KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Tyler ISD bus drivers will soon have cases of water on hand for their routes. According to our news partner KETK, Churches Serving Schools and the Brookshire Grocery Company partnered to supply more than 60,000 bottles of water to Tyler ISD bus drivers. “We are beyond grateful for this donation for our Tyler ISD bus drivers,” Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines said. “They are the first person thousands of our students see every school day and the last person they see when the school day ends. Our drivers travel more than 7,500 miles daily, covering Tyler ISD’s 193-square-mile school district. This incredible gesture means so much to each and every one of them.” Continue reading 60,000 bottles of water donated to Tyler ISD bus drivers

PALESTINE — The Palestine Police Department lost a K9 officer this week. The department announced that K9 Hera died on Aug. 14 from a recent illness, according to our news partner KETK. The department said she will be remembered as a hard-working member of the Palestine Police Department and a public servant to the community. “Our condolences go to her family during this difficult time,” Palestine PD said. “Rest easy, Hera. We have the watch from here.”

TYLER — Work is underway to renovate Tyler’s former Greyhound bus station into a new boutique inn that will serve downtown Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the Greyhound Inn will feature nine rooms, five original upstairs apartments, two first floor units and two new rooms that will divide the building’s Art Moderne addition. Originally the building’s rooms were used for overnight Greyhound bus drivers, so many of them were fully equipped with bathrooms and kitchenettes and will be again once the renovation is complete. “I believe these will be the most unique hospitality rooms in all of East Texas, when finished. It’s hard to explain how cool these rooms are until you see them for yourself,” said Andy Bergfeld with Bergfeld Realty Company. Continue reading Former Tyler bus station being renovated into Greyhound Inn

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A federal grand jury July 19 returned indictments on three persons on several drug charges. According to our news partner KETK, indicted were Joshua Lindsey, Amanda Lindsey and Jacob Lacey. They were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting.
Continue reading Feds indict 3 for having 3 pounds of meth

LONGVIEW – Longview ISD is proposing a tax rate cut for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and a bond election for Nov. 7. According to our news partners at KETK, the Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved a proposed property tax rate decrease from $1.3276 per $100 valuation to $1.1422 per $100 valuation. This proposed rate includes $0.6692 for Maintenance and Operations and $0.4730 for Interest and Sinking. They also are projecting a budget of $100,715,705 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, up from last year’s budget total of $94,214,401. Continue reading Longview ISD proposing $359 million bond

MOUNT PLEASANT – The Mount Pleasant Police Department said a man was sentenced to life in prison for continuous sexual assault of child on Monday. Cornelio Macedo-Medrano, 58, was arrested in 2021 after he was accused of sexually assaulting a child between 3 and 5-years-old. “It took enormous courage on behalf of the victim to come forward and speak with the MPPD. Thanks to the Titus County District Attorney’s Office, Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, investigators from the MPPD, and the brave victim, today Macedo-Medrano was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.” -  Mount Pleasant Texas Police Department

LONGVIEW – Occupants of two vehicles were hospitalized after a wreck involving an 18-wheeler on Monday morning according to our news partners at KETK. Around 8:40 a.m., the West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department responded to a multi-vehicle wreck with a possible entrapment. When crews arrived, they reportedly found a car, truck and 18-wheeler were involved in the accident. The fire department said that occupants from both vehicles were taken to a local hospital. “The department responded with 1 rescue truck, 1 tanker for traffic control and 7 personnel,” said the West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department. No further information is available at this time.

TYLER – Tyler businessman Daniel Alders announced Tuesday he will run for the Texas House District 6 seat, currently held by Representative Matt Schaefer. Schaefer announced Monday that he will not seek re-election. According to our news partner KETK, Alders is the President of Drake Management Services, which is a Tyler-based commercial property management company. Prior to that he was the East Texas Regional Director to Senator Ted Cruz. In that job, Drake was the primary liaison from the Senators office to a 35 county region.

At the time of the announcement Alders said, “I am grateful for the encouragement I have received from leaders across Smith County, and especially for Representative Schaefer’s endorsement. I look forward to continuing his legacy of conservative leadership in Austin.”

SMITH COUNTY — Another scam is finding its way to cell phones of East Texans. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam where victims get a call from someone claiming to be Chief Deputy John Garrison with the SCSO, telling the recipient that they missed a grand jury subpoena. “The proposed victim immediately recognized this as a scam and did not let the suspect get far enough to explain the payment method,” said SCSO Sgt. Larry Christian. “Typically, these scammers will demand immediate payment for nonexistent fines and/or warrants for missed jury service.” Christian said he talked with the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Texas, John Garrison. Continue reading Smith County residents warned about scam calls

GREGG COUNTY — Monday night in Gregg County, commissioners voted yes in a bond election for a new courthouse parking garage. According to our news partner KETK, during Monday’s county commissioners’ meeting, a $19 million bond was approved to go on November’s ballot. The money will be used for a new parking garage in Downtown Longview that will be built across from the county courthouse. During a recent interview with KETK, County Judge Bill Stoudt said parking has been a problem for years at the courthouse and that this structure will help the issues. The project could take up to two years.

GLENDALE — According to our news partner KETK residents in certain parts of Trinity County are being asked to prepare for evacuation due to a “severe fire” on North Ghost Branch Road in Glendale. According to Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace, the fire started from a pasture of about 10 to 15 acres that was moving to the woods around 2:30 p.m. on Monday. Wallace reported that the fire is about 100 acres large and 30% contained as of 6:45 p.m. Officials on the scene have used several aircrafts to get water from a nearby pond and lake to take it over to the fire in an attempt to help extinguish it. The fire is reportedly spreading to Sammy Davis Road and approaching Highway 94. Wallace said the highway could possibly be shut down if the fire continues to spread in that direction. For residents that need to evacuate, the VFW in Trinity will be open as a shelter as well as First Baptist Church in Groveton. Continue reading Some Trinity County residents asked to evacuate due to wildfire

TYLER – First District Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Tyler stopped by KTBB Monday afternoon. With congress in recess, Moran was asked what issues are on voters minds. He said, “We heard a lot about over regulation by the USDA and the EPA. We were talking to some community banks last week in Shelby County and we heard a lot about the CFPB and their over regulation of community banks. So, over regulation is a big issue.”
Continue reading Congressman Nathaniel Moran visits KTBB

TYLER – Three men have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges that took place throughout the Eastern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. According to our news partner KETK, on Monday, Nekia Euron Byrd, 48, Rodney Ignacio Castro, 41 and Terance Babe Green, 43, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to information presented in court, Byrd, Castro and Green had been trafficking cocaine throughout the Houston area, Port Arthur and various East Texas cities such as Texarkana and Lufkin.

Byrd, Castro and Green each face 10 years to life in federal prison for their involvement in the drug trafficking enterprise. Davilyn Walston, Public Affairs Officer/Law Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said, “A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.”

HARRISON COUNTY – A woman was arrested after allegedly smoking while driving and drugs being found while she was getting processed into jail.

Our news partners at KETK report that on Monday, a deputy with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and their K9, Pato, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was reportedly going 81 mph in a 65 mph zone. During the stop, the deputy reported that they smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Sherronandayln Forrest and authorities said she admitted to smoking inside of the vehicle which led to a probable cause search by the deputy. During the search, officials said they found a firearm that was reported stolen out of the Shreveport Police Department. Continue reading Xanax bars seized while woman is processed into East Texas jail

TYLER – State Representative Matt Schaefer (District 6) has announced he is not running for reelection in 2024. He made this official statement on twitter around midday… “I will not seek re-election to the Texas House of Representatives in 2024. It’s time for the next conservative leader to be the voice of House District 6 in Austin. Continue reading Matt Schaefer will not run for reelection

MARSHALL – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said that a man was arrested on Saturday after allegedly kicking, biting and fighting deputies following a traffic stop. According to our news partner KETK, Deputy Anderson and K9 Pato stopped a dark Cadillac that was speeding on Highway 80 in Marshall. The Cadillac stopped on Yaney Street after attempting to evade Anderson and Pato. Jessica Parker, 29, who was driving the Cadillac, was arrested for unrestrained children, speeding and warrants, jail records show. A passenger, Adam Foster, 22, allegedly kicked, bit and fought with Anderson and additional responding deputies, officials said. Foster was arrested for assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance between 4 and 400 grams and warrants. Both Foster and Parker are being held at the Harrison County jail.

GLADEWATER – Several East Texas Fire departments responded to a structure fire in the 2000 block of Highway 80 near Gladewater on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK. around 3:30 p.m. Gladewater Fire Department requested mutual aid from Clarksville City-Warren City Volunteer Fire Department and White Oak Volunteer Fire Department. When crews arrived officials said they found fire on the front of the house that was spreading into the attic and living area. Crews were able to contain the fire to the attic and one room before extinguishing the blaze. According to Gladewater Fire Department no injuries were reported. A member of West Mountain Volunteer Fire Department also assisted, according to White Oak VFD. They added that Gregg County Fire Marshals were on the scene investigating the cause of the fire.

HARRISON COUNTY – 2 men were arrested after officials said they found 14 grams of psilocybin mushrooms during a traffic stop in Harrison County. According to our news partner KETK on Friday morning, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a vehicle that was brake checking vehicles while traveling westbound on I-20. A deputy reportedly saw the vehicle in question around mile marker 603 and initiated a traffic stop for a moving violation. When the deputy approached the vehicle, there was reportedly an odor of marijuana coming from it which led to a probable cause search. During the search, the deputy reported that they found 14 grams of psilocybin mushrooms in the vehicle. Continue reading 14 grams of psychedelic mushrooms seized during traffic stop

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Breakers Seafood in Tyler will close at the end of August, the restaurant announced on social media.

A locally-owned and operated seafood joint that, in its own words, aimed to “bring a piece of California to Texas,” will close its doors after 14 years in business. Continue reading Breakers Seafood in Tyler to close

PALESTINE – Three people were arrested in Palestine and charged in connection to organized retail crime.

On Wednesday, Palestine police officers received a call about a suspicious person at the Walmart at 2223 S. Loop 256. Walmart asset protection reported that a man suspected in recent thefts at Walmarts in Tyler, Jacksonville and other local stores had entered the businesses.

The man was suspected to have taken part in “cash cash” scams. Continue reading 3 arrested in Palestine for organized crime, suspected of Walmart cash scams

TYLER – Thursday, the Tyler Area Builders Association held their annual luncheon. According to our news partner KETK, special guests at this years luncheon were U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran and State Senator Bryan Hughes. The focus of the luncheon is to have builders in East Texas meet with local, state and national leaders to talk about issues that affect the building industry. John McKinney from the TABA builder directors said, “That’s probably our number one priority is trying to keep housing affordable especially for us here in East Texas. Continue reading U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran joins annual TABA luncheon

EAST TEXAS — Shopping centers will be busy this weekend with no sales tax on back to school essentials. The sales tax holiday runs through Sunday. The Comptroller encourages all taxpayers to support Texas businesses while saving money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) during the annual Tax-Free weekend. Qualifying items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. In most cases, you do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate to buy qualifying items tax free. This year’s sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 11, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 13. Continue reading Tax free weekend

CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill Independent School District (CHISD) has announced announced a salary increase and enhanced incentives for student-centered bus drivers. According to a news released from the school district, the changes were approved during a recent school board meeting. Effective immediately, the pay scale for bus drivers has been raised to $20.00 per hour. In addition to the increased salary, bus drivers will be eligible for a sign-on bonus of $500 after they have worked at least 60 days with the district. Continue reading Chapel Hill ISD announced pay increase for bus drivers

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy celebrated its partnership with local artists and a new art exhibition through Art Connection via Valerosa, LLC. This collection was curated by Neita Fran Ward (pictured) and professionally installed by Tyler Museum of Art. The exhibit will be displayed in the W.T. Brookshire Hall, home of the Fisch College of Pharmacy, for the next year, marking the sixth art installation at the college. Art Connection via Valerosa, LLC will feature 53 pieces of artwork throughout the hallways of W.T. Brookshire Hall. Continue reading UT Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy celebrates partnership with Art Connection

NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches Police Department said that officers with their K9 unit found 25.8 pounds of cocaine in a vehicle during a traffic stop on Thursday. Brandon Lee White, 39 of Trotwood, Ohio was initially stopped around 9:40 a.m. for a traffic violation in the 7000 block of Northwest Stallings Drive, according to Nacogdoches PD. Officials said officers got consent to search the vehicle White was driving and NPD’s newest K9 Hamer alerted on the vehicle. Officers then discovered 25.8 pounds of cocaine in an after market compartment inside the vehicle, Nacogdoches PD said in a press release. According to our news partner KETK White was arrested for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and is being held in the Nacogdoches County Jail, according to jail records.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police answered a call early Thursday morning on Alta Street. According to our news partner KETK, officers found two shooting victims, one adult female and a teenager. At this point Longview Police says, “It appears the shooting happened outside of the home, and there is a connection between all involved parties.” The woman and the teenager were taken to a hospital and their injuries are being called life-threatening. Longview PD asks if you have information on this incident to call them or go on online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – One person is dead after a single-car crash on Monday night on Highway 175 near Cuney. According to a preliminary DPS report, and our news partners at KETK, a 2015 Dodge Journey was traveling south on the highway and failed to drive in a single lane. DPS said the driver overcorrected and left the roadway, “rolling over several times, ejecting the driver.” The driver, identified as Dashad Baker, 29 of Frankston, was pronounced dead at the scene by a justice of the peace and was reported to not have been wearing a seatbelt. The investigation is ongoing.

BEN WHEELER — New laws in Texas will go into effect on Sept. 1 that will bring stricter rules if students get caught using the devices, according to our news partner KETK. “There’s really no choice. If we find it, it’s automatic that a student’s going to be removed from the basic regular school setting and will be in alternative school for a period of time,” said Superintendent of Martin’s Mill ISD, Scott Tyner. According to the CDC, in 2022, 2.5 million middle and high school students across the country used vapes. Students that are caught will be put in a “Disciplinary Alternative Education Program.” “We might see a decrease of the use at school,” said Tyner. This action is expected to be a step higher than detention but not as bad as getting a suspension. Tyner adds it will depend on what the student is caught with that will determine the punishment. Continue reading New laws set to impact students caught vaping