KTBB News, Weather, Talk

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — An off-duty Nacogdoches police officer was arrested by Texas DPS for driving while intoxicated on Sunday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Daniel Aburto, 30, was arrested Sunday morning around 7:45 a.m. after Nacogdoches Combined Communications Center received a call of a person asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle in Douglass, blocking the road. Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Deputies were the first to arrive, followed by Texas DPS. They learned that the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was an off-duty Nacogdoches Police Officer. Aburto was booked into the Nacogdoches County Law Enforcement Center on a single charge of DWI and was placed on suspension until the completion of an internal investigation.

TYLER — Tyler Police 911 services are experiencing technical issues which are causing it to go up and down. AT&T is working to resolve the issue but they don’t have an eta on repairing it. If you call 911 and get a busy signal, immediately call their non-emergency number 903-531-1000. 911 is working intermittently but again, if you get a busy signal when you call 911, please call 903-531-1000 for assistance. Information will be updated once the issue is resolved.

LUFKIN – The Lufkin Police Department is investigating an auto-pedestrian, hit-and-run fatal crash that happened on Sunday morning. According to our news partner KETK, around 1:30 a.m. a man was attempting to cross the intersection of North Timberland Drive at Paul Avenue when he was struck by a car that did not stop. After the crash, witnesses came out of the Whataburger and saw the victim lying in the road, and called 911. The man was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead 20 minutes after the crash. A witness said they believed the vehicle that hit the man was a gray or silver Chevy Impala and that the vehicle appeared to pull into a Valero gas station down the street near the incident. Continue reading Lufkin police investigating auto-pedestrian, hit-and-run fatal crash

TYLER — A Tyler-based doctor is weighing in after President Biden laid out plans to increase access for people wanting to be vaccinated or get a booster shot. Dr. David Lakey is a member of the Texas COVID-19 Task Force and says vaccination is important even for people who have dealt with a case of COVID. Lakey says, “I had COVID last Christmas…and I went ahead and got immunized…When I look at the data related to the level of antibodies, they’re much higher in individuals that have been immunized than individuals…that had just natural disease. And if you had both natural disease and immunization…the levels are very high.” Lakey says the number of COVID patients in hospitals is decreasing except in the El Paso area and the Panhandle.

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Commissioner Neal Franklin announced his candidacy for county judge on Friday. This comes just a day after current Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran announced that he is running for Congress to potentially fill Louie Gohmert’s seat. According to our news partner KETK, Franklin was elected to the Commissioners Court in November 2020, and currently serves Precinct 1. According to a press release, Franklin has over 30 years of leadership experience in the fire and EMS fields. He has served as Tyler Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator for more than seven years. As General Manager of East Texas Medical Center EMS, Franklin oversaw all or part of 15 counties in East Texas; managing more than 500 employees. Continue reading Smith County Pct. 1 Commissioner announces candidacy for county judge

TYLER — Workforce Solutions East Texas was awarded a grant for future excellence in innovation during the recent 24th annual Texas Workforce Conference in Houston. According to a news release, the Texas Workforce Commission awarded WSET and the South Texas, Northeast Texas, Gulf Coast, and North Texas Workforce Development Boards each a $200,000 grant. These funds will allow each board to create permanent programs, building upon some best innovative practices initiated and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the release. WSET’s award was received for a new program launched in 2020 entitled Rural, Set, Go!, which kicked off a series of rural economic development forums to seek input from local employers, businesses, and community members on rural economic and workforce development issues. Click here for more details.

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Police Department is searching for a suspect or suspects after windows of businesses were vandalized with what is presumed to be a BB gun or pellet gun. According to our news partner KETK, the presumed vandals have been nicknamed the “BB gun bandits” and have been causing problems for numerous businesses across the city since around Nov. 1, including the Jacksonville Public Library. It has been reported that the strikes come in the middle of the night, with random businesses targeted. Police said more than 20 windows have been damaged and the total damage costs have stacked up to more than $20,000. Regarding possible leads, a silver Jeep Liberty has been captured on video at the scene of one of the vandalism sites. Continue reading Police: “BB gun bandits” still on the loose

TYLER – Republican Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran Thursday officially announced that he is running to fill Rep. Louie Gohmert’s seat in Congress. According to our news partner KETK, he spoke from The Plaza Tower in downtown Tyler at 10 a.m. ahead of a trip to Longview for a similar speech at 2 p.m. “Today, a new adventure begins. Today, I announce my candidacy to serve Northeast Texas as its representative to the United States Congress in Texas House District Number One,” Moran said. He was joined by several community figures, including Sheriff Larry Smith and State Sen. Bryan Hughes. “In politics, there’s workhorses and show ponies. Let me tell you, he’s a work horse,” Hughes said. In his speech, Moran praised Gohmert’s service in his time in office and thanked him for his work. Continue reading Moran announces Congressional run

BEN WHEELER — On Monday, Van Zandt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to call about a shooting on VZ CR 4814 in the Ben Wheeler area of Van Zandt County. According to our news partner KETK, when deputies arrived on the scene, they met with a witness who then told them that a male victim had been shot by a neighbor, said the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. Upon further investigation, a suspect was identified as Shane David Baronet. The deputies later located and arrested Baronet while the victim was flown by helicopter to a Tyler hospital. The victim’s condition is currently described as extremely critical, said the sheriff’s office. Baronet is being held on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with a bond set at $150,000.

TYLER/LONGVIEW — The Christmas season begins in earnest Thursday evening in Tyler and Longview. The annual Rotary Clubs of Tyler Christmas Parade kicks off at 6 p.m., culminating in the tree lighting ceremony on T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza. The ceremony’s centerpiece is a 20-foot Leyland Cypress tree from Merkert Tree Farm in Beckville. The tree will be lit by the 2022 Miracle Child, three-year-old Corbin Robinson (pictured), representing the Children’s Miracle Network at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System. There will also be entertainment during the event from the Tyler ISD Elementary District Choir and Souled Out Jazz Orchestra. Parking is free and available at the Fair Plaza Garage on S. College Ave. Continue reading Tyler, Longview kick off Christmas season

TYLER – A former Smith County detention officer pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon to having an improper sexual relationship with an inmate and was sentenced to four years’ deferred adjudication. According to our news partner KETK, 26-year-old Amanda Megrail, a Lindale native, was arrested in September 2020 after an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. At the time, she was placed on administrative leave without pay. Deferred adjudication gives one the opportunity to keep the conviction off their criminal record if they follow the terms of the plea deal. According to an arrest affidavit, Megrail admitted to having sexual relations with the inmate on at least three different occasions.

TYLER — A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler police received a call about the incident around 6:30 p.m. The pedestrian reportedly left Fuzzy’s Taco Shop on Troup Highway and was attempting to cross the roadway, not in a designated crossing area, and was hit by a car in the northbound outside lane. The pedestrian has been identified as Malcolm Johnson, 35, from Tyler. He was transported to UT Health on Beckham by EMS where he died from his injuries. No charges are pending for the driver of the vehicle.

TYLER — CHRISTUS Health revealed on Tuesday who was selected as their 2022 Miracle Child. According to our news partner KETK, 3-year-old Corbin Lance Robinson is receiving the special recognition, and he will make his debut at the 2021 Rotary Clubs of Tyler Christmas Parade. Robinson will also light the city’s Christmas tree on Thursday Dec. 2 at the T.B. Butler Foundation Plaza in downtown. Every year, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CHRISTUS choose a Miracle Child to represent them for a year. Dania and Craig Robinson welcomed their baby boy after 37 weeks. Continue reading 2022 CHRISTUS Miracle Child revealed

MARSHALL — Two Marshall men are behind bars in connection with a shooting that left six people injured. Just after 2 a.m. on Nov. 6, police responded to reports of multiple shots fired on South Alamo Blvd. More than 200 people were believed to be on-scene when the shooting started. The two suspects have been identified as Brandon Bernard Richardson, 30 and Raphael Perignon Hendrix, 31. Four of the victims were hospitalized after the shooting, including one that was flown to Tyler in critical condition. Richardson was detained shortly after the shooting. Hendrix turned himself in on Monday. Richardson was charged with deadly conduct and interfering with public duties while Hendrix has been charged with six counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

TYLER — The United Way of Smith County hosted their second annual “Tyler Gives” online fundraiser on Nov. 30, which fell on International Giving Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, the event was aimed at meeting local needs for the organizations 26 non-profit partners as a gift for the end of the year. More than 550 individuals came together last year and raised over $168,000 online in a matter of hours. This year, they raised over $200,000. United Way and Tyler Gives sponsors, Express Employment Professionals and Specialized Recruiting Group, are providing a $75,000 match this year. Last year, they matched the first $50,000 given, which they reached only 13 minutes after the donation went live. This year, they reached $75,000 within 6 minutes of the donation portal opening. Continue reading United Way of Smith County raised over $200,000 for Giving Tuesday

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Authorities said a man led them on a high-speed chase from East Texas to Dallas after he allegedly stole a car at gunpoint in Van Zandt County. According to our news partner KETK, Tommy McArthur Jones III was arrested on Monday. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call about the carjacking at the Loves Truck Stop in Van around 11:30 a.m. Law enforcement responded and set up multiple units along I-20 westbound to find the stolen vehicle, which was a 2020 white Nissan Sentra. A sheriff’s deputy and Precinct 4 Constable found the vehicle and began following it. They attempted to stop the car, but Jones drove faster to avoid apprehension, said the sheriff’s office. Continue reading Man arrested following carjacking, high-speed chase

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran will give a campaign announcement Thursday in both Tyler and Longview. According to our news partner KETK, after Congressman Louie Gohmert announced his run for Texas Attorney General, Moran made his intentions known that he was “exploring the possibility” of running for Congress on Nov. 9. Moran is expected to give a campaign announcement on Thursday, Dec. 2 at both the Plaza Tower in Tyler at 10 a.m. and the Gregg County Courthouse at 2:30 p.m. Continue reading Judge Moran to give campaign announcement on Thursday

MARSHALL – Harrison County Sheriff Brandon Fletcher announced Monday afternoon that he “does not foresee… an arrest being made” in a hunting accident that killed an 11-year-old girl Saturday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, Daisy Grace Lynn George was shot by her father with a high-powered rifle just east of Hallsville in what Fletcher called “a tragic accident.” Though authorities had requested a care flight, all helicopters had been grounded due to inclement weather. Continue reading Sheriff: No arrest anticipated in hunting accident

LONGVIEW – The Gregg County Commissioners Court Monday officially accepted the resignation of Precinct 2 Constable William “Billy” Fort, effective Dec. 31. According to our news partner KETK, Fort was arrested Oct. 12 for DWI while he was in a department car. He was pulled over into a Brookshire’s parking lot and was “swerving in and out of all lanes… almost striking another vehicle,” according to officials. While he was talking with police, Fort admitted to taking Xanax and a muscle relaxer. He then failed three sobriety tests. In his resignation letter, Fort called Precinct 2 “the Best Precinct in the Best County in the Best State of the Best Nation on this Earth,” adding that he regrets the circumstances surrounding his resignation.

TYLER — The Tyler Rose Garden Center will be closed to the public from Wednesday, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 4. The Junior League of Tyler will be hosting its annual Mistletoe and Magic event at the center during this time, and the event is for ticket holders only. The Rose Garden will also be closed to the public from Dec. 1 through Dec. 4. If you have any questions, call Lisa Wells at (903) 531-1212 or email [email protected].

LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating a shooting at a sports bar that left one person injured. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday, around 11:15 p.m. Longview police responded to a shooting at the Lodge Sports Bar & Billiards located at 501 N. Spur 63. When officers arrived, they located one adult victim inside with a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The gunman ran away before the police arrived. The Longview police department said that this is an active investigation with detectives still gathering information. Anyone with information is urged to contact Longview Police at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867).

LUFKIN — Lufkin police Saturday night arrested two suspects in a car wash shooting followed by a vehicle pursuit. The suspects are 25-year-olds Wade Pate Jr. of Lufkin and Darren Alexander of Rusk. Around 6 p.m., a caller reported hearing a gunshot and then seeing a truck and Kia Soul speed away. A short time later, a shooting victim arrived at a local hospital. He told officers he was approached by two men in the Kia Soul and that he believes they intended to steal his truck. Following a brief verbal exchange, the victim was shot in the back, suffering an injury not considered life threatening, according to police. The suspects were captured after a high-speed pursuit that began about two hours after the initial call. Continue reading Two arrested following shooting, chase

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. Tyler maintenance will have a crew on US 271 around FM 2908 performing base failure work. This will be under a lane closure with flaggers. A second crew will start on Tuesday performing ditch work in various places around Smith County. There will also be a sweeper truck along with a truck-mounted attenuator working in various places around the county. Longview maintenance will continue mill and inlay operations on FM 2204 beginning Wednesday, Dec. 1. The work will be between Bus. US 259 and the US 259 Bypass east and westbound. Expect left lane closures with flaggers present. Click this link for the complete rundown.

TYLER — The Visit Tyler Visitor Center and Boutique Shop in the downtown Plaza Tower will be celebrating Small Business Saturday this Saturday from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. The Visitor Center will be hosting special local pop shops in addition to its regular locally handcrafted items sold in the store. In addition, Tyler Main Street will be offering the chance to win a $200 downtown shopping spree. For every $5 spent downtown on Small Business Saturday, you can submit your receipt for an entry into the drawing. Receipts can be dropped off at the Visitor Center or emailed to [email protected] by November 29. Visit Tyler President Shari Lee hopes you’ll take advantage of this chance to help boost the local economy. Through the “Shop Local Shop Tyler” campaign, Visit Tyler is also encouraging people to support local businesses throughout the city. For a full list of shopping locations in Tyler visit this link or download the free Visit Tyler, Tx app.

TYLER — The Salvation Army hosted a Thanksgiving dinner and it couldn’t have been done without their abundance of volunteers. According to our news partner KETK, The Salvation Army was able to put this Thanksgiving feast together with the help of strong fellow community members. “You know, Sam and Greenburg Turkeys stepped up again this year and donated the turkeys to us and we are so grateful and thankful for that. It just warms your heart to see how many volunteers show up and how many people come out here to help those that are in need,” said Commanding Officer, Captain Jeremy Walker. Continue reading Salvation Army serves Thanksgiving dinner, more than 100 volunteers help

TYLER — Beware of counterfeit drugs that use fentanyl as an inexpensive filler. That’s the word from Tyler-based Next Step Community Solutions as it partners with the National Guard to spread the word. It all began with a North Texas woman who bought a billboard to raise awareness after her daughter died of a fentanyl overdose. Next Step’s Rebecca Smith says the biggest message is to be sure to talk to your kids — and be sure to dispose of legitimate prescription drugs when you’re not using those because they can also be abused. Go this link for a list of prescription drop boxes in the area. Continue reading Local agency partners in fentanyl awareness effort

TYLER — It’s holiday time, and NET Health’s George Roberts has an advisory now that more people will be hitting the roads, rails, and skies: Don’t travel when you’re sick. Roberts acknowledges that it’s tempting to travel this time of year, but he says staying home when you’re not well is always the best option — and he notes that the pandemic is still very much with us. ROberts predicts continued ups and downs in coronavirus numbers, with a moderate uptick showing in the latest East Texas figures, released Wednesday. He also reminds you that NET Health’s Majesty Event Center vaccination clinic will be closed through the weekend but back in business Monday. He continues to urge inoculations for both COVID and the flu.

TYLER — The Tyler Salvation Army is holding its annual community Thanksgiving meal, planning on feeding up to 1,000 guests Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Due to the ongoing pandemic, all meals will be either delivered or served to-go. Celebrating family, the current residents of The Salvation Army will have their meal served by volunteers, according to a news release. Sam Greenberg has once again donated his delicious Greenberg Smoked Turkeys, and diners can enjoy all the fixin’s as well.