KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — Longview state Representative Jay Dean is ready to join other lawmakers as the Legislature kicks off a special session Thursday. In a recent conversation with KTBB, Dean said he’s hoping lawmakers “will get our business finished up because we know we’ve gotta come back” to deal with redistricting later this year. He adds, “We’ll do everything we can to…make sure we get the job finished.” A key item: election legislation rooted in Senate Bill 7, initially introduced by Mineola state Senator Bryan Hughes. That measure fell short in the regular session when Democrats walked out, preventing a quorum.

SMITH COUNTY — A Bullard man who federal prosecutors say is a member of the white supremacist Aryan Circle gang pleaded guilty Tuesday to being among those who attacked a man in 2016 and other crimes. According to our news partner KETK, Anthony Levi Cochran, 39, admitted in court that as a member of the gang he beat someone, was involved in a conspiracy to sell firearms to a convicted felon and participated in racketeering. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and will be sentenced later. Continue reading Bullard man pleads guilty to crimes as member of white supremacist gang

TYLER — Smith County is continuing to buy properties east of the downtown Tyler square as part of its plans to one day build a new courthouse there. According to our news partner KETK, on Tuesday, the commissioners court unanimously approved buying the property at 219 E. Ferguson St. from ALDCO LLC for $218,000. Earlier this year, an architectural group presented a detailed plan for a seven-story courthouse that spanned more than 230,000 square feet. If a parking garage is added, the cost would be about $140 million. Continue reading Smith County buys property east of square in area of proposed new courthouse

LONGVIEW — A  Hallsville woman is behind bars Wednesday morning after allegedly kidnapping a four-year-old child. According to our news partner KETK, 23-year-old Lindsey Kelley allegedly took the child from a home near Hallsville around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night. As the department was set to issue an Amber Alert, the sheriff’s office received a tip that she may have gone to Longview. The tipster also said that Kelley had made past threats “implying that she might sell her children for unknown reasons.” Continue reading East Texas woman arrested for kidnapping 4-year-old child

TYLER – Tyler police are looking for a missing man who has schizophrenia. According to our news partner KETK, Emery McCuin, 54, was seen for the last time on July 1 on Park Center Dr. in Tyler, then walked away from the area. McCuin is 6’2”, weighs 196 lbs., has brown eyes, and is bald. On July 1, he was wearing a white shirt, tan pants, black boots, and glasses. He also uses a cane. McCuin also has a pacemaker. Police are asking anyone with information to contact dispatch at 903-531-1000.

TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities is working to replace about 7,500 feet of water main lines in the north end of the city, according to a news release. Next week, TWU is scheduled to complete phase I of a three-phase water line replacement project in the Azalea District. Phase I will replace about 2,000 feet of two-inch water main on West 10th Street from South Vine Avenue to South Kennedy Avenue. Phase II will consist of replacing 2,500 feet of two-inch water main line on North Azalea Drive — and the final phase will address the replacement of 2,500 feet of two-inch water main line on West Camellia Street. Another project on Sunny Lane will replace about 500 feet of two-inch water main line with a six-inch PVC line. Continue reading TWU to replace water lines

TYLER — Smith County commissioners on Tuesday agreed to apply for federal funds that would continue to help people pay their rent if they were hurt financially by the pandemic. According to our news partner KETK, County Judge Nathaniel Moran said the money is a continuation of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Emergency Rental Act now in place. Earlier this year Smith County received more than $7 million in rental and utility assistance funding in the first phase of the program. In the extension, the county would receive about $5 million more that could be distributed through Sept. 30, 2025, Moran said. He emphasized that the county was only applying to remain in the program and could decide later whether to accept the additional money.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved an 80 percent, five-year tax abatement for Tyler Pipe Company and its parent company, McWane Inc. The tax abatement is for approximately $35 million in enhancements to the Tyler Pipe facility, and the estimated fiscal impact to Smith County for the tax abatement is $482,400. That’s according to Dr. Felecia Herndon, Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations for the Tyler Economic Development Council. Click here for more details on this story.

TYLER — It may take until late Tuesday afternoon before cable and internet service is restored to much of southern Smith County, said a posting from Suddenlink, the service provider. According to our news partner KETK, the cable went out Monday after a car wreck damaged a pole. Suddenlink is estimating the restoration time is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Some customers say their service has been out since about 3:30 p.m. Monday.

DALLAS — One political strategist says a new poll spells doom for Matthew McConaughey. A new Dallas Morning News/UT Tyler Poll shows Governor Abbott with a one-point lead over McConaughey, erasing a 12-point deficit in the process. Dallas-based political strategist Kendall Scudder says with this new poll coming out before we learn anything about McConaughey’s political positions,or even his party affiliation, this spells bad news for any potential gubernatorial run by the actor. The poll shows Abbott with 39 percent support, compared to 38 for McConaughey, and Scudder says that could mean trouble for the governor as the campaign kicks into high gear.

TYLER — A family member is now offering a $500 reward for the safe return of two children as Smith County authorities seek leads in a child custody case. A news release from the sheriff’s office says CPS was given oversight of two children, Amber and Tristan Jackson, ages 9 and 13. But officials say their mother, Cynthia Hodges, illegally picked them up from a placement family. She was later arrested for outstanding felony warrants. But officials say a law officer who had no knowledge of the situation allowed her to contact a family member — who allegedly took the children to other relatives who weren’t authorized to have custody of the youngsters. Authorities are now seeking Cynthia, Jimmy, and Francis Hodges on charges of interference with child custody. Continue reading Reward offered in child custody case

HENDERSON – Henderson police are searching for a missing teenager who has not been seen since Monday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, 16-year-old Lexi Thibodeaux was last seen on Monday and police believe that she “left a residence voluntary.” Police did not release Lexi’s age, but it was confirmed by her mother in a phone interview with KETK News. Lexi is 5’3″ and weighs 115 pounds. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue shorts. According to Lexi’s mother, she told her grandmother that she was going for a walk and never came back. If you have seen or know her whereabouts, please call Det. Bynum at 903-657-3512.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin woman was arrested after she reportedly ran over her adult daughter with a car. According to our news partner KETK, Loreeka Dodd, 45, of Lufkin was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon/family violence. She was booked into the Angelina County Jail on a $10,000 bond. Around 1:10 a.m., officers responded to Shady Bend following a report of a woman who had been hit by a Chevy Impala following an argument with her mother. Officers found 25-year-old Zena Lewis lying in the road, seriously injured. Continue reading Lufkin woman arrested after argument with daughter

MARSHALL — A park survey has been created in an effort to help examine the need for additional parks and recreational activities within the city of Marshall, according to a city news release. Officials say answering survey questions will allow individuals to express their opinions, wants, and needs regarding city owned and managed parks and event facilities, the future development of open space, and recreational programs. The results of the survey will help to establish the highest need park priorities within the city, according to the release. Click here to learn more.

RUSK COUNTY — 13 people were arrested and around 125 animals were seized after an illegal cockfighting ring was discovered in Rusk County on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, two phone calls were made to 911 on Sunday because people were watching rooster fights in a wooded area. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said they arrived at the 15000 block of County Road 2132. They detained individuals, and charged them with felony offenses or misdemeanors. The owner of the land was also arrested. Some of the animals that were found were dead. Continue reading Illegal cockfighting ring discovered in Rusk County

BROWNSBORO — The Brownsboro Independent School District announced on Sunday one of their students died after being injured in a car crash. According to our news partner KETK, the district said they recently learned of the death of Grace Montgomery, an 8th grade student. Grace was “wonderful” and participated in band, theatre and athletics. The district has not been notified of funeral arrangements. Continue reading Brownsboro ISD ‘deeply saddened’ following death of student

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to get busy on a number of construction and maintenance projects in the Tyler District during the week of July 5. Work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in work zones. To allow for more efficient travel during the July Fourth holiday, from Friday, July 2, through Monday, July 5, TxDOT will not allow lane closures that impact traffic flow on its construction and maintenance projects. Click here for the complete roadwork rundown.

GALVESTON– Two Tyler residents have been arrested in the Galveston County city of Dickinson for a recent Tyler homicide. Andres Urrutia (L), 19, and Lorenzo L. Martinez (R), 21, were booked into the Galveston County Jail to await transport back to Smith County. Urrutia was also arrested on four outstanding warrants from Tyler: aggravated robbery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, deadly conduct, and criminal mischief. Urrutia’s total bond is $1.9 million, while Martinez’s bond is $1 million. The case involves the June 30 shooting death of 17-year-old Jesse McNeely of Tyler. Continue reading Two arrested in Tyler killing

MARSHALL — 911 service in Harrison County is now back to normal after being knocked out by a lightning strike at the county courthouse over the weekend. According to the sheriff’s department’s Facebook page, 911 calls were temporarily routed to the nearest location where a caller may have been at the time of the call. The agencies would then contact the sheriff’s office for dispatching needs. The Facebook page says service was restored Saturday evening.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is putting additional officers on the street now through Monday through STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). Police say this program is based on crash data in the city limits of Tyler that allows officers to pinpoint target problem areas. With increased traffic in Tyler for the 4th of July holiday, officers will be specifically watching for hazardous violations such as speeding, intersection enforcement, seat belt violations — and, most importantly, impaired drivers. Tyler police remind you: don’t drink and drive.

TYLER — The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office urges citizens to be responsible when using fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Among the tips: never allow young children to handle fireworks; older children should use them only under close adult supervision; never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol; anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear; never hold lighted fireworks in your hands; never light them indoors; only use them away from people, houses and flammable material; and never point or throw fireworks at another person. Continue reading Fire Marshal urges fireworks safety this July 4 holiday

TYLER — The City of Tyler is hosting the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lindsey Park, on Spur 364 West. The fun kicked off as the gates opened at 2 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin after dark (around 9:15 p.m.), according to a news release. The park gate, located off Spur 364, is the only entrance, and admission is free. Vendors and food trucks are on hand. Live entertainment will include music from DJ Chris Choice. Alcohol, smoking, and private fireworks are prohibited in the park. Continue reading Fourth of July celebration at Lindsey Park

LONGVIEW — Country musician Mike Ryan will headline the City of Longview’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks and Freedom Celebration. The free outdoor concert will also feature country musician Jon Stork. Immediately after the concert, what organizers term the biggest fireworks show in East Texas will light up the sky. The event will be held at the Longview Convention Complex on Grand Blvd. Previously scheduled musician Mark Chesnutt had to cancel his performance due to personal reasons. Click here to read more.

TYLER — Tyler police say one suspect has turned himself in on a murder warrant in the June 25 shooting death at New Orleans Flavors Daiquiris in Tyler. Jaderick Willis, 21, of Jacksonville, has been jailed on a $750,000 bond. Fellow Jacksonville resident Dycorrian Lofton was still wanted on an arrest warrant for murder as of Sunday afternoon. If anybody has any information on his whereabouts, you’re asked contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833. Police also say further criminal charges are pending in this case, in which a woman was killed.

LONGVIEW – State District Judge Alfonso Charles of Longview awarded $575,000 Thursday to the victims of a 2016 kidnapping — a then-Kilgore Rangerette and her mother, the Rangerettes’ director. That’s according to our news partner KETK. In December 2016, police received a call about a robbery in progress. They later were told that Nancy Motes had taken Rangerette Alexa Blair at gunpoint. Alexa managed to escape and called authorities. Motes was sentenced in April 2019 to five years in prison after pleading guilty to two aggravated kidnapping charges. Rangerette Director Dana Blair and her daughter later sued Motes for damages.

ATHENS – 36-year-old Jose Alfaro of Athens is jailed on child porn accusations. According to our news partner KETK, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says deputies arrested Alfaro in a neighborhood off Highway 19. He allegedly had more than 150 child pornography videos on his phone. Hillhouse said he expects more charges to be filed in the future and that Alfaro may have been trying to distribute the videos to others. Criminal records show that Alfaro has three convictions for DWI.

TYLER — Tyler police detectives have obtained another arrest warrant in the June 25 shooting death at New Orleans Flavors Daiquiris in Tyler. Jaderick Willis, 21, of Jacksonville, has an arrest warrant for murder with a $750,000 bond. Police say he is to be considered armed and dangerous. If anybody has any information on his whereabouts, you’re asked contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833. Fellow Jacksonville resident Dycorrian Lofton is also still wanted on an arrest warrant for Murder. Police say further criminal charges are pending in this case, in which a woman was killed.

TYLER — For the month of July, Tyler Animal Services is partnering with CASA for Kids of East Texas to donate school supplies for foster children. All dog and cat adoption fees will be waived when a backpack with at least five supplies listed here is brought to the Tyler Animal Shelter on Chandler Hwy. Among other things, donatable items include 3″x3″ generic post-it yellow notes, backpacks without wheels, crayons (Crayola brand requested by most schools), earbuds, folders (pockets and/or brads, single colors), and index cards. Continue reading City, CASA team up to provide backpacks

TYLER — The City of Tyler Main Street Department, Visit Tyler, and others celebrated Thursday’s grand opening of the new Tyler Visitor Center, on the first floor of the downtown Plaza Tower. The event began with refreshments and tours of the facility, wrapping up with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Visitor Center store and offices are open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Merchandise is also available online at this link. The city’s Adriana Rodriguez describes the new location as “a very happy and inviting place,” adding, “Its full of color, and we can’t wait to show it off.” Continue reading Tyler Visitor Center holds grand opening