KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The Smith County District Attorney’s Office is recusing itself from prosecuting “killer nurse” defense attorney Phillip Hayes, who was allegedly caught trying to solicit a prostitute. According to our news partner KETK, DA Jacob Putman says his office didn’t want to create a conflict of interest. Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd was appointed to the case instead. Hayes worked as the lead defense attorney for William Davis’ capital murder trial in Tyler. Davis was found guilty and sentenced to death for killing patients at the hospital where he worked as a nurse. Hayes was allegedly caught trying to solicit a prostitute during the month-long trial.

TYLER – Three churches in Tyler received phone calls Thursday morning threatening violence, according to Tyler police and church employees — but police say the threats are not being found credible at this time. According to our news partner KETK, a man called the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Trinity Lutheran, and First Presbyterian Church just after 11 a.m. The man threatened to shoot people at the offices and claimed he was watching them from nearby. Police searched each church and found no evidence of anyone being on any of their respective properties. The St. Gregory Cathedral School, an elementary school next door to the Cathedral, was warned about the threatening call. In a letter to parents, the school said the police asked them to stay inside for the remainder of the day.

TYLER — Internationally known economic expert Dr. Ray Perryman has some good news for Tylerites as he visits the city for his annual economic forecast. Perryman says Tyler was one of the fastest areas of the country to recover from the pandemic’s economic challenges. According to materials presented by Perryman, his latest outlook for the Tyler area calls for notable expansion over the next five years. Perryman says core industries such as health care and higher education continue to expand and form the basis for stable growth. In addition, he says recovery in the regional energy sector will contribute to gains in business activity. Other area industries including logistics are also expected to see gains over time. Overall, Perryman sees the outlook for the Tyler area as positive through the forecast horizon and beyond. Continue reading Perryman issues upbeat economic report

TYLER — A ribbon cutting is held for the state’s new Tyler-based Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, on East Elm Street downtown. Officials say it’s located in Tyler because authorities in the Tyler/Smith County area pioneered efforts to address the targeted crimes. According to press materials, the center coordinates law enforcement investigations into such crimes with specialized knowledge and experience in organized crime and credit card skimmers; those skimmers are in fact the focus of the new effort. Officials say the center will develop and provide training to law enforcement and industry partners on identifying and combating credit card fraud. It’s a partnership between the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. Continue reading Financial Crimes Intelligence Center opens in Tyler

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating “several burglaries” in a south Tyler neighborhood Thursday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Deputy Larry Christian said that investigators were called out after 5 a.m. in the Vanderbilt Estates neighborhood, a gated community on Holcomb Circle. It appears a car was stolen along with “several other property items.” Christian said that they are searching for three to four suspects. He also stated that deputies were getting ready to deploy a drone as well as a K9 unit.

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police Department’s newest member is a 1-1/2 year old Belgian Malinois named Drogon, who joined after receiving his final training in Louisiana. According to our news partner KETK, Drogon is a dual purpose K-9, which means we will be able to perform a variety of patrol functions. Among them: building searches, tracking suspects or lost people, sniffing out drugs, handler protection, and finding things that may have been lost or dropped by a suspect. Police say Officer Taylor will be partnered with Drogon and will soon begin his four weeks of handler training. KPD says that Drogon will be a great asset for patrol. He was purchased with forfeiture funds that came from a DEA case conducted on a doctor who was peddling prescription drugs illegally.

TYLER — Traffic is severely backed up in Tyler after a wreck at Loop 323 and Broadway. According to our news partner KETK, crews responded to the scene just before 9 a.m. It is unknown if anyone was seriously injured in the accident. The city has been enveloped in dense fog for the last couple of hours. Drivers are asked to avoid the area at this time.

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man was sentenced to 35 years in prison after his daughter’s feet had to be amputated following the winter storm when he did not take her to receive medical care. According to our news partner KETK, Glenn Caldwell, 45, was arrested last year after he kept his mentally disabled daughter from the doctor despite the fact her feet had been bleeding and were swollen and discolored. Caldwell admitted to police that his daughter had complained about her feet hurting throughout the week and that she even woke him up several times in the middle of the night telling him she was in pain. He also admitted to being aware of his daughter leaving a trail of blood that led from her bedroom to the living room and the bathroom. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to 35 years after disabled daughter’s feet amputated

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A Van Zandt County man was sentenced to prison for kidnapping. According to our news partner KETK, Austen Lyn Walker, 23, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and accepted a four year sentence. In May of 2020, Walker and Courtney Odum, 22, were arrested for the kidnapping of Willow Sirmans, who was 14 at the time. Sirmans was found safely in Louisville, Kentucky, according to a Special Agent with the FBI Dallas field office. Walker and Odum were arrested on felony kidnapping charges in May 2020, before being extradited to Texas. Odum also pleaded guilty in December of 2021 and was sentenced to six years in prison.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards has made the decision to temporarily suspend jail visitation. According to a news release, this order will be in effect immediately as of Tuesday and will be in place for the ensuing 30 days due to the recent uptick in COVID cases. Officials say if the situation has not improved after 30 days, an extension may be necessary to help reduce COVID exposure. The past several days have seen a sharp increase in inmate COVID cases and that rate is expected to rise. The Smith County Jail has also seen a sharp increase in COVID cases within its jail personnel. This decision was made in an effort to safeguard the inmate population, jail personnel, and the citizens of Smith County, according to the release. Video calls and telephone calls will still be available by inmates, at cost, using equipment provided by the Smith County Jail.

TYLER — With COVID numbers on the rise once again — in East Texas and elsewhere — NET Health’s George ROberts weighs in on omicron and what you can do to stem spread of the virus. He tells KTBB, “With this new variant, we expect this trend to continue over the next few weeks.” Roberts also reiterates that people who are sick should stay home — noting that if you don’t, and you’re symptomatic, “that’s the fastest way to spread the virus.” Roberts continues to urge people to get vaccinated as possible. He sounds another familiar note, saying that even if getting a shot doesn’t prevent you from getting the virus, it’s likely to ease the severity of the illness and your course of care. Continue reading Roberts: Omicron spreading, familiar measures advised

LONGVIEW – The Great Texas Balloon Race is making some changes ahead of its 2022 event. According to our news partner KETK, due to the pandemic, a modified event last year provided three mornings of races over Longview along with mass ascensions on two nights inside the city limits. Event organizers say the response from the community was “overwhelmingly positive.” Residents, pilots, and sponsors agree that bringing it back to Longview was “clearly the best path.” This year’s event will be held at the Longview Convention Complex from Friday, June 17, to Sunday, June 19. Click here for more details.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Judge Robert Wilson has issued a notice: MASKS REQUIRED! In a Facebook post, Judge Wilson writes, “Due to substantial transmission of the Omnicron variant, face coverings/masks are now required to enter the courtroom of the 321st district court regardless of vaccination status.If you do not have a mask, one can be provided to you. If you have ANY symptoms of COVID or you know you were exposed to someone who is positive/symptomatic, please do NOT come to court and email my coordinator about your situation at [email protected] and we will reset your hearing. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue efforts to protect public health.”

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department has issued a scam warning to residents in the area after they heard reports of calls coming from the number 903-882-3313 in which the caller claims to be with the police department. According to our news partner KETK, it has been reported that the caller claims to be with the Lindale Police Department, asking for money and threatening the person called with arrest if they don’t pay. Lindale police say they want residents to be assured that they will never ask for money over the phone and that it is best practice not to pay someone over the phone.

CARTHAGE – A Shreveport man charged with capital murder for allegedly killing a Panola County deputy on New Year’s Eve 2019 has requested that his trial be moved elsewhere. According to our news partner KETK, 49-year-old Gregory Newson is accused of shooting 28-year-old Christopher Dickerson after he was pulled over. Dickerson was able to return fire before Newson drove away. Newson was found one hour later across the Louisiana border in Shreveport with gunshot wounds, a punctured lung, and broken ribs after he crashed. The case has received wide media attention. Newson’s lawyers argue in their motion that “There exists… so great a prejudice against [Newson] that a fair and impartial trial is rendered either impossible or highly unlikely.” Newson is still being held in the Gregg County Jail on a $6 million bond.

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, crews will be working on US 271 rehab, turn lanes, and pavement overlay from FM 16 going southwest to I-20. They’ll be installing driveway culverts on the northbound and southbound sides. In Gregg County, maintenance crews plan to perform erosion control on South Loop 281 eastbound between 4th street and US 259 N. There will be lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER – The enrollment window for choice schools in Tyler ISD is now open– and any student inside or outside the district can apply. As of January 1, parents and students have the power to choose TISD schools and programs that best reflect their child’s method of learning, according to a news release. Participating schools are Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School, Caldwell Arts Academy, and Early College High School. Click here for more details.

RUSK COUNTY — A Longview man reported missing October 26, 2021, has been found in his wrecked vehicle. According to the DPS report, Clay W. Kirk, 65, along with his Nissan truck, were discovered by a property owner on Sunday. The report said Kirk was traveling east on State Loop 571 and disregarded the stop sign at the US 259 intersection. Kirk’s truck struck a dirt embankment, causing the vehicle to flip. The vehicle came to rest in a wooded area, not visible from the roadway. Further details were not available.

HAWKINS — Jarvis Christian College has delayed the return of students to campus for the Spring 2022 semester due to the rapid surge of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. According to our news partner KETK, students will return on campus Wednesday, Jan. 19, but classes will start virtually online on Monday, Jan. 10. Face-to-face classes will resume on Monday, Jan. 24. For faculty and staff who normally meet in person for the Faculty and Staff Institute on Monday, Jan. 3 will login virtually instead, and will not return to in-office hours until normal business hours resume at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5. “Safety of our students, faculty and staff is our priority,” said Jarvis Christian College President Dr. Lester C. Newman. “With the projections and growth of the Omicron variant, we choose to proceed with an abundance of caution for this new year.”

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches police were on the scene of a fatal auto-pedestrian accident in the 2100 block of E. Main Street. According to our news partner KETK, just after 8:00 p.m. Friday, officials responded to a report of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian near the intersection of E. Main Street and Lamar Street. The pedestrian was pronounced dead by the Justice of the Peace. Additional details were not available.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is continuing its increased traffic enforcement for the the New Year’s holiday through Monday, Jan. 2. Officials say motorists will see an increased presence of law enforcement in high-traffic crash areas throughout the city. Officers will focus their targeted enforcement efforts on deterring speeding, seatbelt violations, running red lights, texting, and driving while intoxicated. Police Chief Jimmy Toler says such efforts deter violations and increase public safety. According to a news release, the Tyler Police Department received a Selective Traffic Enforcement Programs (STEP) grant from TxDOT, allowing officers to focus additional efforts on traffic enforcement. STEP grants pay for overtime activities by law enforcement. Continue reading Tyler PD continues increased enforcement for New Year’s holiday

GREGG COUNTY – A car that officials have been looking for in connection to the disappearance of Rosemary Rodriguez, who has been missing since 2019, was found on land on Mt. Pisgah Road in Gregg County on Friday, with remains inside. According to our news partner KETK, Rodriguez was last seen on Oct. 8, 2019, leaving a residence in the Mt. Pisgah Road area of Kilgore. The criminal investigation division was called to the scene and was able to confirm that the vehicle is related to Rodriguez’s case. It is in a heavily wooded area and heavy equipment has been called in to get the vehicle out. At this time, the location is being treated as a crime scene. Continue reading Officials: Car found with remains inside, connected to woman’s disappearance

TYLER — NET Health’s George Roberts urges you to be safe over the New Year’s weekend. He addresses the jump in COVID numbers in East Texas since last week. One area of concern: a lot of reports of high positivity rates. Roberts says one area health care system reported Wednesday that its positivity rate was 47 per cent of its patients, with another county reporting 38 per cent. Roberts also ran down current CDC guidelines: If you test positive, you should stay home for at least five days; and if you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after five days, you can leave your house, but wear a mask around others for another five days. But he says according to the CDC, if you have a fever during this whole process, stay home until it resolves. He adds that if you are exposed, you are asked to isolate yourself at home for five days and then test at the end of that period to see if you have COVID or not. Continue reading Roberts issues New Year’s weekend COVID advisory

TYLER — The City of Tyler and Keep Tyler Beautiful are announcing a public art opportunity at the new Rose Complex. Artists are invited to submit original artwork via email by Jan. 15, 2022, for potential selection. Two designs will be installed into mosaic tiles located at the south side entrance to the conference center as well as a mural for a wall in the green room backstage. Selected artists will each receive $300 for the design concept. For more information, contact Shelby Marvin, City of Tyler Keep Tyler Beautiful coordinator, at (903) 531-1335 or email [email protected].

PALESTINE — A 73-year-old woman was killed late Wednesday night after her car crashed outside of Palestine. According to our news partner KETK, a preliminary DPS report states that Marcella McDonald, of Palestine, was driving her 1995 Dodge Ram pickup on HWY 155 less than a mile south of the city. Her car reportedly went off the right side of the roadway for an “undetermined reason,” struck a culvert and hit several trees before coming to a stop. McDonald was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is still ongoing.

LONGVIEW — The registration period for the Longview Fire Department’s annual Ambulance Subscription Program for 2022 is almost over. Since 2009, the fire department has offered the program to help offset the rising cost of out-of-pocket medical expenses, according to a news release. With the typical cost associated with EMS transports averaging $800 to $1,000 per response, the program limits any out-of-pocket EMS expenses to $70/year. To subscribe for 2022, the deadline to register is Friday. Click this link for more details.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – An East Texas man was arrested on Wednesday during an undercover drug operation in Van Zandt County, according to the sheriff’s office. According to our news partner KETK, a statement released by Sheriff Steve Hendrix stated an investigator received a tip that a man would be driving through the county with oxycontin pills that were laced with fentanyl. Deputies pulled over Steven Dayne Myatt for a traffic violation near Grand Saline. They conducted a search of the car and found pills inside. Further information on the case was not immediately available.

DALLAS — More details are released on Tex Moncrief, the legendary Fort Worth-born oil and gas wildcatter and billionaire philanthropist, who has died at the age of 101. Born in 1920 and graduating from UT in 1942, Moncrief was not quite eleven when he witnessed a gusher come in in Gregg County — a joint venture between his father and fellow wildcatter John Farrell. Seeing the gusher set Moncrief on his path in the oil and gas business, which led to his place on the Forbes Magazine list of billionaires in 2006. Continue reading More details on oil and gas legend Tex Moncrief

UPSHUR COUNTY — On Wednesday around 3 p.m., a 30-year-old man died in a wreck on U.S. Highway 271, north of Gilmer. According to our news partner KETK, Raymond C. Haley II, 30, of Mount Pleasant, was pronounced dead at the scene. The initial DPS report indicates that a 2001 grey Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling north on U.S. 271 behind a brown vehicle described as a Kia Sportage, possibly a 2012 model. Information received from witnesses at the scene reported that the Kia slammed on its brakes in a possible road rage situation causing the driver of the Tahoe to steer right. Continue reading Possible fatal road-rage incident under investigation