KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The first East Texas baby of the year was born on Friday morning. Lala and Laban Lewis received the best New Year’s present: a new baby girl. According to our news partner KETK, Leanna was born on Jan. 1 at 7:20 a.m. at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital. She weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and measured 19 inches. The couple said 2020 has been a difficult year, but they are are very grateful to God for this new addition to their family. “It was intense but we pushed through and stayed healthy the whole way, by the grace of God and had a healthy pregnancy, a lovely journey. I would do it all over again if I have to, no time soon,” said Lala. UT Health Tyler also welcomed their first baby of the new year. A little boy was born at 11:42 a.m. on Friday.

TYLER — Austin Reeve Jackson officially began his term as judge of the 114th District Court in Smith County on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Jackson was sworn in and took the oath of office during a ceremony in the 114th District Courtroom. “Smith County is blessed to have Austin Reeve Jackson become the next judge of the 114th District Court,” Sam Griffith, retired justice of the 12th Court of Appeals, said in opening the ceremony. Continue reading Jackson begins terms as 114th District Judge at swearing-in ceremony

TYLER — A federal judge dismissed Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert’s lawsuit against Vice President Mike Pence Friday, according to our news partner KETK. Jeremy Kernodle, a Trump-appointed federal judge in Tyler, stated that “the Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over this case and must dismiss the action.” On Jan. 6, the vice president will preside over the joint session to certify the election results. Continue reading Federal judge dismisses Gohmert’s lawsuit against VP Pence

TYLER — With the return to school approaching, two local sister schools announced a delay before coming back to class. Bishop Gorman and St. Gregory Cathedral circulated a decision, Friday, that will postpone the return to school until next Wednesday. According to the social media post, all extra curricular activities will remain as scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will remain as scheduled a White day and a Mass day for middle school students. Everyone will have the normal 2:30 p.m. dismissal.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department stepped up traffic enforcement for New Year’s Eve and said they would continue the heightened awareness throughout the holiday weekend. TPD says, they will continue to focus on specific high traffic crash areas. The initiative is a result of a Step Grant that provides funding to Tyler PD to enforce traffic laws and reduce the number of crashes in the City. The department says,the program has been an effective tool in reducing traffic crashes, historically. This targeted enforcement is intended to deter people from speeding, running red lights, texting and driving while intoxicated.

TYLER — Fire fighter recruits are being sought, in both, Tyler and Longview. According to our news partner KETK, both Fire departments are looking for candidates. This will mark the first time in 13 years, that the Tyler Department is offering its civil service exam to non-certified firefighters. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 15, with testing on Jan. 26. Longview Fire Department, is accepting applications as well, for firefighters and paramedics positions through Jan. 11. The written exam is set for Jan. 19 and 20.

HENDERSON — An East Texas restaurant brought the community together Thursday in an attempt to help a local family. According to our news partner KETK, one family had four people killed in an accident at the corner of FM 757 and FM 2767, 8 miles east of Tyler. Sara Vasquez, 53, Overton, died at the scene. Her daughter, Bianca Villanueva, 13, of Carlisle, and two boys, 15 and 17, were also killed. A fundraiser was held at 4 Kids restaurant, which donated 100% of the profits to the family that is now preparing for four funerals. On Thursday, many members of the community showed up to show their support. Continue reading Community of Henderson comes together for family that loses 4 in wreck

LONGVIEW — The Longview Municipal Court initiated a warrant amnesty program Friday, that continues through April 30, of this year. According to the city, anyone with an active outstanding warrant through the court will be given a fresh start, and anyone that goes to the clerk’s office to take care of their warrant will be given safe harbor. All warrant fees will be removed when a citizen voluntarily contacts the court to pay a minimum of one half the total amount due and start a payment plan for the balance owed. Read more by clicking the link. https://longviewtexas.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2962.

TYLER — Hopsitalization numbers for the COVID-19 virus remain above 15% for the Trauma Service Area G, which includes Smith and Gregg County, as well as 17 other counties in East Texas. On Thursday, NET Health reported the previous days numbers as 18.99%. Of the 3,060 beds available throughout the region, 581 patients were there for the coronavirus. Currently businesses with-in the impacted area must operate at 50% capacity, and will continue to do so, until the numbers decrease to below 15% and maintain that number for 7 consecutive days. In comparison, Trauma Service Area-H has been above 20% for three days straight, reaching a high of 24.71% earlier this week. That number is the highest it has been in the last 7 days.

CORSICANA — The National Weather Service has certified an EF0 tornado, with winds reaching as high as 85 mph Wednesday in Corsicana. The storm blew through at around 11 a.m. causing damage in Circle Trailer Park. According to our news partner KETK, 13 homes sustained damage to roofs, siding and skirting. Several large tree branches were also snapped off. The storm dissipated shortly after exiting the trailer park. The track was one mile in length and 75 yards wide. The enhances fujita scale was 0. The storm dissipated shortly after exiting the trailer park.

TYLER — Vice President Mike Pence filed Thursday to dismiss Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert’s lawsuit against him. Pence’s legal team stated that the vice president is not the proper defendant in the case, according to our news partner KETK. “The Vice President — the only defendant in this case — is ironically the very person whose power they seek to promote,” the response stated. Gohmert’s lawsuit, filed against Pence in his official capacity as vice president, sought to give Pence the ability to “determine which electors’ votes, or whether none, shall be counted” when there is any objection to the slate of electors. Pence’s legal team’s response went on to state that “A suit to establish that the Vice President has discretion over the count, filed against the Vice President, is a walking legal contradiction.” Continue reading Pence tries to get Gohmert suit dismissed

JACKSONVILLE — Don Henley and other conservationists will be esteemed by Friends of the Neches River, Saturday at 10 a.m. According to the group, nesting boxes will be placed in the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge in the names of recent Caddo Lake Institute honorees Jim Neal, retired US Fish and Wildlife biologist; Richard LeTourneau, water and river conservationist; Janice Bezanson, past executive director of Texas Conservation Alliance. Henley, a native of Cass County, founded the Eagles, as well as a successful solo artist career. He was a founder of Caddo Lake Institute, a non-profit scientific and educational organization, working to preserve Caddo Lake. More details are available by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-the-Neches-River-111473105531196.

TYLER — DPS Troopers responded to a two vehicle fatal crash Wednesday night. The wreck killed Anthony Scott Lester, 21, of Canton. Officials say Lester’s vehicle crossed over the center strip and struck a vehicle driven by Alberto Cruz, 37, of Ben Wheeler. Cruz was taken to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, where he was treated and released. Cruz also had 3 of his passengers that were transported to Christus hospital. Emerlin Morales, 31, of Ben Wheeler, a 7 year-old male and a 3 year-old female, that are all listed in stable condition. The crash remains under investigation.

RUSK — A former Rusk Chamber of Commerce manager is accused of stealing money from a non-profit. According to our news partner KETK, Tara Tatarski is facing a felony theft charge. She is accused of stealing anywhere from $2,500 up to $30,000. The investigation began, when the Chamber President discovered discrepancy’s in this year’s annual audit. Tara Hood, also known as Tara Tartarski, was arrested at her residence in Rusk earlier this week, without incident. Tatarski has been released on bond.

LONGVIEW — One person is dead, after a Wednesday night shooting in Longview. According to Longview Police, the shooting took place on Bertha Street. Authorities discovered the body of TruShawn Burns, Longview, inside a vehicle at 11:13p.m. Police continue investigating and urge anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward. Contact LPD at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867), and online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

TYLER — TxDOT crews are getting ahead of the winter storm forecast for East Texas by preparing roadways around the eight-county district for potentially icy and flood conditions. According to a news release, bridges and other roadway areas susceptible to wind and ice have been pre-treated. I-20 and other major roadways have been pre-treated with a brine solution consisting of salt and water designed to prevent ice and snow from sticking to surfaces. The process is a fast-moving mobile operation with minimal impacts to traffic. The district is also preparing for potential flooding and will be monitoring areas of concern throughout the life of the storm. Continue reading TxDOT prepares for possible winter weather

TYLER — A Smith County grand jury has indicted 40-year-old Danny Tate on charges related to escaping from custody and injuring an arresting deputy. That’s according to our news partner KETK. The sheriff’s department’s Larry Christian said deputies unsuccessfully tried to arrest Tate Oct. 6 on a parole violation charge. A week later, Tate was spotted in a vehicle by a deputy. Officials say Tate then drove to his home and ran but was chased down. Christian said during the ensuing scuffle, Tate bit the deputy, drawing blood. Records show Tate is being held on bonds of more $500,000. Records also show he has numerous arrests dating to 2007.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department is joining the Drug Enforcement Administration in launching a “Secure Your Meds” winter campaign. Police say with Americans spending more time at home due to COVID-19, this is an excellent opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinets and dispose of unused medications. Studies show that most abused and misused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets. Medications that are no longer used or past their expiration date may be disposed of in the 24-hour collection box in the lobby of the Marshall Police Department.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is requiring that all of their employees get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Maxey Cerliano sent a letter to all staff on Dec. 22 to notify them. According to the notice, employees are able to be exempt due to the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as their religious practice or belief or because they are pregnant. Staff will have to meet with Sheriff Cerliano to discuss their reasoning for being exempt. Cerliano was also the first person in the office to get the vaccine.

TYLER — The DPS has released additional information on Monday’s multiple fatal in Smith County. Officials had earlier confirmed three deaths; they now say four people died in the crash. The investigator’s preliminary report indicates that the driver of a GMC Sierra was traveling south on FM 757, failed to yield the right of way at the FM 2767 intersection, and pulled into the path of a Peterbilt truck that was eastbound on FM 2767. The deceased are 53-year-old Sara Vasquez of Overton, along with a 15-year-old male, a 17-year-old male, and a 13-year-old female. All were passengers in the GMC. The drivers were listed in serious condition at a local hospital. The crash remains under investigation.

GARDEN VALLEY — An international charity, based Northwest of Tyler, in Garden Valley, has announced a new chairman of the board. According to our news partner KETK, Ruben S. Martin III will fill the seat for Mercy Ship’s board of directors, starting in January. In 2021, Mercy Ships will launch their newest ship, the Global Mercy. Martin was a key player in the launch of the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the Africa Mercy. Mercy Ships aims to bring health care to those in need offering surgical procedures, medical training, and infrastructure development.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A man faces multiple charges following a standoff with deputies when he barricaded himself inside a camper with his gun. According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Jason Morris was arrested and placed in the county jail on charges of evading arrest, aggravated assault on a public servant, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threat on public servant and resisting arrest. The altercation took place at the camper on Highway 175, following a report that a woman was being beaten in the face with an arrow by the man. Authorities arrived and the suspect presented a weapon. After a two-hour standoff and the large use of pepper spray, Morris left the trailer and was taken into custody.

LINDALE — Four individuals have been arrested in connection to a report filed by a Lindale man, who said he was kidnapped and beaten by the group. According to our news partner KETK, the suspects- McKaylah Fruge, Vernon Morris, Anthony Waymire and Zoey Stevens — have been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated kidnapping. On Dec. 7, a man says he was taken against his will to a different city, after at least one of them had a weapon. Upon arrival at the new location, with the weapon again displayed, all four individuals proceeded to assault him. During questioning, one of the suspects confirmed the allegations.

TYLER — Congressman Louie Gohmert filed action earlier this week, that could lead to overturning President-Elect Joe Biden’s election victory. The East Texas Congressman told KTBB Tuesday, his reasoning for filing the lawsuit in Tyler, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. “If you don’t have a hearing where evidence is brought in, people testify, and experts come in and explain what has happened, then you haven’t had a hearing on fraud.” Gohmert went on to say, “There is not a single court in America, that has so-called ‘debunked’ the fraud in the election. Nobody has allowed an evidentiary hearing and taken witnesses and evidence, and that needs to be done!” Continue reading Gohmert highlights action steps of case filed this week

TYLER — NET Health released the weekly Regional Advisory Council G numbers from the Trauma Service Area, over the last 7 days on Tuesday. Data of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 continue to rise. On Monday, COVID patients hit 19.12% of the hospital capacities in RAC-G, which makes up Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Franklin, Freestone, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood counties. Once the metric climbs above 15% and lasts above the threshold for 7 consecutive days, businesses must operate at 50%, instead of 75% capacity. Bars remain closed. Continue reading Coronavirus hospitalization numbers continue to surge

ATHENS — An East Texas man was arrested Monday, in connection to an ATM robbery from two weeks ago. According to our news partner KETK, Rudy R. Jimenez, 28, Athens, has a previous history of violence and theft, and has been arrested 5 other times in Henderson County. Jimenez, later turned himself in, after a probable cause affidavit was issued. Detectives with the city say, during an interview with Jimenez, he admitted to committing the crime. He was arrested for aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. Jimenez was transported and placed into the Henderson County Jail.

MINEOLA – Law officers are continuing an investigation that drugs were being shipped across the nation from a home in Mineola. According to our news partner KETK, the case began when a Mata, the K9 dog of constable Kelly Smith, detected drugs “during a random open air sniff” on Monday. One suspect was detained and methamphetamine, scales and drug distributing materials were taken from the suspect’s home on North Pacific street. Additional suspects have been identified in other states and warrants are pending for their arrests for delivery of methamphetamine. Continue reading Mineola law officers investigating possible drug distribution ring

JEFFERSON — Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur says he will be working from home for the next ten days after his wife tested positive for COVID-19. LeFleur said his wife, Brooke, is doing well with minimal symptoms. Marion County has the fewest confirmed cases of COVID-19, in Northeast Texas, 199 as of Sunday. The County has also reported 17 deaths due to the coronavirus. LaFleur went on to say that he is not aware of anyone else that is quarantining in local or county government, as a result of potential exposure. Marion was one of nearly 80 Texas counties, that opted out of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order requiring face masks.