KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER –  Former Rose Heights Church pastor Doug Anderson passed away on Saturday afternoon, according to a post from the church. Anderson had recently retired from the church in January of 2023. Anderson spent 37 years of his life preaching and leading at Rose Heights Church. Congressman Nathaniel Moran honored Anderson at his retirement ceremony in January. “In recognition of their persevering efforts to follow the teachings and admonitions of Jesus Christ, I present to you this flag and certificate. Congratulations Doug and Gina,” Moran said. Continue reading Former Rose Heights Church pastor Doug Anderson dies

LONGVIEW — A Longview man was arrested on Wednesday, March 29 after a search conducted at his home found a variety of drugs, money and guns, according to officials. According to our news partner KETK, Devarious Ramone Craig, 39 of Longview, was arrested for 11 different possession charges, a money laundering charge and a theft of a firearm charge. The Joint Harrison County Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force searched his residence after starting an investigation into drugs allegedly being shipped there. Officials obtained a search warrant and HCSO Patrol, MPD Crime Scene and Texas DPS CID officers assisted in the search. Continue reading Longview man arrested after search finds guns, cocaine, meth and more at home

RUSK COUNTY — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two individuals that they believe were involved in the abuse of a corpse. According to our news partner KETK, on Thursday, Rusk County investigators responded to a death investigation on County Road 169D. During the investigation, officials said they were led to believe that the body in the case had died at an alternate location and had been transported to Rusk County Road 169D in an attempt to “conceal the cause and location of the death.” A follow up investigation resulted in a evidentiary search warrant on Layton Street in Kilgore. The during the search, officials said they seized suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl and other items believed to be of evidentiary value in the death investigation. Continue reading Two people wanted in connection to abuse of corpse

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Road 329 was washed out during severe weather Friday afternoon. Officials are urging drivers to use an alternate route. The road will remain closed until it can be repaired. CR 329 runs from Farm-to-Market Road 14 to CR 334 near Owentown.

TYLER — John Smiley, principal of Rice Elementary School, has been named the new principal at Hubbard Middle School. He replaces Todd Dreifort, who was recently named the Director of the Career and Technology Center. “Coming in with experiences at the elementary and high school level, along with having a middle school child of my own, I am extremely excited to join the Hubbard Huskies team as principal,” Smiley said. “With Rice feeding into Hubbard, I’m excited that I’ll see some familiar faces this fall with this year’s 5th-grade class moving with me and last year’s class already there.” Continue reading Tyler ISD Announces New Principal for Hubbard Middle School

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work in the district during the week of April 3, 2023. Work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Please slow down and pay attention in work zones. Tyler Maintenance will have a crew on FM 2868 for base repairs. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. A second crew will be conducting bridge work on FM 14, north of Red Springs. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. To see the full schedule, click here.

TYLER — Veteran broadcaster and longtime on-air personality John Sims died early Friday morning after suffering a serious head injury. He was out for a walk near his home in Tyler Tuesday morning when he was struck by a car. UT Health East Texas medical staff performed surgery, but he died of his injuries.

Hailing from the Philadelphia area, where his father called play-by-play for the Phillies baseball team, John likewise took up a career in radio, one that spanned more than 45 years, many of them here in East Texas. Since 1998, John served as news anchor and editor at KTBB, where his distinctive calm and raspy voice was a staple of the airwaves. He was involved in many local community organizations and was respected and admired by those with whom he interacted. Continue reading KTBB says goodbye to one of our own

TYLER — Two people were fatally shot in a car on March 23 after they were sent to do a gun trade and transaction at the Royal Crest Apartments in Tyler, according to court documents. According to our news partner KETK, warrants for Aaron Johnson, 20 of Tyler, and Nicholas Hudson, 18 of Malakoff, state that the two were in contact with each other to discuss Johnson trading an AR-15 assault rifle to Hudson in exchange for a Springfield XD 9mm pistol and $400 cash. Hudson coordinated for the transaction to happen in the parking lot of Royal Crest Apartments, according to the warrants. Continue reading Warrant shows what led up to murders at Tyler apartment complex

TYLER — A Canton man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Ashton Norris, 30, pleaded guilty on August 22, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced Thursday to 97 months in federal prison. According to information presented in court, on Oct. 4, 2021, Norris was stopped on I-20 in Van Zandt County for a defective license plate lamp. During the stop, it was discovered that Norris had an active warrant for his arrest out of Wood County and was placed under arrest. A search of his vehicle revealed a backpack with approximately 103 grams of methamphetamine. Norris was indicted by a federal grand jury on Dec. 5, 2021 on federal drug trafficking violations.

LONGVIEW — One person was injured in a shooting Wednesday morning near a Pine Tree ISD campus. According to the Longview Police Department and our news partner KETK , officers were called to the 1800 block of Pine Tree Road in response to a shooting. Officers spoke with the victim, who reportedly told them that the shooting happened near Pirate Avenue. “As an initial precaution, the Pine Tree campus close to the location went on lockdown,” Longview Police said. “This has already been lifted due to authorities finding no ties to this incident to the school campus.” The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police are on the scene and continuing the investigation.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches ISD cheerleaders, drumline and administrators marched the hallways to surprise teachers with grants on Wednesday. Our news partner KETK reports, the grants were awarded by the Nacogdoches Education Foundation. Teachers from around the district applied for the grants. Eight grants this spring totaled $14,000. On Wednesday, select teachers were surprised with the good news. “I tried to be positive about getting the grant,” said Justin Guillory, Environmental Science Teacher at Nacogdoches High School. Guillory was one of the educators awarded a $1,500 grant, and he was brought to tears. “I’m so happy, I’m so glad, I’m going to be able to use it in my classroom, it’s awesome,” Guillory said. Continue reading Nacogdoches teachers surprised with grants totaling $14,000

MARSHALL — A Harrison County man was arrested Tuesday after another man was injured in a shooting on North Franklin Street, according to our news partner KETK and Marshall Police. Officials said police found Bobby Williams, 28 with gunshot wounds to his abdomen and leg, and he was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Keith Hall, 35 of Marshall, was arrested after an investigation by Marshall Police detectives and members of the Joint Violent Crimes and Narcotics Task Force. Hall was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and his bond has been set at $50,000. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

TYLER – Gov. Greg Abbott recently reappointed a Tyler woman to the state Dental Review Board. Amanda Richardson is a registered dental hygienist, professor and instructional designer at Tyler Junior College. According to our news partner KETK, she is a member of the American Dental Education Association, East Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association, Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. She got her associate degree in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Tyler Junior College, a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Texas Women’s University and a Master of Science in Human Resource Development from the University of Texas at Tyler. The Texas Dental Review Board serves on “informal settlement conference panels” to decide “whether an informal disposition of a contested case against a license holder is appropriate and make recommendations for the disposition of the complaint or allegation.”

HENDERSON COUNTY — An Athens man was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly impersonated a Winnsboro police officer and was reported to have been following female high school students for a few days. According to our news partner KETK, an arrest affidavit reports Dallas Browning, 26 of Athens, approached Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse at the Henderson County Livestock Show on March 22, identified himself as a police officer and told Hillhouse he had seen a jail trustee “place some tobacco in his pants.” The affidavit said Hillhouse also saw Browning tell a detention officer that he was a police officer and worked the nightshift for the Winnsboro Police Department. Continue reading Athens man arrested for impersonating a police officer

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – A woman was indicted by a Van Zandt County grand jury earlier this month, and is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a local church. According to our news partner KETK, Donna Cory Drake was indicted on a second-degree felony charge of theft from a non-profit. The non-profit is named in the indictment as Lakeside Baptist Church where she is accused of taking between $30,000 to $150,000 between October 2018 and September 2022. Drake was arrested for the charge from her indictment on Friday, and was released the same day after posting a $10,000 bond. Second-degree felonies carry a penalty range of two to 20 years.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler will be helping to develop space farming. UT Tyler has received a $100,000 grant from NASA to study how plants react to different types of stress in space. The technology used by Dr. Shawana Tabassum, electrical engineering assistant professor and chief investigator, is similar to a fitness watch, but for plants. The goal is to help astronauts grow fresh produce on deep-space missions and eventually to grow produce on the Moon or on Mars. UT Tyler will collaborate on the project with Texas A&M. Project activities will be conducted at the A&M Agrilife Research facility in College Station.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — The Texas Attorney General’s office has released the custodial death reports for two women who died at the Cherokee County Jail. According to our news partner KETK, Aiydasani Mahogany Bryant, 21, was being held on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge when she collapsed in a medical cell at 8:41 p.m. on Feb. 21, 2023, according to a report. The report said correctional officers entered her cell two minutes later at 8:43 p.m. to try and get her off of the ground. Bryant was helped to her feet before reportedly falling to the ground again. At that point, correctional officers reportedly sat her up and called for EMS, who arrived and spoke with her. Continue reading State report reveals deaths of two East Texas jail inmates

UPSHUR COUNTY — A body was found Monday morning by a roofing crew at a residence in Upshur County. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded to a dead body call at a residence on Airstrip Road in the southwest portion of the county. Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said roofing crew members arrived at the scene to do a job at the location and found the body, later identified as Timothy Allen Caffey, 66, of Gilmer. Officials said the house where he was found was his own residence. “Evidence at the scene clearly indicated that Mr. Timothy Caffey was the victim of a homicide,” the sheriff’s office said. Caffey shared his residence with his son, Michael Timothy Caffey, 45, of Gilmer. Continue reading Homicide investigation underway following discovery of body

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation is continuing to host a virtual public meeting regarding the six-lane widening project on FM 2493, more commonly known as Old Jacksonville Highway, with an in-person option set for Tuesday. Officials encourage you to participate and share your comments on improving safety and mobility along the highway from Loop 323 to FM 2813. The virtual public meeting remains available through Wednesday, April 12. The in-person public meeting will be held in a come-and-go format March 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Regional Training and Development Complex on the Tyler Junior College West Campus. Click this link for all the details.

TYLER — The railroad crossing on E. Line St. between Spring and Center Avenues in Tyler will be closed for maintenance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 29. Officials say Union Pacific Railroad and the City of Tyler Streets Department will be doing routine maintenance on the railroad crossing and the roadway near the intersection. Detours will be in place at North Spring and North Center. The City of Tyler urges drivers to use caution and obey all traffic signs and detours in the area.

MARSHALL — The Texas A&M Forest Service is conducting a controlled burn in Harrison County, northeast of Marshall, and officials say wind conditions have caused smoke to hover within Marshall’s city limits. Authorities say this will be a two-day controlled burn. Representatives from the Forest Service have indicated that workers will complete the burn Tuesday after ceasing operations Monday.

TYLER — Portions of the roadways at the South Broadway Avenue and Grande Boulevard intersection will be closed nightly beginning March 29. Officials say lane closures are needed while contractors work on sewer lines in the area. Contractors will be working at night to minimize the impact on traffic, according to a news release. The construction is scheduled for March 29 through March 31 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Drivers can expect traffic delays in the area. The City of Tyler urges motorists to use caution and obey all traffic signs in the area.

MARSHALL — The East Texas Council of Governments last week honored regional citizens who exemplify excellence in performance, innovation, and contributions to the community, according to a news release. The awards were handed out at ETCOG’s 103rd Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting at Bear Creek Smokehouse in Marshall. Top first responders, the Citizens of the Year, and the Corporate Citizen of the Year were recognized, along with recipients of honors for statesmanship and committee service. Click here for the full report.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College will host its 12th annual “50 Gallon Challenge” Monday-Friday, March 27-31, at various TJC locations. All donors will receive a free T-shirt and a Carter BloodCare water bottle, and will be entered to win prizes each day. Since TJC and Carter BloodCare teamed up for the “50 Gallon Challenge” 12 years ago, the event has raised more than 500 gallons of the blood and potentially saved more than 13,000 lives, according to a news release. “Tyler is a very giving community, and we rely on their support to help us reach this big goal,” said TJC Director of Student Life Lauren Tyler as quoted in the release. “Each year we’ve held the blood drive, we’ve had great support from our students, faculty and staff and the great people of Tyler.” Click this link for more information.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District for the week of March 27. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have a ditch maintenance crew on FM 850 at various locations. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. Once complete, the crew will move to FM 15 for mill operations and leveling. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance, with assistance from Special Crews, will be conducting fog seal operations on FM 2011, from FM 2087 to SH 322. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

AUSTIN – A Flint resident claimed a top prize winning ticket worth $1 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game 200X Cash Blitz. According to a news release, the ticket was purchased at Uncle’s 130203 in Midland. The claimant elected to remain anonymous. This was the second of four top prizes worth $1 million to be claimed in this game. 200X Cash Blitz offers more than $145 million in total prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 3.68, including break-even prizes, according to the release.

MARSHALL — Marshall Police Department announced that officers shot a man in downtown Marshall on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, officials said they received reports about a man who was dressed in a trench coat and walking in the middle of the road carrying a rifle, around 11:23 p.m. on Saturday. According to Marshall PD, the responding officers found the man, Shimon Faggett, 43, and repeatedly asked him to drop what they thought was a rifle. The officers then shot Faggett after he allegedly pointed what turned out to be a replica weapon at them, officials said. Continue reading Officer-involved shooting in Marshall under investigation

TYLER – A 2023 report said that recreational fishing created $117.9 million in business for Texas’ first congressional district. According to our news partner KETK, this includes Texarkana, Longview and Tyler. The American Sportfishing Association’s 2023 Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing: U.S. Congressional Districts report shows 110,100 district one anglers made $117.9 million in purchases support over 1,310 jobs throughout the district. Across Texas, 4,313,700 anglers spent $4.6 billion on fishing, supporting 51,380 Texas fishing jobs, meaning that Texas has the second largest recreational fishing industry in the United States, according to the American Sportfishing Association. ASA said the report’s data is based upon angler participation and spending from 2021 data.