KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER -Tyler Junior College will observe its 92nd Founders Day on Monday. The ceremony begins at 7:30am at Windsor Plaza, located at the corner of Apache Pass and South Mahon Avenue on the TJC main campus. The annual event celebrates the day the school was founded , September 17, 1926. It also serves as a time to remember TJC employees and board members who passed away last year. This year, TJC will honor the memories of: John Burket, Noamie R. Byrum, Gene Carney, Kenneth English, Norman Hoot, Steve Morrow, Tracy Rea, Ann M. Snyder, William L. “Bill” Thomas, and William W. “Bill” Wilmeth. The public is invited to addend the ceremony.

LONGVIEW — Additional details are still not available concerning a Longview shooting that left one person dead and one injured. Both were taken to to Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center where Lee Brightman Jr., 29, died. An 18-year-old suffered non-life threatening injuries. His name has not been released. According to the Longview Police Department’s Facebook page, the shooting happened around 3:45 Thursday afternoon at a business on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. . Continue reading One Man Dead, One Injured in Longview Shooting

LONGVIEW – A suspicious vehicle call has resulted in the arrest of a Longview man. He is Jace Martin Laws, 33. He was found sitting in a car in the area of Farmer Street and West Pliler Precise Road. He ran from arriving officers, but was arrested after a short foot chase. He is said to have fought with the two officers and all three received injuries. They were taken to Longview Regional Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries. Laws was booked into the Gregg County Jail on 2 charges of assault on a peace officer and a charge of evading arrest.

RUSK – A Bullard woman has died in a Cherokee County accident. She is Nona Kay Bickerstaff, 79. Her pickup was was crossing over to the northbound lanes when she pulled out into the path of a truck driven by Clemente Martinez-Mendez, 33, of Jacksonville. Bickerstaff was pronounced at the scene. Martinez-Mendez was transported to UT Health-Jacksonville in stable condition. The accident happened just after 11:00 Thursday morning on U.S. Highway 69, nearly three miles north of Rusk.

SHREVEPORT, La. – An East Texas man was arrested Wednesday after he reportedly tried to cash a counterfeit check for $2,479 at a bank in Shreveport, Louisiana — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. According to our news partner KETK, police say 26-year-old Brandon Colby Jones of New Summerfield was arrested at the scene with the check and five fake IDs, all in different names. Authorities say a search of Jones’s hotel room turned up blank check paper, several more counterfeit checks, a printer, laptop, drugs, and drug paraphernalia. A female who dropped Jones off at the bank fled the scene and was apprehended. Jones was booked into Caddo Correctional on five counts of unlawful production, manufacturing, distribution, or possession of fraudulent documents for identification purposes and eight counts of monetary instrument abuse. The investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible.

LONGVIEW — The property tax rate will remain the same for Longview residents this year. According to our news partner KETK, City Council members voted to keep the rate around fifty cents per $100 value. Property taxes make up almost a third of the city’s general fund revenue. The money generates revenue for the city budget.

TYLER — Sears in Tyler’s Broadway Square Mall will close its doors for good in December. According to our news partner KETK, this comes as the store’s parent company posted another huge quarterly loss. Sears announced more than 70 store closings in May — and, just last month, another 46. The Tyler store was not on either of those lists then. In May, the mall received zoning approval from the city of Tyler to tear down the Sears building and replace it with new retail space. The store’s liquidation sale starts later this month.

TYLER — The City of Tyler wants to inform Tyler Water Utilities and Municipal Court customers who used the one-time payment option through the Click2Gov online-payment system to notify their banking institution and have a new debit or credit card issued. According to our news partner KETK, It applies to online and in-person options. Fraud cases are still being reported to the Tyler Police Department after the city was notified that an unknown third-party was able to gain access to payments made through the system. The system is used to collect payments for utilities and municipal court fines and fees. The date range of the breach is June 18, 2018, to Aug. 21, 2018. Continue reading City of Tyler Warns Customers after Online Breach

PLANO – A 58-year-old Fort Worth man has been found guilty in three late 2017 credit union robberies, including one in Tyler. Wayne Alan Watson was found guilty of three counts of armed bank robbery Thursday by a federal jury in Plano. Authorities say he hit the Altra Federal Credit Union in Tyler along with locations in Denison and Gainesville. Additional robberies linked to Watson in Austin and Wichita Falls early this year led to his identification as the serial robber. Watson faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each charge. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation.

TYLER — For the first time in its 92-year history, Tyler Junior College has not only reached but surpassed a major milestone with 12,270 students enrolled for the fall 2018 semester. According to a news release, TJC’s enrollment is up nearly 7 percent from last fall’s total of 11,511 students. The previous all-time high enrollment for TJC was 11,881 in the fall of 2011, which officials say was consistent with the last of the recession-driven higher education boom. Officials say TJC has seen growth in the categories of transfer students, high school, and first-time-in college students — while maintaining strong momentum with continuing and returning students.

TYLER – A local dealership is responding after Ford issued a safety recall for the 2015 – 2018 regular cab and super crew F150 trucks. On Saturday, September 22, Tyler Ford will open its service department and complete as many repairs as it can in one day. Any regular cab or super crew F150 owner is welcome, regardless of whether he or she is a Tyler Ford customer. Appointments are necessary and spots are expected to fill up quickly. The service department at Tyler Ford will take phone calls to schedule these appointments through September 22. Free food will be provided. For those who can’t make it on the 22nd, the service department will schedule an appointment for another time. Call (888) 475-5841 or (903) 597 – 9331 to schedule your free repair appointment.

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a minister who is now a sexual assault suspect and believed to be on the run. A warrant was issued Thursday for the arrest of 52-year-old Jose Uriel Rendon in the cases, dating to 2004 and 2005. Sheriff Jason Bridges says Rendon had agreed to meet with investigators Monday morning but never showed up. Bridges says Rendon used his position at Templo De Fe Church in Nacogdoches County to take advantage of and sexually abuse a child over 50 times in 2004 and 2005. Rendon faces a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, a 1st degree felony. Rendon is known to have family in the Tyler and Dallas areas as well as Mexico. Continue reading Authorities Seek Sexual Assault Suspect

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – An East Texas man shot by a western Iowa officer during a chase has pleaded guilty after making a deal with prosecutors. Pottawattamie County court records say 29-year-old Clifton Wade, of Zavalla, Texas, entered the pleas Tuesday to two felony counts of assault on an officer and other crimes. Prosecutors agreed to drop two counts of attempted murder in exchange for Wade’s pleas. The records say his plea is contingent on his being sentenced to no less than 12 years and no more than 25 years. Wade’s sentencing is set for Oct. 2. Council Bluffs police say Wade sped off May 1 when officers tried to stop his pickup truck at a closed construction site and later intentionally rammed two police cruisers. One officer then shot him.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Troopers are currently on the scene of a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 69 north of CR 1503 in Cherokee County with one confirmed deceased. DPS Sgt. Jean Dark says as more information becomes available and verified it will be released. Motorists are urged to use caution in the area.

LONGVIEW — TxDOT reports the scene is all clear at the site of a gas leak in Longview earlier today. All lanes of U.S. 259 at the George Richey Rd./Henderson Lane intersection had already reopened, and Henderson is now open between Tryon Rd. and U.S. 259.

AUSTIN — Compared to the same period last year, second-quarter Tyler home sales increased 0.4 percent to 825 single-family home sales, while median price increased 5.8 percent to $200,000. That’s the word in the Texas Quarterly Housing Report from the Texas Association of Realtors. Statewide, Texas home sales started the summer selling season on a strong note, increasing 2.8 percent year-over-year to 100,227 home sales, while median price increased 4.4 percent to $238,000. You can go to https://www.texasrealestate.com/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/ to check out the full report. More 2018-Q2 data on the Tyler housing market can be found on page 23 and statewide figures can be found on the first page.

RUSK COUNTY — A date has been set for the execution of a Rusk County man who murdered his girlfriend’s baby. According to our news partner KETK, Blaine Milam, 28, will be put to death on January 15, 2019 for killing Amora Carson. In December 2008, Milam, along with the child’s mother, Jessica Carson, beat Amora to death with a hammer in an alleged exorcism. The pair were found guilty back in 2011. Carson was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) – A Louisiana sheriff’s office is holding sniper school this week for officers from six departments, including the Marshall, Texas, Police Department. Caddo Parish sheriff’s Cpl. Justin Dunn is an instructor for the 40-hour course for marksmen who respond to active shooters and people who have hostages or are barricaded. Dunn says the stress of such situations and the precision required for a larger-caliber gun make the skills different from anything else in law enforcement. Dunn says officers have to be extremely patient and be accurate with all types of weapons. Training includes moving targets, range estimation, sniper deployment, and maintaining data books. A news release says that along with Marshall police, the 11 students include Caddo, Desoto, and Red River Parish sheriff’s deputies; Louisiana State Police; and police from Natchitoches, Louisiana.

TYLER – The Tyler City Council has formally adopted its 2018-2019 operating budget. Sales tax makes up 42 percent of the general fund, providing public services such as police, fire, library, and parks. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler is currently projecting a one percent growth in sales tax revenues. Property taxes make up 30 percent of Tyler’s general fund revenues. The council has approved an increase from the current property tax rate of 24 cents to 24.4452 cents per $100 valuation. The new rate means a home valued at $150,000 would be assessed city property taxes of approximately $360 per household per year, or $30.55 per month. The .4452 cent increase would translate to $6.68 annually.

PALESTINE – To coincide with the lifting of Anderson County’s burn ban, the City of Palestine lifted its burn ban Wednesday morning. Palestine residents will be allowed to burn if they obtain a permit at one of the city’s three fire stations. Palestine residents with burn permits will have to follow burning guidelines. For more information on burning within the city limits, call the fire department at 903-729-7100. Anderson County lifted its burn ban Tuesday.

AUSTIN — A Longview resident claimed a $1 million prize in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game “$500,000,000 Cash.” The ticket was purchased at a Longview Food Fast. The claimant elected to remain anonymous. This was the 15th of 40 second-tier prizes worth $1 million to be claimed in this game, according to a Lottery news release. $500,000,000 Cash offers more than $500 million in total prizes, including 10 top prizes of $2.5 million. Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 2.76, including break-even prizes.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is working to catch criminals more efficiently. According to our news partner KETK, the SCSO already has three of the license plate-reading cameras. They’re put on top of patrol cars, SUVs, and even trailers that the agency uses. If someone has an active warrant out for his or her arrest or is wanted for a crime, and the person’s license plate number is attached to the criminal database, the camera can scan the license plate number and alert a law enforcement officer.

HAWKINS — A fire that destroyed a popular Hawkins restaurant is said to have been accidental and to have started in the kitchen. Richie’s Grill went up in flames Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, two fire departments were called to Richie’s before 7 a.m. and spent about three hours extinguishing the fire. The restaurant’s Facebook page says everyone made it out safely. According to the restaurant’s website, there are two locations, in Hawkins and Winnsboro.

RUSK — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has received reports of scam phone calls from persons identifying themselves as deputies from CCSO. The callers tell the citizens they have outstanding warrants and if they send money they will not be arrested. According to a news release, the CCSO does not contact people and request money. The CCSO does not have automated phone lines and all calls will be answered by SO staff. If you receive an automated response when calling the SO, it should be considered suspicious. The only number the SO would leave as a callback will be 903-683-2271. If you receive a solicitation from anyone purporting to be from the CCSO you should report the incident to the CCSO at 903-683-2271, according to the release.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has enrolled a record number of freshmen for the fall semester. According to a news release, the 882 first-time, full-time college students represent a 24 per cent increase over last year’s enrollment of 711. Officials say East Texas drove freshman growth with double-digit increases. Total fall enrollment is 10,284. Overall, undergraduate enrollment saw an increase of 2 per cent, while dual credit and graduate programs saw a modest decline. Enrollment numbers were released as part of UT Tyler’s official 11th day census data.

TYLER — One person has died in a Tyler wreck shortly after noon Tuesday on W. Grande near Oak Hill Blvd. Accident investigators determined that a westbound Hyundai traveled into the eastbound lanes, striking a GMC Terrain. The Hyundai then flipped completely over. The driver of the Hyundai, 57-year-old Anthony V. Moffitt of Flint, was pronounced dead at the scene. 57-year-old GMC driver Theresa M. Breedlove of Bullard is listed in serious condition in a local hospital.

MARSHALL — An old scam resurfaces in Marshall — with a new twist. This past Friday, the U.S. Courthouse in Marshall was notified that an unknown caller told a resident he was employed with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. The caller told the victim that she had failed to appear for jury selection during the month of June and Judge Rodney Gilstrap had issued a warrant for her arrest. A spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service says this is the first time he has heard of a scammer using the name of Gilstrap, the presiding U.S. District Court Judge in Marshall. The spokesman says scammers tell victims they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debit card and reading the number over the phone to satisfy the fine. Continue reading Jury Duty Scam Resurfaces in Marshall

TYLER — A big celebration is held at UT Health Tyler to honor volunteer Vennie Jackson as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Mayor Martin Heines has proclaimed September 11 Vennie Lee Jackson Day in Tyler. She also gets a certificate from Governor Greg Abbott and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol provided by Congressman Louie Gohmert. “Miss Vennie” continues to work the front desk after more than 30 years of helping out at the hospital. So what keeps her going? Ms. Jackson credits her belief in the Lord and her enjoyment of being involved with people. “Miss Vennie” says she doesn’t have the words to express how excited she is about all the attention — and she adds that she has no plans to quit. Continue reading UT Health Tyler Volunteer Celebrates 100th Birthday

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University’s total Fall 2018 enrollment is 3,175, a 5.7% increase over last year. Led by significant increases from East Texas, LETU’s enrollment is up over 16% in two years, according to a news release from the university. Fall 2018 enrollment also reflects that LETU attracted 94 international students from nearly 35 countries. Enrollment numbers are official after the 12th class day.

WHITE OAK — New details in the case of a White Oak ISD band director accused of inappropriately touching a former student. According to messages, the student may have lied about the incident. Our news partner KETK reports Jacovia Cartwright is facing an indictment for indecency with a child by sexual contact. In 2016, White Oak officers found what they said were inappropriate pictures of children on his phone. One of the students in the pictures says Cartwright touched her inappropriately during a band trip. Messages retrieved from his Facebook messenger show messages from the student saying she “kind of lied” to the police. Receipts from the trip show she was not on the hotel list.