notifications in case of an emergency. Continue reading New Code Red System in Cherokee County

LONGVIEW –The Longview Chamber is ready to roar into the new decade announcing The 2020 Annual Banquet. Dana Parr, Chairman elect for 2020 told KTBB on Tuesday that now is an exciting point in time, “This year marks a significant time for the Longview Chamber and community.” The Banquet begins with a reception at 5:15 p.m. on January 28, at Maude Cobb Convention Center. For more information, contact Stephanie Raudales at the Chamber Offices at 903.237.4000, or register online at http://www.LongviewChamber.com. Continue reading Longview Chamber Announces 2020 Celebration

GREGG COUNTY – Deputies with the Gregg County Sheriff’s office released a statement saying the inmate who escaped had initially been missing for three days before his escape was discovered. According to our news partner KETK, Jace Martin Laws escaped from the Gregg County Jail on December 23 but was found to be missing on December 26 when reports were made to the media and public. Authorities say Laws carved out portions of the brick in the South Jail, gaining access to the building infrastructure, and making his way to the exterior Gregg County Courthouse. He was found the following morning on December 27 off US 271. Continue reading Gregg County Inmate’s Escape Was Not Discovered for 3 Days

MARSHALL — A purported human smuggler is nabbed in East Texas. Deputies in Harrison County pulled over a small minivan during the weekend, carrying 17 illegal immigrants. Sheriff Tom McCool said the van was bound for Memphis, Tennessee. ICE agents and Homeland Security personnel captured 16 of the van’s 39 occupants, and the deputies transported the driver to the county jail on a charge of smuggling persons.

MARSHALL — A gas well blowout that resulted in 45 residents evacuated from their homes on Christmas day, could be returning home on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Tano Exploration begin work to restore the well on Sunday. “My HR team met today with all of the evacuees at the hotels went by talked to them we allowed any of those that wanted to go back to there homes to get any essentials,” said Mark Tanos, Tanos Exploration Company. “The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department went down and escorted them down there.”

LINDALE — East Texas officials were involved in a multi-County chase on Sunday.According to our news partner KETK, Lindale Police responded to a theft in progress at a Walmart. Roderick Butler, 25, of Denton was arrested following pursuit that continued into Gregg County before his arrests. The vehicle Butler was behind the wheel of was reported stolen out of Waxahachie. Continue reading Multi-County Chase after Robbery Suspect Steals Vehicle