KTBB News, Weather, Talk

RUSK — Former Rusk Police Chief Scott Heagney is seeking reinstatement after his termination earlier this month, according to a grievance filed with city leadership. According to our news partner KETK, Heagney, who was fired on Friday, has submitted an internal grievance to the city manager, mayor and city council requesting speedy and retroactive reinstatement. His attorney, David Schleicher of Waco, said the termination occurred while Heagney was actively cooperating with the city to schedule a required fitness-for-duty exam.

City officials previously said Heagney was terminated after an administrative review, citing that he was unavailable during duty hours while on administrative leave without requesting alternative leave.

“We look forward to Mr. Heagney immediately being returned to serving as Rusk Police Chief,” Schleicher said. “Though we believe the order for a fitness-for-duty exam was not justified, we will continue to cooperate in getting the exam scheduled and completed.” Continue reading Former police chief files grievance

TYLER – TxDOT crews continue to prepare for the  winter storm forecast for East Texas. Crews have been preparing roadways around the eight-county district for potentially icy conditions. Brine operations  on bridges and roadways susceptible to wind and ice started Wednesday.

I-20 and other major roadways were also treated with a brine solution consisting of salt and water designed to help slow the initial freezing on pavement.

Crews have readied equipment and materials and will continue to monitor the roadways throughout the weekend. Drivers should allow a safe traveling distance between their vehicles and the mobile convoys. Continue reading TxDOT treating roadways, caution drivers

TYLER – An estimated 1,000 students from Tyler High School and Legacy High School walked out of classes on Tuesday afternoon in protest of recent ICE activity. According to our news partner KETK, the protest remained peaceful and students who participated created signs and posters urging local law enforcement to end their partnership with ICE’s 287(g) program, which Smith County commissioners approved in February 2025.

Students who organized the protest stated that they would no longer sit idly and watch ICE terrorize communities nationwide. Tyler High English Teacher Stacy Brazill approved her students’ decisions to participate in the protest due to the fear and anxiety the presence of ICE in East Texas has created in their families. Continue reading Students walkout over ICE activity

TYLER – The Caldwell Zoo has welcomed the new year with six newborn greater kudu calves. The Caldwell Zoo had a successful year for its African hoofstock band, welcoming six female greater kudu calves in December. Several members of the herd became first-time mothers in 2025.

According to our news partner KETK, the zoo’s dedicated veterinary team and animal keepers worked diligently to ensure the mothers are comfortable and recovering well.

With all of the calves being born during December, it was crucial to make sure the zoo staff jumped in quickly to keep them safe and warm during the first few weeks of their lives. Most of the calves are being bottle-fed at this time to get their necessary nutrients as moms, babies and the herd adjust to these new additions. Continue reading Caldwell Zoo welcomes six antelope calves

RUSK — More than a month has passed since 57-year-old David Blount disappeared in Cherokee County, leaving his family in a daily struggle for answers amid growing heartache. With no leads, family members said law enforcement does not know where to search anymore and are now urging people to come forward with any information.

Jessica Blount and Justin Blount, David’s niece and nephew spoke with KETK News and mentioned that David would sometimes go for periods without communicating with family members. However, this time it raised immediate red flags. Family members said David goes on fishing trips to Lake Striker but always lets his neighbor know to watch his home. His red truck was discovered along the Neches River four days after he went missing. His family found it strange since he typically fished at lakes rather than rivers and no fishing pole was found in his truck.

Additionally, a kayak was located, but they mentioned that he hadn’t gone kayaking in years. Continue reading Blount’s family pleads for information

JACKSONVILLE – Friday, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotic search for narcotics at a home located in rural Jacksonville. Investigators saw 43-year-old Jessica Wolf smoking methamphetamine during a video visit with an inmate currently in the county jail. Deputies searched the residence and found 46 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana and a firearm.

Wolf was arrested for possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Bond was set on all three charges for a total of $651,000.00.

TYLER – January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and Cervical Cancer Screening Month. Dr. Daren Yeager, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with UT Health East Texas Physicians, shares five things to know about this important topic.

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is a very common virus spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. While many HPV infections clear on their own, some high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer if not monitored.

Screening is recommended for people with a cervix starting at age 21. Pap tests are typically done every three years, while HPV testing may be done every five years for those over 30. A healthcare provider can recommend the best schedule based on individual health history. Continue reading Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

HARRISON COUNTY — After nearly half a decade of evading law enforcement, a fugitive wanted on multiple felony charges involving a child is now behind bars. According to reports from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Eusebio Martinez Padron after he allegedly spent roughly five years avoiding arrest for sex crimes against children.

Authorities say the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) alerted local deputies that Padron was believed to be hiding in Harrison County. Acting on that information, deputies searched the area around Lee Circle, where they located and arrested him. Padron was taken into custody without incident and booked on three felony warrants out of North Carolina, including alleged incest with a child under 13, first-degree statutory rape, and indecent liberties with a child.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office credited the successful arrest to strong coordination between local deputies and out-of-state investigators.

HARRISON COUNTY — Authorities are searching for suspects involved in a high-speed chase that went through Harrison County last week.

According to our news partner KETK and the Longview Police Department, the pursuit began on Jan.15 after a white Dodge Charger and a gray Dodge Challenger reached speeds exceeding 100 mph on Interstate 20. As the chase continued, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office was alerted and joined the pursuit, going eastbound on I-20.

Witnesses reported that one of the Chargers exited the interstate in Waskom, where deputies later found the vehicle abandoned. The vehicle was towed for processing, and authorities are currently investigating.

No suspects have yet been identified, and a report has been filed regarding the incident.

ANGELINA COUNTY – Two people were arrested after a months-long investigation uncovered a drug manufacturing operation in Houston County. According to our news partner and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, officials learned information that pointed to Darryl Dewayne Mask, 24 of Lufkin, selling fentanyl pills. The sheriff’s office then did a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Mask, who had directed them to meet him at the Lufkin Middle School parking lot while school was in session.

A warrant for his arrest was executed at his apartment on Daniel McCall Drive near Lufkin. Deputies approached Mask while he was in his vehicle and placed him under arrest. According to the sheriff’s office, a Taurus .40 caliber pistol, K-2 and cocaine were recovered from Mask’s vehicle. The sheriff’s office stated that evidence found during the investigation indicated a fentanyl pill manufacturing operation was located in Houston County. This operation was on property owned by Adriyel Demille Mask, situated between Ratcliff and Kennard off County Road 4700.

A search warrant was secured for Mask’s property and the Houston County Sheriff’s office was notified. Houston County deputies began watching the residence on Mask’s property. Continue reading Fentanyl pill press uncovered

PALESTINE — East Texans may soon have a new opportunity to change careers without returning to school. The Bitcoin Mining Institute (BMI) has announced plans to establish a location in Palestine, where they will hire technicians to repair computers used in bitcoin mining. According to our news partner KETK, Chief Executive Officer Tyler Schmill announced that their offices will undergo construction for the next six months. They will begin hiring at least 20 technicians and plan to hire a total of 350 employees over the next five years.

Schmill said people do not need prior experience in cryptocurrency, information technology or data center management before starting work there. Continue reading BMI develops job opportunities

LONGVIEW – Longview firefighters responded to a fire that left three people displaced from their home on East Marshall Avenue on Sunday night. According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Fire Department, responded to a report of structure fire in the 2000 block of East Marshall Avenue, near Sonic at around 9:23 p.m. The firefighters arriving at the scene found a home fully on fire and Longview FD said the fire did around $94,000 in damage before it was put out.

Three occupants from the home and three dogs were displaced because of the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation but fire officials said investigators do not suspect foul play was involved. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the Longview Fire Department at 903-237-1119.