KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — One person is dead in a Tyler traffic mishap. Police say around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, they responded to a major crash involving a van and a motorcycle at West Gentry and M.L. King. The investigation showed that the van turned in front of the motorcycle, causing the collision. The rider of the motorcycle was identified as Jeremy Jasper, 30, from Tyler. He was transported to UT Health on Beckham and pronounced dead. Next of kin has been notified. Following traffic tie-ups resulting from the crash, police say the area was cleared and all lanes of traffic reopened.

TYLER — Tyler police are seeking leads in a Memorial Day homicide. On Monday around 6:15 a.m., dispatch received a 911 call about a disturbance and shots fired on Pinedale Place near the New Copeland Road intersection. When officers and EMS arrived, it was discovered that a man now identified as 33-year-old Austin Lee Deweerdt had been shot. He was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. No suspect was immediately named as authorities continue to investigate. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-CUFF.

TYLER – A Tyler man accused of shooting and killing two dentists in Smith County was indicted for capital murder of multiple persons. According to our news partner KETK, Steven Alexander Smith, 40, was indicted for the charges on May 5. His jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 15. 59-year-old Dr. Blake G. Sinclair and 75-year-old Dr. Jack E. Burroughs were killed in March after they were shot at Affordable Dentures & Implants on Highway 31. Sheriff Larry Smith said Steven Smith was a patient at the clinic and there was an altercation regarding dentures. Once deputies got to the scene, they saw that two men had been shot. According to officials, Smith became angry with clinic employees, went to his vehicle, came back to the lobby of the business, pulled out a gun, and shot the two doctors. Authorities say Smith then fled but was later caught and arrested.

TYLER – A Tyler man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for a murder that was committed in 2020. According to our news partner KETK, that sentence was assessed after 19-year-old Kobe Warthsaw was found guilty by a Smith County jury last week following a three-day trial in 241st District Court. Warthsaw was arrested in 2020 after a shooting that killed 21-year-old Draveon McCullough. According to officers at the time, McCullough knocked on Warthsasw’s door on Vance Street and a fight started. During the fight, McCullough was shot and killed. Officers at the scene found a large amount of drugs.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – SH 135 in Cherokee County will be closed to through traffic from 2.44 miles south of SH 110 in Troup to 5.12 miles north of US 69 in Jacksonville beginning Wednesday, June 1. Crews will be performing bridge replacements on the Mud Creek and the Mud Creek Relief bridges. According to a TxDOT news release, the closure is expected to last until spring 2023. The project consists of the removal of the existing bridges, construction of new bridges, road widening, and roadway resurfacing. Through traffic on SH 135 will be detoured onto FM 2064 for the duration of the closure.

JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville Police Department announced Tuesday that they will be sending personnel at the request of the Uvalde Police Department. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Late last week, Uvalde PD put out a statewide request for law enforcement assistance to help with patrol operations, dignitary protection, roadblocks, and other security needs, according to a Facebook post by Jacksonville PD. Six officers volunteered, including Officer Kenny Barker, and departed Monday afternoon for Uvalde. Jacksonville PD said the deployment will likely last three to five days depending upon operational needs. “Our hope is to help provide a safe environment so this community can grieve during this difficult week ahead,” the post said. “JPD administration will continue to be in contact with the Uvalde Emergency Operations Center and will keep you updated in the upcoming days.”

SILOAM Springs, Arkansas – A Tyler man died over the weekend after trying to save his son from drowning in Arkansas. The Grand River Dam Authority Police Department identified the man as 42-year-old Jose James-Flores, according to our news partner KETK’s sister station KSN. The department said James-Flores jumped into Flint Creek after his son jumped from the top of the dam. Both James-Flores and his son were underwater for five to seven minutes before being pulled out. The son was revived at the scene while James-Flores was taken to a hospital and later died.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is accepting applications for city boards and commissions until Friday, Aug. 5. Appointments will be made by the City Council at the Aug. 24 meeting. Those appointed will serve voluntarily and without pay for two-year terms. According to a news release, members of a city board should generally be city of Tyler residents. Except as otherwise set forth in the release, the City Council retains the discretion to appoint any person it deems to be qualified to serve on a particular city board if the appointee resides in either the city of Tyler or elsewhere in Smith County. There may be additional requirements for some board positions. Click here to learn more.

LONGVIEW – A former multi-sport athlete for the Longview Lobos has been charged with murder in Louisiana. According to our news partner KETK, 22-year-old Destiny McAfee is a former all-district basketball and volleyball player for the Lobos and graduated in 2019. McAfee signed with Weatherford College in Texas before transferring for one year to the University of Louisiana Lafayette in the 2020-2021 season. Lafayette police were called to a home Saturday morning just after 11:30 a.m. to conduct a welfare check. According to KETK’s sister station KLFY, officers found a 43-year-old man dead inside. The victim’s name was not immediately released. The report says the man was involved in a “domestic altercation with his live-in girlfriend in the early morning hours.” Continue reading Former Longview athletic star charged with murder

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. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. A second crew will be performing ditch maintenance in various locations throughout the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be widening pavement on FM 449 westbound from the Harrison County line to FM 2751. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. Weather permitting, herbicide operations will continue on various roadways. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork throughout the district.

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith takes the podium for an annual Memorial Day observance at Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery. The sheriff took a moment to share his thoughts with KTBB. Smith said amid all the recreational activities associated with the holiday, it’s important to remember what Memorial Day stands for and where it came from. Smith called on everyone to be with the families of the fallen soldiers. He said if you know any such person, tell them how much you appreciate their sacrifice. The event also featured a recognition of war veterans, a 21-gun salute, and other touches.

LONGVIEW — Governor and former Longview resident Greg Abbott keynoted “A Day of Thanks and Remembrance” as Longview honored Memorial Day. Abbott told the crowd, “As we gather today, we thank God for all who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. For through the fire of their sacrifice, our freedom has been preserved.” The governor added, “We ask for God’s blessings and comfort for the families of the fallen — and we re-dedicate ourselves to the cause for which they fought and they died. May we never forget the price they paid so that we can be free. May God bless all who have served — and may He forever bless the United States of America. God bless.” Abbott also took a moment to reflect on the tragedy in Uvalde. Abbott said, “What happened in Uvalde was a horrific act of evil — and as Texans, we must come together and lift up Uvalde and support them in every way that we possibly can.”

WHITEHOUSE – On Saturday morning, the city of Whitehouse unveiled its new veterans memorial, a project of the inaugural Whitehouse Youth Community Council. The memorial was dedicated in remembrance of fallen veterans. The grand opening brought many people out including Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran and representative Matt Schaefer, according to our news partner KETK. “Today’s event to dedicate this memorial to Whitehouse was incredibly important. you know these monuments and memorials serve as a place for private reflection, and public acknowledgment of the sacrifices that have been given over the years, and that need to be given in the future years,” said Moran. Continue reading City of Whitehouse unveils new memorial dedicated to fallen veterans

HENDERSON COUNTY — Three men have now been arrested in Henderson County after authorities got a tip about a missing person’s case and eventually found a body. The deceased person, now identified as Jimmy Dean Oldfield, had been missing since May 11 and was reported to the sheriff’s office on May 15. Investigators found Oldfield’s truck, “cut into several pieces,” at a residence off Highway 85, just outside Seven Points. Arrested were 42-year-old Steven Joe Clowdus, 47-year-old William David Hux, and 22-year-old Dalan Joe Clowdus. The younger Clowdus was the last one captured; officials say he turned himself in. All are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity to commit murder. Hux was also charged with tampering with physical evidence.

TYLER — Some new leadership is announced in Tyler ISD. Geoffrey Sherman has been named the new principal of Tyler Legacy High School. Sherman has been the principal at Hubbard Middle School since 2018. He also served as the West Side Elementary School principal in Jacksonville ISD and was an assistant principal at Jones Elementary School in Tyler ISD. He additionally taught at Hogg Middle School. For more on that and the other leadership changes, go to this link and scroll down to “News.”

EMORY – A man was sentenced to life in prison for the continuous sexual abuse of his daughter, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, the Rains County District Attorney’s Office says the abuse happened over an “extended period of time” and began in Irving. The family moved to Emory in 2017 and the abuse continued through January 2021. At the time, the defendant was 50 years old and the defendant was 11. The name of the defendant was not released in an effort to protect the identity of the child victim.

TYLER – A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family of a Tyler woman who was murdered. According to our news partner KETK, officials are investigating the death of 40-year-old Jaci Wilkerson. 49-year-old David Thompson was arrested on Thursday in connection to the murder — now believed to be the result of a machete attack, according to an arrest affidavit. Wilkerson was well-known in the community. She was a mother of four children, and one of them is still a baby, according to Dr. Gary Spence, the owner of Spence & White Veterinary Hospital. Wilkerson worked at the pet hospital and Nicholas Pet Haven. “Her love for animals was contagious. She will be missed. Pray for her and her children,” said Spence. Continue reading GoFundMe set up after Tyler mother of four is murdered

EAST TEXAS — East Texans prepare to observe Memorial Day today. Gov. Greg Abbott will highlight a community-wide event at Teague Park in Longview. The City of Longview, Gregg County, and the Boy Scout Troop 201 Alumni Foundation will host what’s termed A Day of Thanks and Remembrance. The event will include a main ceremony featuring Abbott, a flag retirement ceremony, free lunch, and more. The main ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Military and law enforcement recruiters will be on hand, and there will be opportunities for COVID vaccinations and blood pressure checks. Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair and umbrella and can spend time exploring the park’s Veterans Memorial Plaza. Click here for more details. Continue reading Memorial Day events planned in East Texas

TYLER — The City of Tyler’s Fun Forest Park opens its pool and splash pad for the 2022 season. You can enjoy the opening weekend of the splash pad free of charge only on May 28 and 29. The pool and splash pad will open for the full season on Saturday, June 4. Tyler Transit will be offering free rides to the pool and splash pad all summer. Riders will need to notify the driver that they are going to Fun Forest to receive the free ride. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Click here for more information.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) announces that nominations are now being accepted through June 1 for the 2022 W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. That extends the deadline beyond the original date of May 20. According to press materials, this 23rd annual award will honor an individual or organization exemplifying the concept of public health distinguished by dedication to the goal of protecting and promoting the health of the community. The nominee does not need to be a public health professional. Services provided by the nominee may be in the area of civic, cultural, health, welfare, religious, or philanthropic endeavors. All nominations must be postmarked no later than June 1 . Click here for more information, being sure to disregard references to the original nomination deadline.

PALESTINE — Residents continue to remember former Palestine ISD teacher and coach Michael Coyne. According to our news partner KETK, Coyne was killed by a wrong-way driver coming back from a Mavericks game on I-45 in Wilmer on Sunday night. Two students were in the car with him, and they were taken to a Dallas hospital for treatment. 14-year-old Rebecca Campa , and 15-year-old Reuben Vasquez are still in intensive care and will have to undergo several surgeries, but both are expected to recover. The woman driving the wrong was also killed in the crash, along with her two young children. A candlelight vigil for Coyne was held Thursday evening. Continue reading Palestine continues remembering teacher killed by wrong-way driver

TYLER — Friday, May 27, through Monday, May 30, the Tyler Police Department will be adding extra officers on the street utilizing STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). Police say with increased traffic in the city and at Lake Tyler for the Memorial Day weekend, these officers will be specifically watching for impaired or intoxicated drivers. Officer Andy Erbaugh says, “We want everyone to enjoy the Memorial Day Holiday. Please be responsible and don’t drink and drive.”

GREGG COUNTY — A female inmate’s death at the Gregg County Jail has sparked an investigation from the Texas Rangers. According to our news partner KETK, staff at the North Jail found a woman unresponsive in her cell at 10:45 p.m. Thursday night. EMS was called to the cell block and she was taken to a local hospital. She was pronounced dead a short time later. The woman’s name has been withheld, pending family notification. The Texas Rangers have been called in to lead the investigation, which is standard procedure.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith announced his plan to run for re-election in 2024. According to our news partner KETK, Smith announced his intent to run at his birthday party on Thursday at the Sharon Shriners Event Center. Smith said that he will try to be sheriff as long as his health allows and as long as the people of Smith County want him to be. Smith has been sheriff of Smith County for 9 years, getting his start in January 2013.

TYLER — Tyler Mayor Don Warren delivers his annual State of the City address — focusing largely on Tyler’s growth, including infrastructure challenges. He pointed to “somewhat of a housing shortage” and inflation as key issues. But Warren also focused on the future, including the so-called “east-west corridor.” He says he’s particularly excited about the new Rose Complex, downtown development, and the new medical school. Regarding the Rose Complex, Warren commented, “Our timing on that was perfect…We bid it out a year ago. We didn’t get as hit up into the supply chain and inflation like we are right now, so…we timed that perfectly…we didn’t do it on purpose; it just happened.” He added, “I’m just excited about the future of…what all’s goin’ on in our city.” Continue reading Warren delivers State of the City address

TYLER — In the wake of the Uvalde massacre, the Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas reminds consumers to be prepared and provides an overview of active shooter protocol. Likewise, BBB encourages employers of all sizes to participate in active shooter preparedness trainings. “Unfortunately, in this day and age, conducting active shooter training and creating a plan on how to react to these types of emergencies are essential,” says local BBB President/CEO Mechele Mills as quoted in a news release. Mills is sharing a number of tips from Mark Seguin, founder and CEO of TBG Solutions, Inc. Continue reading BBB: having plan in place to defend against active shooter situation is essential

TYLER — A Tyler man wanted for murder after a woman was found dead in an apartment on Wednesday was arrested by Lindale Police early Thursday morning, according to our news partner KETK. An arrest warrant for murder was issued Wednesday afternoon for David Michael Thompson, 49, with a bond of $750,000. Tyler police say he turned himself in. Authorities say around 3:15 Wednesday morning, police responded to The Lodge on Broadway, a South Broadway apartment complex. 40-year-old Jaci Wilkerson of Smith County was found dead inside an apartment. According to a news release, Wilkerson’s body has been taken for autopsy and her family has been notified. The case is still under investigation.

GILMER — Thursday, May 26, is the final day for in-person assistance from SBA disaster recovery specialists at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center inside the Upshur County Courthouse in Gilmer. Officials say victims of the severe storms and tornado on March 21 can visit the location and get in person assistance to complete the application for a federally backed disaster loan to help cover uninsured losses for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private non-profits. The center is set up in the old commissioners meeting room, on the courthouse’s third floor. Hours are 8:30 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Online Assistance can be found here. Continue reading Final day is May 26 for SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Gilmer

EMORY — The Rains ISD superintendent released more information after RISD police confiscated a gun from a student’s vehicle in the high school parking lot. “Rains ISD takes all potential threats to staff and students seriously and works to investigate them fully,” said Superintendent Jennifer Johnson. According to our news partner KETK, officials mentioned they cannot release all information about the situation due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that protects students’ privacy. On Tuesday, students were placed under a lockdown after a social media post was made on Snapchat. Officials believe the post was a prank. Continue reading Authorities issue update on weapons case in Emory