KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The 62nd Azalea Arts and Crafts Fair will take place virtually this year. On Tuesday, Tyler Parks and Recreation Department announced the event will be in tandem with the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail, which this year, will be an online-only shopping experience. Coordinators say, over 50 vendors will be showcased on a Facebook events page on the Tyler Parks and Rec Facebook page. The event will go live, from March 19 through April 1. A sample of each vendor’s products along with a link to their website will be included for shoppers to view and make purchases. For more information, visit TylerParksandRec.com.

TYLER — A teenage girl was injured in a drive-by shooting Monday. Tyler Police say the disturbance took place around 5:00 p.m. at a basketball court on Carter Blvd. According to reports, a group of kids were playing basketball, when a car drove by and started shooting from the unknown make and model of the vehicle. A 17-year-old was shot in the lower part of her body. She was transported to UT Health on S. Beckahm in Tyler. Police report the teen as awake and alert. Investigators in the active case are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact Tyler police at 903-531-1000.

TYLER — Governor Greg Abbott spoke about numerous plans for the 87th Texas Legislature Monday night, including increasing rural broadband options in the state. Former Speaker of the House, Dennis Bonnen told KTBB, “This will bring jobs and economic development. Expanding broadband access and Governor Abbott making that an emergency item, that is a big big deal. Because, in our more rural parts of our state like in east Texas, around Tyler, having that infrastructure of broadband put in place, levels the playing field and the opportunity of drawing in people and jobs to the communities.” Continue reading Bonnen applauds Governor Abbott’s message in ‘state of the state’

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank has been working with the Tyler Police Department on dates, times and location for the 2021 drive-thru food distributions. ETFB has moved distributions to Lindsey Park in Tyler, starting on Friday. The allocations will be held monthly, on the 1st and 3rd Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. As with past distributions, there are no eligibility requirements or paperwork that is necessary. Multiple households can carpool. To pick up items for another household not present, a note must be provided. Organizers are asking patrons to enter at the North entrance and remind attendees these are drive-thru events and walk-ups will not be accepted.

TYLER — Tyler police responded to a one vehicle crash on Paluxy Drive early Tuesday. The overnight accident closed all lanes of traffic that caused power lines to drop across the roadway. The driver had minor injuries and was transported to UT Health. Officers continued to direct traffic until power was restored just before 3 p.m. Traffic returned to normal patterns at that time.

TYLER — Political billboards in East Texas are targeting two Texas lawmakers in Washington D.C., Congressman Louie Gohmert and Senator Ted Cruz. If you’ve passed by Loop 323, there’s a good chance you’ve probably seen it. The billboard reads, “You lied about the election, the capitol was attacked.” The line is followed by a call to action, “resign.” According to our news partner KETK, it’s part of a seven-figure billboard campaign calling on a dozen GOP elected officials to resign. A red party group out of Washington called “Republican Accountability Project” is behind it all. Continue reading Tyler billboards targeting two Texas lawmakers

TYLER — A Tyler attorney pleaded guilty Monday to federal employment tax violations that allegedly totaled to a tax loss of more than $300,000. According to our news partner KETK, 60-year-old John Bennett White IV pleaded guilty to failure to pay employment taxes. Court documents show that White was an attorney and firm manager for the Tyler law firm, J. Bennett White, P.C. He had the duty to pay over the employment taxes on behalf of the firm’s employees to the IRS. The U.S. attorney’s office said that between 2007 and 2015, White made sporadic and partial efforts to pay his firm’s employment tax liabilities. Continue reading U.S. attorney: Tyler lawyer withheld taxes from employee checks, pocketed the funds

TYLER — The Texas Music Education Association has honored a Tyler Legacy High School student with their highest award. According to Tyler ISD, Noah Nunez, was selected as an All-State musician for 2021. Only three percent of Texas high school students earn the honor. Of the ore than 50,000 students that entered the audition process, 1,860 earned the title state-wide. Nunez, who plays trumpet, advanced through the competitive process that started last fall and included District, Area and Regional levels.

AUSTIN — On the heels of the arrest of a San Antonio woman for voter fraud, Tyler State Representative Matt Schaefer tells KTBB, “We need to make protection from voter fraud a priority.” The District 6 Representative continued, “We need to mandate stricter voter software protocols by securing back-ups and allowing the proper auditing of election results. We need to purge the voter rolls of those who have moved, or are dead, or are not citizens. We need to make sure that voting fraud is investigated and that is found, is prosecuted, and we have to increase mail in ballot integrity.” In Texas, 150 people have been charged with voter fraud since 2004.

GREGG COUNTY — A fatal wreck involving an 18-wheeler shut down eastbound lanes in Gregg County Monday morning. According to DPS, John Michael Harvey, Jr., 18, of Franklin, TN was killed in the accident on IH-20, a half-mile west of Kilgore. Harvey was thrown from his vehicle, after it rolled several times, and struck by a semi-truck. Investigators say the truck was driven by Timothy Allen Ingalls, 58, of Bossier City LA. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — More details have surfaced about a Tyler man, accused of sexually abusing multiple children for years. According to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK, Willie Britton, 39, was arrested January 15, after multiple victims, that are now adults, met with investigators over the last two months. One male victim alleged that Britton sexually abused him twice a week, starting at the age of 8 until becoming a teen. The warrant also reveals a female victim told police, the abuse occurred when she was eight and ten years old. Two other victims also reported abuse to authorities, after initial claims. Britton is being held on a $250,000 bond in the Smith County Jail. His first court date has not been set.

LINDALE –Funeral services for former Lindale mayor Bobby E. McClenny will be held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale. McClenny is remembered for his role in the extension of Lindale city limits to Interstate 20 and Hideaway Lake, which helped create the economic growth that the city is currently experiencing. McClenny was 86 at the time of his death. Read more here.

TYLER — Monday marked a somber anniversary for NASA and people impacted across East Texas. The first day of February, 2003, was the day of the Columbia Space Shuttle catastrophe and its breakup over Texas. After more than two weeks in space, upon re-entry to the earth’s atmosphere, the shuttle was shredded while crossing the western United States. Investigators said the shuttle, traveling at 14,400 m.p.h., finally disintegrated east of Dallas, with most of the debris coming down over east Texas and western Louisiana. Continue reading Space Shuttle Columbia disaster 18 years later

TYLER — Jucys fans may soon find it easier to have their favorite menu items. According to our news partner KETK, the City of Tyler has actualized a building permit to Jucys Hamburgers. The location, valued at $800,000, would be located on Loop 323 next to Hollywood Theater and Chicken Express. The family owned company opened the first location in Longview in 1980 and currently has 6 locations. If the new permit spot is constructed it would be the third location in Tyler, matching three locations in Longview and one in Marshall.

TYLER — Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines at UT Health East Texas, filled up quickly Monday. Officials say, the vaccines will be administered by appointment only, and walk-ins will not be accepted. Those eligible can sign-up for a waiting list. The waiting list is for those who fall under Phase 1A and Phase 1B categories. Vaccines will be administered at UT Health North Campus Tyler on U.S. Highway 271. During the appointment patients will be registered, vaccinated and monitored for 15 minutes. Also, during that time another appointment will be scheduled. The Moderna vaccine is given in two doses, 28 days apart. For more information click here.

GREGG COUNTY — A fatal wreck involving an 18-wheeler shut down eastbound lanes in Gregg County Monday morning. According to a DPS report, one person was killed around 2:45 a.m. near HWY 135. Details are limited. All eastbound traffic was diverted via SH 135 then FM 1252.

SMITH COUNTY — We now know the identity of a man hit and killed on State Highway 31 Thursday night. According to our news partner KETK, James Lewis Gaylord, 31, of Tyler was struck by an 18-wheeler, while trying to fill a vehicle with gas, 3 miles east of Tyler. The Department of Public Safety said, Gaylord was working on his car in the westbound lane, when the accident took place. Mark Charles Westin, 69, of Gladewater, was driving west in a Mack truck. Westin swerved left to avoid colliding with the vehicle, but struck Gaylord and another vehicle in front of his car. D.P.S. says the crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Annual property taxes are due Monday. Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber, told KTBB, “Since the 31st falls on a Sunday this year, those mailing their property tax payments must have them postmarked on or before February 1.” Last October, Barber’s office mailed out 186,000 property tax statements county-wide. Residents can make payments online, in person or through the Tax Office’s new drop-box in Tyler until February 1, 2021. Barber continued, “This drop box will allow customers to drop off their property tax payments without mailing it or coming in the building.” Citizens are encouraged to write their phone numbers on the envelope in case communication is needed. More information is available by clicking here.

TYLER — DPS Troopers were called to the scene of two vehicle crash on Saturday, just before 10 p.m. Troopers say the accident took place on IH-20, 6 miles northeast of Tyler. Preliminary reports indicate the driver of a car traveling in the eastbound lane was traveling at a slow speed, with its hazard lights flashing, due to a problem with the vehicle. DPS says, Christopher Ladale Young, 42, of Henderson was killed, after his car was struck by a semi driver failed to control his speed. Cori Leann Davis, 43, of Henderson, was a passenger in the struck vehicle, and was transported to UT Health East Texas – Tyler in stable condition. The driver of the Volvo was identified as Reynaldo Rafael Aparicio, 38, of Kissimmee FL. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Two men charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot are being moved to Washington D.C. Ryan Nichols, 30 of Longview and Alex Harkrider, 32 of Carthage, will be held in custody without bail until their trials. According to our news partner KETK, Nichols has been removed from Smith County Jail, while Harkrider is in the Gregg County Jail. The Department of Justice arrest warrant lists out alleges the two had planned on storming the Capitol for weeks and also posted various things to social media bragging about the riot. Continue reading 2 East Texans being transported to D.C.

TYLER — One suspect is in custody for an aggravated robbery that happened Tuesday. Tyler police announced the arrest of Francisco Daniel Vallejo, in a press release Friday afternoon. U.S. Marshalls arrested Vallejo, 21, of Tyler, who is being held in the Smith County Jail. Police say there is a warrant out for the second suspect, and the third has been identified, but a warrant has not yet been issued.

JACKSONVILLE — Services are pending for the former Police Chief of Jacksonville. The city announced the death of Reece Daniel, Friday. Chief Daniel lead the department, serving the community of Jacksonville from 2006 until his retirement in 2016. Chief Daniel spent nearly 40 years in law enforcement, including 15 as a police chief. Chief Daniel also volunteered as an Adjunct Professor of Law Enforcement at Jacksonville College.

MARSHALL — The second of three suspects wanted in connection with multiple burglaries, was arrested Friday, in Harrison County. Eddie “Tommy” Hill is one of three suspects authorities say are responsible for breaking into multiple homes. Police arrested Coreyia Wilbert, 19, earlier this month after she fled from deputies pursuing a suspicious car. After a chase, the vehicle crashed and all the occupants ran away. Wilbert was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant, but two men, believed to be Pierce and Hill escaped. Continue reading 2nd of three arrested in Harrison County on suspected burglaries

MARSHALL — Marshall authorities said Friday, a man arrested earlier in the week, on drug possession and illegally possessing weapons, admitted to killing his friend in Longview. According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, a car accident occurred near the intersection of FM 450 and I-20 on Monday. At that time the unidentified man was arrested on multiple charges. The man confessed to killing his friend and then dumping the body in Harrison County. A search involving several law enforcement agencies, took place over two days, before a Hallsville PD investigator found the body, that is believed to be the victim. The identity of the man and the victim have yet to be released.

ATHENS — More than 100 grams of meth was seized during a traffic stop in Athens at County Road 2936 and Highway 175 near Eustace. According to our news partner KETK, Arbra Leon Peavy, 55, of Payne Springs, was stopped by Narcotics Investigators following a traffic violation. Peavy was arrested after he told investigators that he was carrying meth. He was charged with manufacturing and delivering a large amount of meth with a first degree felony. Peavy was taken to Henderson County Jail.

TYLER — A traffic switch is coming in the $16.7 million project at U.S. 69 and F.M. 346 in Tyler. The new phase of work begins next week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and includes moving daytime traffic to the newly constructed bridge on 69. The project includes paving U.S. 69 one direction at a time and requires reducing the roadway to one lane in the direction of paving. Once the inside lane is paved in either direction, traffic will be moved to the new bridge during the day and back to the travel lanes at night. For more information click here.

PALESTINE — Two homes in Palestine marked the scene where multiple law enforcement agencies executed search warrants in tandem. According to a Friday press release from Palestine Police, Lester Earl Anderson, 69, and Charlotte Anderson, 55, both of Palestine, were arrested and placed in the Anderson County Jail. Police say they confiscated drugs and money. Both suspects face numerous charges that will be enhanced because the alleged crimes took place near a drug-free zone. Investigations began on the homes on Joe Louis Street and Douglas Street, after numerous complaints of alleged drug activity. Get more information here.

AUSTIN — Tyler State Representative Matt Schaefer filed House Bill 1406 this week in Austin. On Friday, he told KTBB “Ordinary business owners and individuals are having lawsuits dismissed for lack of standing when they try to challenge Governor Abbott’s unconstitutional executive orders that close down their businesses.” Schaefer says the bill that would give business owners an easier way to fight back against restrictions from COIVD-19. “These judges are claiming lack of standing just like the lawsuits we saw over election fraud. It’s time to push back and make sure the constitutional right to petition your government for readdressing your grievances is protected and this bill will make sure that people have standing in court.”

LONGVIEW — Gregg County prosecutors will not be seeking the death penalty for a woman accused of killing her 3-month-old child. According to our news partner KETK, Head prosecutor Elisa Hugman made the announcement Friday, during a Zoom hearing. Burks was present at the virtual meeting from the Gregg County North Jail. Andrea Burks, 41, is accused of capital murder in the death of Yahniece Wright, her new born daughter. Police say Burks confessed to killing the infant out of fear that Child Protective Services would remove her. Continue reading Prosecution will not seek death penalty of mother who confessed to murdering her baby