KTBB News, Weather, Talk

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) – Prosecutors say a retired truck driver from Texas has been charged with killing a woman whose body was found along a freeway onramp in a Southern California desert nearly 30 years ago. The DA’s office in Riverside County, California says cold-case investigators used advances in DNA technology to link Douglas Thomas to the 1993 killing of Sherri Herrera. Thomas is held in Titus County, Texas, awaiting trial for a separate slaying in that state in 1992. It wasn’t immediately known if Thomas has an attorney. Officials say the 67-year-old traveled extensively throughout the U.S. during a 40-year career as a trucker.

TYLER — A trial date of July 18 was set Friday for a 91-year-old man who was arrested on a charge of arson in 2020. According to our news partner KETK, Kermit Francis Gabel of Tyler remains in the Smith County Jail after nearly two years for the charge of arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship, as well as a parole violation. Gabel’s bond for the arson charge is set at $250,000. He is accused of setting fire to an abandoned home on South Beckham Avenue on Nov. 6, 2020. Gabel is unusually familiar to law enforcement authorities. His criminal record stretches back to the 1940s.

LONGVIEW — After the mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and in Uvalde, some East Texans got together to address concerns. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday morning, they gathered at Longview’s Heritage Plaza in hopes of pressuring lawmakers into making some change. Organizers said the goal isn’t to have our second amendment rights taken away, but rather allowing them to exercise their first amendment rights. “Have our legislators understand and know, and hear our voice, that we’ve had enough and something needs to be done,” said Adam Farmer, one of the event organizers. People of all ages joined the effort, including at least one as young as seven. Continue reading “March for Our Lives” in Longview

MARSHALL — With the help of citizens, a suspect in a Morris County vehicle theft was caught by a Harrison County Sheriff’s deputy Friday after the man led a chase and resisted arrest, according to authorities. According to our news partner KETK, Michael Shane Blackburn, 34, of Jefferson, was arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail Friday on four charges: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle (out of Morris County), evading arrest with a previous conviction, resisting arrest – deadly weapon, and attempting to take a weapon from an officer. His total bond has been set at $74,000. According to a Facebook post from the HCSO, a deputy received a tip that Blackburn was possibly seen at the Dollar General in Harleton. At the time, he was wanted for a felony warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Continue reading Authorities: Fugitive caught by deputy, citizens

ATHENS — A Henderson County judge issued an arrest warrant on Friday for a man who allegedly called in a bomb threat to the courthouse Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office says a false alarm arrest warrant was issued for Daniel Simpson, 35, who allegedly called in the threat at the county courthouse shortly before the commissioners court was about to start. In a Henderson County Network Sheriff’s Report podcast episode, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse explained that upon being notified of the bomb threat, the courthouse, judicial complex, and courthouse annex were all promptly evacuated. Due to the nature of the threat and how serious it was, Hillhouse said that the false alarm charge is a state jail felony. Continue reading Warrant issued in Henderson County bomb threat

SMITH COUNTY — A portion of Smith County Road 285, also known as Old Omen Road, will be closed for less than two months this summer so a bridge can be replaced. Starting on Monday, June 13, the bridge near the Prairie Creek Park Area, will be closed. The 22-foot wide concrete bridge will be demolished and replaced with a longer, 30-foot wide all-concrete bridge. “We’ll have a wider roadway and a bridge when we finish this project,” County Engineer Frank Davis said. During construction, the portion of CR 285, near its intersection with CR 2215 (Lake Meadows Road), to Farm-to-Market Road 848, will be closed to thru traffic. This bridge services the east side of Lake Tyler and a portion of Lake Tyler East. The detour around Lake Tyler will be about 16 miles, he said. Continue reading County Road 285 to be closed for bridge replacement

TYLER — The TSA Pre✓ mobile enrollment center will be at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport in the commercial terminal building from Monday, June 13, through Friday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Travelers interested in becoming TSA Pre✓ can now schedule their in-person appointment to complete the background check and fingerprinting at the mobile enrollment center. According to a news release, TSA Pre✓ is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience. For TSA Pre✓ travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear, or belts. Click here for all the details.

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this coming week. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 15. Flaggers will control traffic. A herbicide unit will also be in various locations throughout the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will start mill and inlay with Special Crews on FM 2204 from US 259 Bypass to FM 2276. They will then move to FM 2012 from SH 31 to the Rusk County line. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — Country music star Jon Wolfe will headline this year’s Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala, set for Saturday at the Texas Rose Horse Park — the gala’s home for the past four years. The 2022 event, the 34th, will be called “Neon Rose.” The Cattle Barons’ Gala is a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Click here or call 903-570-8126 for more information.

TYLER — We haven’t approached the more intense days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are seeing some upticks in the NET Health survey area. That’s why NET Health’s George Roberts wants to re-issue some advisories. Roberts says first of all, stay home when you’re sick. Secondly, he says, make sure to get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so. Roberts points to the abundant supply of vaccine available in the area. He tells KTBB that NET Health will continue to keep you up to date through its website. Click here to view that site.

TYLER — Organizers are applauding the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce’s high-energy membership drive this week. 250 volunteers signed up 784 new members, and Chamber President Henry Bell says many of the volunteers had never even heard of the Chamber. He says the drive helps the Chamber build toward the future and expand its programs. Bell also tells KTBB the drive was a lot of fun, with plenty of networking opportunities — and a lot of new friendships. The event ran Tuesday through Thursday.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department reminds everyone that it’s getting hotter and that means take more precautions when you leave home. If you have children, police say to make completely sure they are with you when you get out of your car after arriving at your destination. Also, do not leave your pet in the car while you shop. Authorities tell us no amount of ventilation from an open window can stop the heat from rising to the point of danger in a vehicle. The Tyler Fire Department and the City of Tyler have prepared a Heat Response Plan that gives tips on staying cool as the Texas summer heats up. Go to this link to view the plan.

ANGELINA COUNTY — An Angelina County inmate escaped from the jail late Thursday night after walking off a work detail. According to our news partner KETK, the sheriff’s office released a statement identifying the inmate as 36-year-old James Wheeler. He stands roughly 6’0″ tall, weighing 180 pounds with sandy blond or light brown hair. Deputies say he was last seen wearing a bright green t-shirt along with black and white striped uniform pants. Wheeler has more than a dozen felony convictions over the last 19 years, mostly for theft and organized crime. If you have any information about his whereabouts, contact the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office.

TYLER – Sarah Cureton has been named the new principal of Tyler ISD’s Clarkston Elementary School. Cureton replaces Tara Hinton, who served as principal since 2020. Cureton has been the assistant principal at Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School since 2019. She also served as a master teacher, summer school administrator, and teacher at Clarkston.

TYLER – A Tyler woman who was charged in the 2020 death of her three-year-old daughter pleaded guilty Thursday morning and received a 35-year prison sentence. According to our news partner KETK, Courtnie Williams was arrested along with the victim’s father, Manuel Williams, after officers were called to the family’s home and found injuries that were consistent with “a history of abuse.” Manuel Williams received a 50-year plea deal in February to a charge of injury to a child, the same charge to which his wife pleaded guilty.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has approved a change order in the amount of $1,520,586 to complete rehabilitation and restore the city’s historic Mayfair concert hall on the East Texas State Fairgrounds. The additional amount will be funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund, which officials say has seen a great recovery in recent months. They add there are also many grant and donor opportunities available. The project has been in the works for some time. Officials say initial cost allowances were based on 2014 estimates, and the city has now updated its plan based on a recent survey. According to a news release, the project would start after the East Texas State Fair ends in mid-October, with a completion date of summer 2023. Continue reading City approves historic Mayfair concert hall rehabilitation

LONGVIEW – Seven men were arrested earlier this week in a solicitation of prostitution bust in Gregg County. According to our news partner KETK, a DPS report stated the arrests were made on Tuesday and Wednesday. The bust was in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Smith County Texas Anti-Gang Unit, Longview PD, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office and the Gregg County DA. DPS has made multiple busts in East Texas in recent months. Continue reading Numerous East Texas men arrested in prostitution bust

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office seeks your help solving an aggravated robbery. Officials say around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a robbery that had just occurred at a convenience store in the 11400 block of Hwy. 64 West near Tyler. They were informed that a suspect entered the store, pointed a handgun at both the employee and a customer, and demanded the money from the cash register while informing both victims to lay on the floor. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, witnesses say the suspect fled the area in an unknown direction. Authorities say the suspect was a black male, 5’09” to 5’10”, wearing a blue hoodie, dark colored pants, and a blue bandana over his face. The weapon was described as a black semi-automatic pistol. If you have any information concerning this case, call the Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.

TYLER — The name for the Rose Complex’s conference center was announced as the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center during a special called Tyler City Council meeting Wednesday. “Brookshire’s tradition of outstanding service was instilled 90 years ago when W.T. Brookshire made the decision to place the customer as his top priority,” said Mayor Don Warren. “The company has come a long way since 1928 – but is still focused on offering the same exceptional customer service it was founded on. Our mission is to create and deliver exceptional experiences and value to our customers through the W.T. Brookshire Way.” After the name was announced, attendees signed the complex girders to commemorate the occasion. Continue reading Rose Complex conference center’s name revealed

AUSTIN — Continuing to reflect a statewide trend, Tyler and Longview again see increases in monthly sales tax allocations from the state comptroller’s office. For June, Tyler pulls in $4,543,068.92, up from $4,539,538.10 in June 2021. For the year to date, Tyler is at $29,334,062.84, an increase from $25,523,679.20 last June. Longview gets $3,347,365.10 this month, compared to $3,147,148.23 in June of last year. For the year to date, Longview has collected $21,541,520.02; the comparable number a year ago was $18,381,764.80. Click here for more information.

LONGVIEW — Longview police Tuesday arrested 59-year-old Dr. Matt Hipke of Longview on two indictment warrants for continuous sexual abuse of a child with the victim being under 14 years old. According to a news release, Hipke was transported and booked into the Gregg County Jail without incident. At the time of his arrest, Hipke was out on bond from his arrest on August 14, 2020. Hipke was originally arrested for two counts of the aforementioned allegation. According to the Texas Medical Board website, Hipke’s license to practice medicine was suspended in relation to this investigation in August 2020.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday moved forward with a pair of infrastructure projects. According to city press materials, the Council authorized the city manager to execute two construction contracts for sanitary sewer line rehabilitations under a Consent Decree with the Environmental Protection Agency. The Council also authorized the city manager to execute a contract for maintenance and repair of stormwater infrastructure on N. Border Ave. between Mims and Barrett Streets. Officials cite factors that they say are causing sinkholes and undermining the stormwater structures in the area. The project will also repair the interior of the upstream inlet box.

TYLER — We’ll soon know the name of Tyler’s new Rose Complex Conference Center, along with other information. The Tyler City Council will meet Wednesday at 2 p.m. for a special called meeting followed by a check presentation for the center. During the meeting, the official name for the Rose Complex will be announced. It all happens at the conference center site on West Front Street. The facility will replace Harvey Convention Center, with officials hoping for completion by late October or early November.

CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill ISD trustees Monday unanimously approved the 2022-2023 Compensation Plan offering significant pay raises for teachers and staff, according to a news release. The teacher starting pay will be set to $50,000 with continuing teachers receiving an increase of $1,600. All other employees will see an increase of three percent based on the midpoint of their pay grade. The plan will take effect in the 2022-2023 academic year and covers a variety of employee incentive opportunities, according to the release.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — One person is dead following a late Monday night pursuit in Van Zandt County that ended in a fiery crash. According to DPS, preliminary investigation indicates the driver was evading law enforcement traveling east on I-20 near Mile Marker 536 at a high rate of speed. Officials say she exited onto the south service road approaching CR 4414, failed to negotiate the curve, and traveled north into a grassy area south of I-20. They say the vehicle continued in the grassy area, struck a tree, and caught on fire. The victim’s identity wasn’t immediately available.

MARSHALL — Marshall police are seeking a man following a shooting at a clothing store Monday afternoon on East End Boulevard. 39-year-old Montrell Antwon Hatton of Marshall is accused of wounding two female victims who were taken to the hospital. Police say he had left the scene when they arrived and is now sought on two aggravated assault warrants. Hatton is believed to be driving a late model white four-door Chevrolet pickup truck. Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Marshall Police Department at 903-935-4575. If you have information but wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Marshall/Harrison County Crimestoppers at 903-935-9969 or use the P3 mobile app.

TYLER – A second person linked to allegations involving the Smith County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office has been rearrested for an alleged bond violation. According to our news partner KETK, online judicial records show former Pct. 1 Sgt. Derrick Holman was arrested June 3 and released the same day after posting a $60,000 bond. Last year, Holman was charged with theft, abuse of official capacity, and official oppression along with Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris and Chief Deputy LaQuenda Banks. They are accused of stealing cash, electronics, jewelry, and more from a property room while working. Traylor-Harris was recently rearrested for an alleged bond violation as well after he appeared in a graduation video in full uniform in possession of his weapon, which officials say violated terms of his bond.

TYLER — Authorities have arrested 32-year-old Robert Harrison Johnson IV in DeSoto for allegedly causing the fire that killed his half-brother last month in Smith County. At 8 p.m. on May 18, officials were dispatched to a home on Smith County Road 1113 for a structure fire with a man trapped inside the residence. Jack McKenzie Ross, 35, who was both mentally and physically disabled, died after resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. At the time, the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office reported that Ross’s brother was able to escape the fire before responders arrived. After a lengthy investigation, the Fire Marshal’s Office now believes Johnson, who lived in the home with Ross, intentionally set the fire in a bedroom of the house and left the property while the fire consumed the home and resulted in the death of Ross, Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks said. Continue reading Suspect arrested for murder for allegedly starting fatal fire

TYLER – Officials sound the “all clear” after the NorthPark Medical Plaza building at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler was evacuated Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the action came because a “suspicious object” was found on the fifth floor. After a search of the floor, officials say the device was discovered to be harmless. The Tyler Fire Department says the object was found around 8:45 a.m. Public Information Officer Paul Findley said at a media briefing the device had been recovered and appears to be some kind of “tool or instrument that was spring-loaded.” He said it was “not some sort of weapon — it was an instrument.” Findley said patients had been taken to other buildings around the campus and all other staff had been moved. Officials say all units were cleared from the scene at 11:41 a.m. and the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office and hospital security will continue to investigate the origins of the object.