KTBB News, Weather, Talk

KILGORE – El Sombrero, a Mexican restaurant in Kilgore, “caught on fire and burned” Monday night after 17 years in business. According to our news partner KETK, owner Mike Kittner says the Kilgore staff will be working at the restaurant’s Longview location until the Longview location can be rebuilt. “We are currently working diligently with insurance and the great City of Kilgore to get through these difficult times,” Kittner said. “Thank you to everyone for your loyalty and patronage to El Som over the years, and we look forward to seeing everyone very soon or in Longview.”

EAST TEXAS – The Tyler and Longview ISDs have held their convocations in preparation for the new school year. According to our news partner KETK, during the Longview celebration, checks totaling $1.8 million were awarded to 157 teachers. “They qualify through their annual evaluation score, and they qualify through their student growth score,” said John York, a human resource officer for the district. In Tyler, 2,800 district employees gathered for their annual convocation at Green Acres Baptist Church. Teachers said they are pumped to be back in the classroom. The theme for the Tyler event was health and wellness

TYLER – A Smith County pastor accused of stealing from an elderly couple in 2021 was sentenced Friday after pleading guilty to theft charges. According to our news partner KETK, Jerome Milton, 66, pleaded guilty to two theft of property charges greater or equal to $30,000 or less than $150,000. One of the charges specified the theft was against an elderly individual. Milton was sentenced to 180 days in the Smith County Jail and 10 years of probation, with 500 hours of community service. In the case involving the elderly couple, Milton used their money, pension plan checks, and economic impact payments to make his car payment and purchase hotel rooms in Brownwood, according to an affidavit. Milton is also facing a money laundering charge. His jury trial for that charge was scheduled for Aug. 15, but it was canceled.

TYLER — City of Tyler officials are staying busy with a number of items. Not the least of those is the proposed budget. Improvements to public safety, services, and employee retention are listed as top priorities. Included is a new water rate plan that officials say will upgrade infrastructure and promote conservation. Opportunities for public input on the budget are available by attending one of two city council meetings set for 9 a.m. August 24 and September 14. Final adoption of the budget is scheduled for the September 14 meeting. Along with that, officials report that Shiloh Road water storage tank upgrades have been approved, as well as upgrades for more than two miles of sewer lines in the north end of the city. Click here for further details on all those items.

SHREVEPORT, La. – A Shreveport man wanted for a string of jewelry store heists in Texas and Louisiana is being held in Natchitoches Parish. According to our news partner KETK, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says 39-year-old Lester Ray Moody was arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate 49 near Cypress on Wednesday morning after an NPSO detective spotted him at a nearby business and called for backup. The sheriff’s office says investigators in Longview, Texas, had identified Moody from surveillance video at the Longview Mall on July 1, where a man later identified as Moody and an unidentified woman robbed a Kay Jewelers by posing as customers who asked to look at jewelry before spraying an employee with pepper spray and making off with the goods.

TYLER – The Tyler Fire Department has new headquarters at West Front Street and Hill Avenue. According to our news partner KETK, on Thursday afternoon, the grand opening of the new facility was celebrated just blocks away from the previous headquarters. Fire Chief David Coble says it’s been a years-long process. “Our building is right in the center of about 30,000 cars passing us every day. We also have a marquee sign out front where we can put fire messages on fire preventions so people can be well informed of what’s going on. We will also use it as a recruitment tool when we get ready to hire at the first of next year,” said Chief Coble. Officials also say the new facility will allow for a better and more secure space to not only work but also hold classes and store important fire equipment. To save a dollar during construction, the fire department was able to take and reuse some materials from the old Harvey Convention Center.

TYLER – 44-year-old Reynaldo Campos, Jr., of Grapeland, has pleaded guilty in Tyler federal court to murder for hire. According to the indictment, on Feb. 9, Campos contacted an individual who he believed was a hitman, but who was in fact an undercover federal agent, and solicited the “hitman” to murder a former associate of Campos — claiming the intended victim had either stolen drugs from him or owed him money. Campos discussed the intended murder with the agent on multiple occasions over the next several weeks. On April 8, Campos and his girlfriend, Robin Pittman, traveled together from Houston County to Tyler to discuss the murder, to provide the “hitman” with a handgun to be used for the murder, and to provide the “hitman” with information about the intended victim. Continue reading Houston County man guilty in solicitation of murder plot

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department says a man was arrested Thursday in connection to the shooting death of a Longview teen. According to our news partner KETK, the Longview SWAT team was called to the scene and detained Lederrion Devonte Johnson, 29, around 3:00 p.m. without incident after a standoff on North Spur 63. Johnson was charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm. Rahsaan Jefferson was killed after a shooting on Monday at the Preserve Apartments. He was an incoming student at Longview High School.

UPSHUR COUNTY – An Upshur County man was sentenced to 125 years for eight counts of indecency with a child under the age of 14. According to our news partner KETK, 48-year-old Matthew Callie McCoy was found guilty of all eight counts in Upshur County court. The child victim told a family member on Sept. 12, 2018 about ongoing abuse at the hands of McCoy. According to District Attorney Billy Byrd, the child had just turned 10 years old and said they were afraid of McCoy because he was abusing them by touching them inappropriately. The child’s mother went to the Gilmer Police Department who investigated the case. At trial, the child testified and said they had been “physically abused and threatened to be killed if they told,” Byrd said. The child took the witness stand as did the child’s mother, a counselor and other witnesses that backed up the child’s statement. Continue reading Upshur County man sentenced for indecency with a child

LONGVIEW — The East Texas Food Bank partnered with Door Dash for a new project called, “Project Dash.” Our news partner KETK reports, the first pilot delivery is a partnership with Longview Dream Center to give out the boxes. Project dash gives perishable items to seniors, age 60 or older and under a certain income. This helps seniors who don’t have a means of transportation or those with health issues. Linda Henry, a resident of Longview said, “That’s fabulous. I can’t even really explain it to you how much that helps, because now I can’t drive anymore. And it’s a God send.. it really is.” Once the address is confirmed, the door dasher will present the box to the recipient. Continue reading Food Bank partners with Door Dash to help senior citizens

SMITH COUNTY — The body of a missing Henderson woman was found in her vehicle on Tuesday in Smith County. Betty Rowland (Pemberton) was last seen on Aug. 1. Police said she may have been suffering from dementia. According to our news partner KETK, a landowner saw a vehicle and called law enforcement to investigate. Rowland’s vehicle was in a “slightly wooded area,” several hundred yards off of CR 290 in Smith County. Authorities say that foul play is not suspected, but the case is under investigation. Continue reading Body of missing Henderson woman found in her vehicle

TYLER – The Tyler Independent School District Board of Trustees gave the go-ahead for the Guardian Plan on Monday during a workshop, according to our news partner KETK. This will allow some employees to carry certain firearms. They will be selected by the board of trustees and the superintendent to have firearms at schools, board meetings and other school events on district property. “The district sees this as an extra line of defense to ensure the safety of our students and staff and will always first rely on our Tyler ISD police force and partnerships with local law enforcement agencies,” said Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty L. Crawford. Apart from the Guardian Plan, Tyler ISD is going to hire more Tyler ISD police officers. There will now be 34 officers in total, so there will be an armed officer at every elementary school campus and more than one armed officer at the secondary schools. Continue reading Some Tyler ISD employees to be able to carry guns through the Guardian Plan

TYLER – The city announced Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) plans to change how customers are charged, no longer subsidizing the first 2,000 gallons in favor of charging for total water use. If approved, TWU customers will see an increase of about $20 to their monthly bill. City Manager Edward Broussard said. “These rates are needed to maintain the quality of these services and sustain the system in the long term.” The new billing structure is set to be phased in over the next five years as a part of the fiscal year 2023 budget process. Customers will be charged the same rate regardless of utilization. The city said it plans to spend $24.4 million in cash and bond funds on water and sewer improvement projects in the coming year. Residential solid waste fees will also increase by $1.28 for twice-weekly collection. The budget’s final adoption is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Sept. 14 meeting at Tyler City Hall, and the public is available to give their input on the budget at the Aug. 24 and Sept. 14 meetings.

TYLER — With a new school year comes a renewed effort to crack down on the issue of vaping in Tyler ISD. “Vaping is a serious issue with our youth,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “You can’t buy bourbon in Tyler, Texas, but our youth can get their hands on vapes on almost every corner around town. We are educators, not health monitors. Any help you can give us, city, county, and legislators, we would really appreciate it!” The district has installed more than seventy vape detectors at all four high schools and the Career & Technology Center with the message to students, “you will get caught.” Continue reading Tyler ISD cracks down on vaping

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioner’s Court voted unanimously to propose lowering the tax rate by half a cent. The proposed rate for the fiscal year 2023 would go down from 33.5 cents to 33 cents per $100 valuation. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran said the commissioners court will hold a public hearing on the proposed rate at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23. The court will also plan a public hearing on the proposed FY23 budget at 5:30 p.m. on August 23. The court will vote on adopting the proposed tax rate and budget in September, according to Moran. The city says they will not go into effect until Oct. 1. Continue reading Smith County commissioners vote to propose lowering tax rate

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD officials said their “hearts are broken” after an incoming high school student died on Tuesday. “Longview Independent School District is shocked and saddened to learn about the tragic death of incoming Longview High School freshman Rahsaan ‘Bobo’ Jefferson,” said the school district. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police said Jefferson died folowing a shooting at the Preserve Apartments on West Avalon Avenue on Monday night. The school district extended their condolences to Rahsaan’s loved ones. “To lose any member of our Lobo family hurts, but especially one so young,” said James Brewer, the Longview High School Principal. “Crisis counselors and campus administrators will be on hand for any students and staff who need assistance.” Continue reading Longview ISD officials: ‘Our hearts are broken’ after incoming high school student fatally shot

LONGVIEW – A Longview teenager died after a shooting at an apartment complex on Monday according to the Longview Police Department. Longview police made it to the Preserve Apartments at 600 West Avalon Avenue around 9:25 p.m. A teenage male was shot and taken to a local hospital in a private vehicle before the officers arrived. The teen later died due to his injuries, said officials. Detectives are still investigating the shooting. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1110, or send a tip anonymously to Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867) or online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

TYLER – The Smith County Commissioners court voted Tuesday to approve putting the county courthouse bond proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot. Smith County voters will now be tasked with voting on the proposal which, if voted into effect, would begin construction on a new county courthouse and parking structure. Members of the community spoke on the proposal before the vote, largely in favor of building a new courthouse. While no one said they were in favor of a rise in taxes, one woman said it was a necessary evil. Commissioner 3 Terry Lee Phillips who has the only opposing vote on the commission, said that in his opinion, now was not the time for the bond proposal due to growing inflation across the country. The proposed courthouse focuses on adding safety precautions the current structure cannot support, and the addition of a 300-car parking garage. The plan comes to the ballot after over 20 years of continuous assessment and planning.

SMITH COUNTY — Since news broke that the FBI searched former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday, a growing number of Republicans have spoken out against the raid. Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran spoke with KTBB Tuesday morning. Judge Moran said “It’s clear the Democrats are on a political witch hunt against former President Donald Trump. This an unfortunate.” Judge Moran continued, “The raid clearly on Mar-A-Lago is an abuse of power and should not be tolerated in our Nation. November elections can’t come soon enough and switch from what we are seeing now to a government that’s leaning toward Liberty and dedicated to Liberty.” A senior official briefed on Monday’s events said that the Secret Service was notified by the FBI a short time before agents arrived that they would be coming. Continue reading Judge Moran speaks out against FBI raid of Trump’s estate

COFFEE CITY — One month ago, three Coffee City Council members and the city secretary resigned from their positions, putting city business on hold. According to our news partner KETK, some city officials including the police chief said the council members hadn’t been showing up due to dissatisfaction with operations, the use of city property without proper approval and even alleged racial remarks between employees. “Relieved! I’m very relieved for the citizens, myself and the council members,” said Coffee City Mayor Frank Serrato. Serrato announced he would be turning in his resignation at the next city meeting. Citing family and a new job as his priority. For months, members said the no-shows of council members have left the city unable to conduct regular business. Continue reading Coffee City mayor to resign following city council meeting

TYLER — Tyler Police Officers responded to a shooting on W. Morris around 3:00 Monday afternoon. One victim, identified as Horatio Williams, 57, of Tyler, was found in the street with a gunshot wound. He was transported to UT Health on Beckham where he died from his injuries. Another victim, Laray High, 50, Tyler, transported himself to UT Health on Beckham and was treated and released.  Multiple shell casings were found on scene along with one weapon. The suspect has been identified as Frederick Leon Harvey, 59, Tyler. He was also shot and was treated at UT Health. An arrest warrant was issued for Harvey. After he was released from the hospital he was arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail on charges of Murder with a $500,000 bond and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, both with a $25,000 bond.

TYLER – Two people are now confirmed dead in an 18-wheeler roll over Monday off Toll 49 and Highway 110. According to DPS a truck traveling northbound on Highway 110 exit ramp left the roadway to the left and overcorrected to the right. Truck rolled one and a half times coming to a rest on its top. The off ramp of Texas Toll 49 at Highway 110 was closed for a couple of hours due to overturned 18-wheeler and cleanup. The investigation continues and the names of the victims have not been released.

TYLER – For the third year in a row, our news partner KETK News is hosting a pet supply drive for local animal shelters. The event has already started and is running through Aug. 19. Residents can drop off their donations at the KETK station located on 4300 Richmond Road in Tyler. They are accepting donations Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Shelters need items like food, bedding, cleaning supplies and toys.

SMITH COUNTY — An Alba man was arrested for allegedly stabbing a man around 5 a.m. on Sunday in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Chance Hull, 22, of Alba, was charged with first-degree murder with bond set at $500,000. Police were called to Sneed Avenue regarding a stabbing Sunday morning. Upon arrival, officers saw one person with stab wounds and Hull, who was attempting to provide first aid, although he was later arrested. Andy Erbaugh, with the Tyler Police Department, said that a physical altercation led up to the stabbing. EMS took the victim to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.

TYLER – Kaegan Wright, the Smith County teen who went missing Saturday afternoon, was located later in the evening and appeared to have drowned in a nearby pool. According to our news partner KETK, at approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday Smith County deputies responded to a drowning call in the 15500 block of CR 314. Upon their arrival, they were informed that Kaegan Wright had drowned at a swimming pool at this location. The pool was reportedly in the backyard of a residence near Kaegan’s home on the same street. Kaegan was then taken to Forensic Medical in Tyler for an autopsy, ordered by Justice of the Peace Jon Johnson.

TEXAS – The Lone Star State Incident Management Team says wherever there are wildfires in Texas, that area becomes a drone no fly zone. According to our news partner KETK, flying hobby drones in areas with wildfires, could get in the way of firefighters doing their job. Making the wildfire larger, more destructive, possibly leading to property loss or death. They also point out, that aircraft used for wildfires, lead planes, airtankers and helicopters, can fly as low as 150 feet. Which is about the same altitude that most hobby drones are flown. The Lone Star State Incident Management Team steps in and helps local authorities when a disaster exceeds its resources and are attached to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

TYLER – On Friday, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith and hundreds of first responders and citizens from our region gathered to mourn the death of deputy Lorenzo Bustos. According to our news partner KETK, the funeral procession advanced carefully from Green Acres Baptist Church to Deputy Bustos’ final resting place, Tyler Memorial Cemetery. Every vehicle that proceeded down the procession route, did so with lights on, serving as a reminder to the dangers to those who protect us. Bustos died early Friday July 29th during a traffic stop when he was struck by an alleged drunk driver. He was 29 and is survived by his wife Gloria and three young children.

TYLER — Former Smith County Pct. 1 Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris has pleaded not guilty, and a trial date has been set for Sept. 19 on his theft of property by a public servant and official oppression cases. According to our news partner KETK, Traylor-Harris’s attorney, Andrew Dammann, said usually his clients are given some leniency by the courts, but this time he says they aren’t cutting Traylor-Harris any slack. “That’s what the bond system does to people. It puts them in jail, it separates them from their family and it breaks them to the point where they’re willing to accept a deal that might not be the best for them,” said Dammann. Continue reading Suspended Smith County Constable’s lawyer discusses $1 million bond

TYLER – The city of Tyler will be closing several streets on Friday for the funeral procession of Smith County Deputy Lorenzo Bustos, who was killed in the line of duty on July 29. The funeral will start at 10:00 at Green Acres Baptist Church. The procession will leave Green Acres Baptist Church at 1607 Troup Highway then turn left onto Troup Highway at S. Beckham Ave and then right onto S. Broadway Avenue. The procession will go to Front Street then turn left to move outside of the city. Later, it will turn right onto Patton Lane until it arrives at Memorial Park Cemetery on Hwy 64 W. Continue reading Smith County Deputy’s funeral today

LINDALE — The Lindale Independent School District announced Thursday that it will be increasing its police staff for the 2022-2023 school year. The district will reportedly have a full time, armed and trained police officer at every campus during the school year. The Lindale ISD Police Department was initially established in 2015 with three officers and with the new staff increase, there will be a total of six officers. The district says that all Lindale ISD Police Officers have completed the Active Shooter Response for School-Based Law Enforcement class, including training beyond the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center (ALERRT) program as a part of our current safety and security standards. Continue reading Lindale ISD Police increase staff for upcoming school year