KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks gave a fire risk and weather condition update to Commissioners Court on Tuesday. “Drought conditions are deteriorating,” he said, adding that he hoped rain forecast for this week ends up materializing. As of Tuesday, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County is averaging at 616, he said. Used to determine forest fire potential, the KBDI ranges from 0 to 800. In the past, Smith County has issued a burn ban when the drought index falls around 700. He said although they are starting to see an uptick in grass fires, he recommends waiting to enact a countywide burn ban. He asked that the issue be put on next week’s Commissioners Court agenda to continue the discussion. Continue reading Smith County Fire Marshal urges fire safety

HENDERSON — Authorities in Rusk County say a suspect has been captured following a chase involving an 18-wheeler stolen from Kilgore. According to our news partner KETK, the driver allegedly tried to run deputies off the road and reportedly endangered motorists during their Monday morning commute. Law officers disabled tires on the truck with gunfire and spikes before the truck stopped on Highway 259, north of FM 1798, and the suspect was captured.

HARRISON COUNTY — Harrison County Sheriff BJ Fletcher says a man has been arrested for the alleged aggravated kidnapping of a Hallsville woman at gunpoint. That’s according to our news partner KETK, along with partner stations KTAL and KMSS. Officials say Raul Torrez had previously been deported for entering the country illegally and a five-hour manhunt led to his capture in the kidnapping. Torrez faces multiple charges. The sheriff thanked Union Pacific for helping by stopping trains from moving through the area during the search. Officials say the victim was shaken by the incident but will be OK.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — TxDOT is advising of an additional project along with the others listed in its weekly roadwork update for the Tyler District. Officials say it involves a SH 19 super two widening & overlay, running six miles north from US 80 to the Rains County line. Anticipated completion date is December 2023. Crews will be extending drainage structures and trimming trees. Traffic control will consist of daily shoulder closures northbound managed by signs and channelizing devices. The project consists of super two type work, including grading, base repair, treated subgrade, flex base, structures, signs, pavement markings, and more.

TYLER — Following an extensive renovation, the Tyler Fire Department has moved its administrative services to its new home at the corner of W. Front and S. Hill Streets. That’s a short distance west of the Glenwood intersection, near the Cotton Belt Building. Officials say the new headquarters is open and operating daily during business hours. An official open house will be announced soon, according to a brief news release.

FLINT — As the Fourth of July approaches, 13 counties have burn bans in place– some even going as far as to cancel firework shows. According to our news partner KETK, local firework stand owners say despite the burn bans being placed into effect, they continue to have a steady flow of business. “We’re hoping it doesn’t come into effect. We had some rain yesterday and we are supposed to get some rain more this week,” said the owner of Texas Triple Threat Fireworks, Steve Kipp. A family business of over 20 years says they donate some of their proceeds to The Flint Fire Department, The Community Center, and SPCA of East Texas. Continue reading Firework sales remain steady amid East Texas burn bans

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith gave new details Monday regarding the Sunday morning trail ride incident that sent five people to the hospital after a string of shootings. According to our news partner KETK, Smith said in a press conference that his office, the fire marshal’s office, and the district attorney’s office will be going after the organizers of the event with “any civil lawsuit, as well as any criminal enforcement.” Smith added, “We’ll be looking at failure to stop and render aid, just anything that we can file on the event holder, or anyone else, they’ve broken the law in Smith County and will be prosecuted.” Continue reading New details on trail ride shooting incident

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 15 in Troup. Flaggers will control traffic. A second crew will be performing ditch maintenance in various locations throughout the county. A herbicide unit and sweeper truck will also be in various spots around the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be overlaying on FM 449 east and westbound, from FM 2751 to the Harrison County line. Expect delays. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — NET Health is now offering COVID vaccines for young children. Anyone age 6 months and over can receive either the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine at the NET Health Immunizations Clinic, 815 North Broadway Avenue, directly next to the Tyler Municipal Court. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. “Vaccination remains the best strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” says George Roberts, NET Health CEO. “All COVID-19 vaccines may be co-administered with other vaccines during the same visit, such as the recommended back-to-school vaccines.” Continue reading COVID vaccines available for ages six months and above

MINEOLA — An East Texas woman who helped argue the original Roe vs. Wade case before the Supreme Court reflects on the court’s reversal of the 1973 decision. Linda Coffee is now 79 years old and lives in Mineola. She and Sarah Weddington represented Norma McCorvey, then known as “Jane Roe”, in the court case filed in Dallas. Coffee says “it’s going to make it, at a minimum, a lot more expensive for women who want to have an abortion.” Texas already bans abortions past six weeks or after a fetal heartbeat is detected. The state’s “trigger” law will ban abortions entirely except in rare cases when the mother’s life is in danger, 30 days after the Supreme Court releases its official judgement on Roe v. Wade. She also sees “almost never-ending lawsuits” resulting from Friday’s landmark decision.

TYLER — A man is dead and another is critically injured after a shooting that occurred in Tyler Saturday evening. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday, at around 9 p.m., Tyler Police officers responded to a shooting on North Moore Avenue. There, they found two victims with apparent gunshot wounds, who were identified as 25-year-old Cameron Price and 24-year-old Jabraylon Franklin, both of Tyler. The two were then taken to local hospitals, where Franklin succumbed to his injuries and where Price remains in critical condition. Tyler Police said that the alleged shooter later turned himself in to officers and was identified as 39-year-old Larry Taylor, of Tyler. Continue reading Suspect in fatal Tyler shooting turns himself in

SMITH COUNTY — A suspect is in custody after a high-speed pursuit through Smith and Wood counties on Friday evening. According to our news partner KETK, a Facebook post from Smith County Pct. 4 Constable Josh Joplin, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop at around 8:20 p.m. Friday evening for a “moving traffic violation” on a Maroon Ford Ranger on FM 14 in Red Springs. When the driver refused to stop, the deputy began to pursue the vehicle, leading the driver to flee at “excessive speeds” northbound on FM 14. As the truck continued driving north, the suspect eventually crossed onto Highway 80 in Wood County. Continue reading Constable chases suspect through Smith, Wood counties

EAST TEXAS — The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had provided a constitutional right to abortion. Friday’s ruling is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states. Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, authored the “Heartbeat Bill” which requires that a physician performing an abortion first check for a fetal heartbeat. If there is a heartbeat, the physician may not abort the child. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill into law in May.

Hughes released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s RvW decision: “Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed our nation’s constitutional foundation of respect for life by finally correcting a decision that has wrongly ruled for almost 50 years. I commend the Court for refusing to be bullied and for deciding the outcome based on the rightful application of the law rather than on fealty to a lawless ruling. Continue reading Senator Hughes weighs in on Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade

WHITEHOUSE — The city of Whitehouse has released a schedule for voluntary irrigation reduction, which will go into effect immediately, according to our news partner KETK. “Like all retail water providers in Texas, the City of Whitehouse has a drought contingency plan that outlines factors that trigger different stages of water restrictions,” the city said in a release. With the lack of rain expected to continue, combined with the spikes in usage on the weekends, the demand on the water system is likely to be significant. The city added that while they have not reached any thresholds that require mandatory reductions in water usage, they reached a threshold this week that warrants requesting voluntary compliance in order to alleviate demand on the water system. Continue reading City of Whitehouse implements voluntary irrigation reduction schedule

SMITH COUNTY — A man was shot and injured just outside of Tyler early Friday afternoon when he allegedly tried to confront a homeowner in his front yard. It happened just before 1:00 Friday afternoon on Mary Ann Street. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Sheriff Deputies received a call advising that a man had confronted the caller in the front yard of his residence and attacked him. During the altercation, the caller allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot the man in the abdomen multiple times. Upon arrival, deputies reportedly found the injured man standing on the front porch of the residence, allegedly attempting to enter the caller’s home. Continue reading Man shot numerous times during dispute at Smith County residence

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A man was sentenced to 12 years in prison in Cherokee County for burglary of habitation, according to our news partner KETK. Anthony Wayne Brooks was convicted for this offense on Thursday in the 2nd Judicial District Court. The burglary happened in September, and a witness said Brooks put items from a home into the back of a truck and then drove away, according to Elmer C. Beckworth, the Cherokee County District Attorney. A jury convicted Brooks after about an hour of deliberations. Brooks also asked for the jury to decide his punishment. The jury decided on a 12 year sentence, and had been informed that Brooks had four previous felony convictions. 2nd Judicial District Judge Chris Day then finalized the sentencing. Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Richey and Assistant District Attorney Enoch Basnett represented the prosecution in this case, and Brooks’ lawyer was Sravanesh Muralidhar.

EAST TEXAS — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert’s name came up during Thursday’s hearing of the January 6th Committee. In a taped deposition, former Trump White House aid Cassidy Hutchinson said Gohmert was one of several Congressional Republicans who sought a presidential pardon following the attack on the US Capitol. Rice University Political Scientist Mark Jones notes Gohmert gave up his Congressional seat to run for Texas Attorney General. Jones said, “From a pardon perspective, when you’re not a member of Congress, you have a greater need for a pardon…you’re not protected by your office.” Other members who allegedly asked for a pardon include representatives Andy Biggs of Arizona, Matt Gaetz of Florida and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. Continue reading East Texas Congressman responds after he’s mentioned during Capitol riot hearing

ATHENS — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has a located and arrested a suspect who authorities say confronted deputies with a rifle. According to our news partner KETK, HCSO investigators were at a residence on West College Street in Athens recovering a stolen vehicle when Raymond Loden allegedly confronted them with a rifle. According to officials, Loden pointed the rifle at investigators and an investigator fired a shot at Loden. The sheriff’s office said he ran away from the scene but was later caught.The Trinity Valley Community College Athens campus was given an all-clear after being evacuated following a lockdown due to the manhunt.

TYLER — The Chandler man who has been accused of intoxicated manslaughter for the fiery wreck near the Tyler airport in December has been given a trial date. Daniel Guadalupe Juarez, 39, has been given a plea date of Sept. 19 and will go to trial on Oct. 3. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond. Juarez allegedly lost control of his car on the wet road, crossed over the center line, and collided with 54-year-old Dennis Criner of Tyler. Both were taken to UT Health for their injuries, where Criner later succumbed to his. According to our news partner KETK, Juarez faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.

BULLARD – The City of Bullard canceled its July 4 “Blast Over Bullard” event on Thursday, citing Cherokee County’s burn ban and drought-like conditions as the cause. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Acknowledging that the decision was “difficult,” city officials said in a statement, “Our primary concern is always to provide a safe and welcoming environment during our events.” The city said officials understand the inconvenience the cancellation of the annual fireworks show causes, and that they are deeply sorry that they are no longer able to execute the event. Troup, Marshall, and Chandler have also canceled their July 4 events.

EAST TEXAS — More counties in East Texas are under burn bans due to current weather conditions. According to our news partner KETK, those already included Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Panola, Upshur, and Van Zandt Counties. Now Harrison County is on the list, issuing a ban for unincorporated areas. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, those who violate burn bans could be fined up to $500. Officials say that residents should not make campfires or burn trash, wood, or other items during a burn ban.

TYLER – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving false claims of military service. Officials say Derek Robert Hamm, 38, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, violating the Stolen Valor Act, using a fraudulent military discharge certificate, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. As part of the plea agreement, Hamm agreed to pay restitution of at least $2.3 million and forfeiture of the proceeds of his criminal conduct in the amount of $1,675,000. According to court documents, Hamm invented a persona of being a wealthy and successful war hero and created an extensive network of friends who introduced him to potential investors. Within hours of receiving investors’ funds, Hamm spent their money on himself and his family, including expensive jewelry, vehicles, and vacations to expensive resorts on private charter planes. Click here for full details.

TYLER — The Caldwell Zoo announces news regarding what staffers term major improvements. Officials say a complete remodel of the South American section has been unanimously approved by the board of trustees. According to a news release, “The plans will add a vast array of alluring animals and beautiful birds to a major part of the zoo. The Amazon River’s Edge will highlight animals from South America in beautiful and expansive habitats.” Staffers also say new guest experiences will be a part of the remodel. Officials say construction will begin shortly and the estimated completion time frame is 14-18 months.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will host the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lindsey Park. The fun kicks off as the gates open at 2 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin after dark (around 9 p.m.). The park gate, located off Spur 364, is the only entrance, and admission is free. Live entertainment will include music from DJ Chris Choice. Vendors and Food Trucks can still register to be a part of the event until June 29. To prepare for this event, Lindsey Park will be closed to the public on July 4 until 2 p.m. Alcohol, smoking, and private fireworks are prohibited in the park. Click here for all the details.

TYLER — 52-year-old Reginald M. Wickware of Tyler has been found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to a news release, Smith County prosecutors presented evidence that Wickware sexually abused an 11 year-old girl in October 2019. During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury also heard evidence that Wickware had 21 previous criminal convictions since the late 1980s, for nine felonies and 12 misdemeanors. Deliberations in the punishment phase took just 15 minutes.

LONGVIEW — With the above-normal heat for a Texas summer, East Texas shelters like Hiway 80 Rescue Mission are seeing more people coming in to cool off, according to our news partner KETK. The blazing temperatures can cause health risks such as dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion. “Between our women’s and men’s shelter and our facility in Tyler- Gateway to Hope, we were just shy of 200 folks last night in a shelter. Normally, we are around 150 or so there has been an uptick in people seeking shelter due to this heat wave we’ve experienced,” said Brian Livingston, Executive Director of Hiway 80 Rescue Mission. The heat can affect sleep, especially for those living on the street. Continue reading East Texas cooling stations see uptick in attendance due to hot temperatures

SMITH COUNTY — 25-year-old Taylor Ray Stevenson of Greenville is identified as the person killed in an officer-involved shooting at a home near Lindale. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith says Stevenson broke in before dawn Tuesday, then reportedly assaulted his girlfriend and allegedly tried to take her phone away. Three small children were on the scene during the incident. Smith says officers responded and tried to talk to Stevenson, but shots were fired. Stevenson was wounded and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Per standard protocol, the officer involved in the shooting is on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation. An autopsy was ordered. Continue reading Officials identify man killed in officer-involved shooting

LONGVIEW – 26-year-old Cody Fortman of DeSoto is awaiting his sentence after pleading guilty Wednesday to a 2017 murder in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, officers called to an Annette Drive residence found the body of Nicholas Trevion Johnson, 22, of Longview, dead with multiple gunshot wounds. Fortman was arrested the next day after officials identified him as a suspect through the cooperation of a witness.

BULLARD — A Bullard woman arrested for financial crimes in early May, was arrested again on Friday and charged with the same crimes in a neighboring county. According to our news partner KETK, Misty Adair, 46, was arrested for the same charges in addition to her current charges relating to misapplication of funds and theft of property. However, the warrant for her Friday arrest was issued by Henderson County. Adair has been charged with misapplication of fiduciary property and theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000 by both counties, and her bond was set on Friday at $5,194.80 per charge. Documents seen by detectives showed Adair had access to the Bullard “Youth for Agriculture” bank account since the organization’s 2019 establishment. Continue reading East Texas woman accused of theft for a second organization