KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — Weather permitting, beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, Spring Hill Road, between McCann Road and Bill Owens Parkway, will experience temporary lane closures to allow for the installation of LED Chevrons Safety Improvements. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes. This project consists of the installation of LED Chevrons along Spring Hill Road at three locations. Lane closures are anticipated to last off and on for two weeks. Lanes will be fully open to traffic by 2 p.m. of each day of work. Click here for additional details.

HENDERSON COUNTY – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is seeking leads for three fugitives wanted for various charges. According to our news partner KETK, officials are looking for 42-year-old Patricia Garza of Chandler. She’s wanted for child endangerment. Johnny Lee Carey, 64, of Athens is sought for unauthorized use of a vehicle and 36-year-old Jose Dion Sanders of Dallas is wanted for sex abuse of a child. Authorities ask if you have information on the whereabouts of these three, to please contact them.

LONGVIEW – Authorities say a Longview pedestrian was struck and killed by an SUV while walking at the intersection of Neiman Marcus Parkway and Eastman Road. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Gregg County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Robby Cox says the driver did not notice that he had hit someone and only realized it when he saw the pedestrian sprawled out on the roof of the SUV after arriving at work. The identity of the pedestrian was not immediately known. He was declared dead at 8:04 Friday morning according to Cox.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank honored four recipients Friday with the third annual Hunger Hero Awards as part of Hunger Action Month. Honorees were Carroll Greenwaldt (Individual Supporter); the Junior League of Tyler, Inc. (Community Partner Organization); American State Bank (Corporate Partner); and the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System and CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund (Ministry Partner). Food Bank CRO Dennis Cullinane tipped his hat to the award winners, noting, “Record numbers of East Texans are seeking help to feed their families because of inflation,” as quoted in a news release. Click here for more on the recipients and other details.

TYLER — Tyler’s East Texas State Fair is underway, and the big event continues through October 2. Attractions include live music, exhibits, special events, carnival rides and games, the Livestock Show, the Academic Rodeo, plenty of food, and lots more. Hours are 2:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. weekdays and 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m on. weekends. Carnival hours are Monday-Thursday, 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; Friday, 4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00 noon-11:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:00 noon-10:00 p.m. Click here for a full look at this year’s fair.

TYLER — A Smith County jury Thursday sentenced 44-year-old Gabriel Johnson to life in prison for aggravated robbery. Prosecutors claimed Johnson robbed a manager at Tyler’s Razzoo’s restaurant after the restaurant closed in the early morning hours of November 19, 2018. They say Johnson ambushed the victim at gunpoint as he left the restaurant and forced him back inside. Once inside, he demanded the victim open the restaurant safe that contained about $2,500 in cash, according to authorities. Johnson then reportedly tied the victim up on the floor of the restaurant office and told him if he moved he would come back and kill him. Continue reading DA: Habitual felon sentenced to life for aggravated robbery

PARKER COUNTY — A 12-year-old girl and her father remain in the hospital after Parker County deputies found them wounded in what investigators believe to be an attempted murder-suicide. Sheriff’s investigators believe the girl shot her father, fled and returned to her rural Weatherford home where she shot herself in the head. They found her in the street in front of her home with a pistol underneath her. Inside the home, they found her father shot in the stomach. Both of them were rushed to the hospital but no conditions have been released. The back-story here is the girl was in contact with another girl in Lufkin. They concocted a plan to murder their families and run off together to Georgia. However, the Lufkin girl did not follow through on the plot. Nevertheless, she is being charged with criminal conspiracy in the planning of the murder plot.

LONGVIEW – A Longview man was sentenced to life in prison by a jury on Thursday for the murder of Lori Follis. According to our news partner KETK, court documents say Joshua Ross McCuller, 40, was previously charged and accused of assaulting the woman by hitting her with a hammer. The Gregg County District Attorney’s Office said he had fantasies of “becoming a serial killer.” He had a room in his apartment that was a “slaughter room” and had cutting instruments, saws and a video camera, said authorities. “His fantasies included strangulation, necrophilia and mutilation of women,” said the DA’s office. Continue reading Longview man sentenced to life for murder fantasized of “becoming a serial killer”

GRAND SALINE – Grand Saline ISD said there will be more law enforcement at their campuses after a middle school student made threatening comments in class on Wednesday. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Officials said they are investigating the situation, and the student will not be allowed return to Grand Saline Middle School until authorities decide that there is no threat to everyone at the district. “Our first and foremost goal is to make sure students and staff are safe at school. Threatening speech will not be tolerated and will result in swift and severe consequences,” said Grand Saline ISD in a prepared statement. Continue reading Grand Saline ISD to increase law enforcement presence after “threatening comments”

TYLER — The Tyler Parks and Recreations Department is hosting a public meeting regarding the P.T. Cole Park renovations on Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at P.T. Cole Park on S. Vine Ave. Officials say the park will be receiving new playground equipment, a new quarter-mile walking trail, a new spray ground, a new pavilion, two new half basketball courts, parking areas, and general upgrades to the restroom facility and grounds. They say the purpose of the meeting is to display renderings of the new amenities and address any concerns, questions, or recommendations. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be moved to the Rose Garden Center. For more information about this and other Tyler Parks and Rec Improvement Projects, visit this link or call (903) 531-1370.

LONGVIEW — A middle school and a high school student in Longview were taken to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center on Monday after police were made aware of alleged threats made by the students to campuses in the city, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police say the allegations were investigated by members of two school districts and the police department, which resulted in the two juveniles being apprehended. Police said that on Monday morning, an officer working at Pine Tree High School was made aware of a “threat of violence toward the school” made by a student on campus. A school resource officer at Longview ISD responded to allegations of a threat of violence made by a student of the Judson Middle School campus, police said. Continue reading Two Longview students arrested over alleged threats of violence against schools

HARRISON COUNTY – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office has announced that someone died during an industrial accident at an oil well near Liberty and Baker roads. That’s according to our news partner KETK. During their investigation, deputies determined that the accident had happened around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 20. The deceased was then taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. Authorities say that they have ruled the death accidental after examining the evidence and conducting interviews. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which investigates all industrial accidents, will now be conducting an administrative investigation of Tuesday’s accident.

VAN – Three people have been arrested after a high speed chase on I-20 ended near Van, according to officials from the Garland Police Department. According to our news partner KETK, officials said that they were alerted to a burglary in progress around 1:10 p.m. on Wednesday. While Garland police officers were responding to the call, they were told that shots had been fired by two males with weapons. The suspects fled the scene and police began pursuing them before they finally stopped near Van, according to Garland police. Further details were not immediately available.

JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville Police Chief Joe Williams has returned to the department after allegations against him were “deemed unfounded,” said the city of Jacksonville on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, officials launched an almost three-week long investigation. Williams returned to work on Sept. 20 after a third-party investigatory firm, Fee, Smith & Sharp, LLP, looked into the allegations. Attorney Darrell Noga spearheaded the investigation and said, “in summation, we [Fee, Smith & Sharp, LLP] are of the opinion that this investigation may be concluded and the allegations against Chief Williams be deemed unfounded. We see no reason Chief Williams should not return to work.” Williams was on paid leave from Aug. 29 through Sept. 19.

HENDERSON – The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is warning people that fentanyl is being distributed in East Texas, and they mentioned how dangerous this drug can be. According to our news partner KETK, officials say fentanyl can be used to treat patients with severe pain and can be highly addictive. Fentanyl can also result in death if it is mixed with other drugs like marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, according to officials. Deputies said they have received reports that fentanyl is being distributed in the area through alprazolam (Xanax bars) and oxycodone tablets. Law enforcement also shared some photos of items that contained fentanyl and were seized by officials in Rusk County in 2022. Continue reading Authorities warn of fentanyl being distributed in East Texas

WHITEHOUSE — In a statement released to Whitehouse ISD parents on Wednesday, the district said a sinkhole that developed at Whitehouse High School September 14 has been repaired and the main drive is open. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Normal student parking resumes Thursday. School officials also remind parents that students are only to be dropped off at the designated drop off at the front of the school and not in the student parking lot. The sinkhole developed on the Main Campus Drive just beyond the guard gate, and a detour became necessary.

LUBBOCK — A traveling memorial to those who died in Vietnam went on display Wednesday at Texas Tech’s Memorial Circle. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is based in Bullard. The organization has tributes to people who served in each war and conflict since World War I. The group says it’s a chance for people who have not seen the wall in Washington, D.C, to find closure and recognition. Texas Tech’s interim director of military and veterans programs says the tribute is a celebration of freedom and an opportunity to educate present and future generations on the sacrifice made by those whose names are on the wall. The wall stays on display at Texas Tech through Sunday, travels to other parts of the country, and then returns to Texas in November with stops in Kingsville and Denton.

BULLARD – The Bullard Police Department said their Facebook account was hacked early Wednesday morning and an “extremely explicit video” had been uploaded to their page. According to our news partner KETK, Chief of Police Jeff Bragg said immediate action was taken, and an investigation found “that an account manager’s account had been illegally hacked, and the video was uploaded by an outside source.” A thorough administrative inquiry is being conducted in an attempt to prevent this type of incident from happening again, according to the department, and they ask anyone who receives a suspicious request from the department’s Facebook to contact police immediately. “Cybercrimes are one of the fastest growing crimes in America,” Bragg said. “The Bullard Police Department will always strive to maintain the highest security regarding social media websites and platforms.”

TYLER — The East Texas State Fair opens Friday for its 106th year, and preparations and crews are getting ready for the big event. According to our news partner KETK, crews are working around the construction for the new W.T. Brookshire Conference Center to bring the same family fun East Texans expect, year after year. For John Sykes, president of the East Texas State Fair, this particular week is on his mind year-’round. “There’s nothing like it in East Texas and frankly we are the largest event between Tulsa, and Houston and Shreveport and Dallas,” said Sykes. Since 1912, the fair has unfolded on the fairgrounds, offering delicious food, exciting attractions, thrilling rides and of course, award-winning livestock in all shapes and sizes. Continue reading Preparations underway for East Texas State Fair’s 2022 return

TYLER — The City of Tyler expects the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center to be complete by March 2023, according to our news partner KETK. The $28 million project will transform the Tyler Rose Complex by adding the city’s new conference center. City officials are excited and say the W.T. Brookshire convention center will be state-of-the-art. “Inside it’s going to be transformed and state of the art to a much more and efficient convention center,” said Deputy City Manager, Stephanie Franklin. The center replaces Harvey Hall which was built in the 1970s and the new building will add flexibility for events. Continue reading Newest Rose Complex addition expected to be complete March 2023

QUITMAN – A Quitman middle schooler was arrested by police after threatening to bring a firearm to school, according to the superintendent. According to our news partner KETK, Superintendent Rhonda Turner said the student made threats on Monday to bring a gun to school the next day and that the district immediately contacted law enforcement after hearing about the threats. “Let me be clear, there was no weapon on school property at any time,” Turner said. “However, we take each threat seriously.” Turner said an arrest was made Monday evening by Quitman police.

SMITH COUNTY – A safe full of family mementos, firearms, money, and more was stolen from a Smith County residence last week. According to our news partner KETK, the family is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspects in the case. Sheriff Larry Smith said items in the safe included firearms, a Rolex watch, two wedding rings, a 1984 Baylor class ring with emeralds and small diamonds, numerous James Avery items, and cash. According to Smith, the items carry a huge sentimental value to the family, since most of the stolen property belonged to deceased spouses. Continue reading Reward offered in theft of safe full of family mementos

TYLER – Two pre-dawn shootings Tuesday in Tyler have left one man and a juvenile injured according to Tyler police, who are seeking leads in both cases. According to our news partner KETK, officials said police responded to a call at around 1:30 a.m. on N. Bois D’Arc Avenue near the 25th Street intersection, where they reported finding a juvenile male shot. There was evidence of multiple shell casings, and officials said it is believed there were multiple people involved. Police said they have no suspect information at this time, and the minor has undergone surgery to remove the bullet. He is expected to recover, according to officials. Continue reading Police seek leads in overnight shootings

TYLER — 29 Tyler ISD teachers have qualified to be nominated for a TOP Teacher Designation based on the 2021-2022 school year. According to a news release, a TOP (Tyler Optimal Performance) Teacher is a teacher at one the district’s current Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) campuses who has met stringent criteria such as student growth metrics, teacher observation data, attendance, and student surveys. Nine Tyler ISD teachers were approved for designations in the 2020-2021 school year. Click here for more details.

TYLER — Smith County is looking for a new fire marshal and emergency management coordinator. The Commissioners Court Tuesday accepted the resignation of Jay Brooks, who is wrapping up his second tour of duty in that post. Brooks (pictured) says he will be leaving to take a position as a software developer in the private sector. The court also accepted the earlier-announced resignation of Precinct 5 Constable Jeff McClenny, who will become police chief in San Augustine ISD. Both departures are effective October 1. Also stepping down: Smith County Law Librarian Kara Kennedy, effective September 30, due to health reasons.

TYLER — The race to be the next governor of Texas is heating up, and depending on the polls you follow, it’s tightening up as well. Governor Abbott saw his poll numbers jump 2 points over Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke between August and September, according to the latest survey out of The University of Texas at Tyler. Abbott now holds a 9-point lead over O’Rourke among registered voters in Texas. One reason for the bump, Governor Abbott’s $46-million dollar campaign war chest is nearly double that of O’Rourke’s. UT Tyler Political Scientist Mark Owens.says, “If we’re talking about bringing people together and less polarization, or about the sake of our schools, the election is going to be a lot closer between Abbott and O’Rourke then compared to whether we’re talking about securing the border or reducing crime.” Continue reading UT Tyler poll shows slight jump in Abbott’s numbers

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD reached a $2.5 million settlement with 10 families of students who were allegedly abused at J. L. Everhart Elementary, attorneys announced Monday. According to our news partner KETK, from at least August 2019 to October 2021, 10 special needs children reportedly suffered abuse and discrimination by teachers and administrators at JL Everhart Elementary. Families of the children hired attorneys Shane McGuire of the McGuire Firm, PC and Geoff Hoover of Sorey & Hoover, LLP, who helped to secure a $2.5 million settlement. $250,000 of that money will go to each injured child. Continue reading Longview ISD reaches $2.5 million settlement following abuse allegations

TYLER — The Smith County Elections Office and deputy voter registrars are joining forces to conduct voter registration locations throughout Smith County Tuesday for National Voter Registration Day. As quoted in a news release, Smith County Precinct 4 Commissioner JoAnn Hampton said, “It is important that people are registered to vote in local, state and national elections, so they can use their voice in who is elected into office.” Chief Deputy Elections Administrator Edna Morris added, “It is also an opportunity to educate the voters on how to register and sign up for mail-in ballots,” also as quoted in the release. Morris said elections office workers and registrars will additionally focus on reminding voters to update their addresses on their voter registration if they have recently moved. Click here for more information.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – The body of a missing Athens man was recovered on Nevada’s Mt. Charleston over the weekend. Rock Stanley, 75, was found Saturday morning according to a Facebook post by his family and by Red Rock Search and Rescue. According to our news partner KETK, the Clark County Coroner’s Office has since officially identified Stanley. Stanley was last seen Aug. 23 around 5 a.m. His family said he left for a hike on Mount Charleston and never came back. According to Stanley’s son, he had texted his brother early in the morning on the 23rd, saying he got lost on the trail and that he was trying to backtrack. Nobody heard from him after that. Red Rock Search and Rescue led five searches with volunteers looking for Stanley while he was missing. Stanley and his wife were visiting Las Vegas from Athens on a yearly trip.