KTBB News, Weather, Talk

GILMER — A Gilmer man is sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder. Anthony Brown Jr., 32, was charged in connection with a wreck that killed Nancy Huyser, 56, of Kilgore in 2011. Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety tell KETK Brown was legally drunk when he drove his truck across the median and crashed into Huyser’s vehicle. Brown was charged with intoxicated manslaughter. .

TYLER – Tyler ISD will use a search committee to select candidates for the John Tyler High School principal position. TISD officials say a community survey has been launched to gather information from John Tyler parents, staff members, students, and community members to determine what characteristics and qualities they would like to see in a potential candidate. You can go to http://www.jt.tylerisd.org to gain access to the survey. Continue reading Committee to Select Candidates for John Tyler Principal Position

LONGVIEW — A state forestry official says effects of a lingering drought and federal budget cuts are setting up East Texas for a dangerous wildfire season. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. “East Texas is a concern for us this summer,” said Tom Spencer, director of predictive services for the Texas Forest Service. “If we get tropical moisture this summer and plentiful rainfall, that would mitigate it.” Add to that concern the arrival of national budget sequestration cuts. Continue reading Official Warns of High Wildfire Danger in East Texas

TYLER – A joint investigation between the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson County has led to the arrest of Joshua Shapley, 30, in connection with several thefts and burglaries in southwest Smith County and eastern Henderson County. During a traffic stop on April 25, a DPS Trooper found a gun, a television, and jewelry inside Shapley’s vehicle. It was determined that these items were from a burglary he had just allegedly committed in Frankston. Shapley is currently in the Henderson County Jail facing charges and is expected to face additional charges in Smith County. Officials said Brandy Hedricks (pictured), 28, who is said to be a known associate of Shapley’s, was taken into custody Wednesday night.

TYLER — The new dean of the College of Education and Psychology at The University of Texas at Tyler is Dr. Ross Sherman. He has served as interim since September 2012. Sherman has served UT Tyler as professor and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies since 1987. Continue reading Sherman Named UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology Dean

TYLER — Urologist Delbert Rudy, MD, has joined UT Health Northeast after more than a decade in private practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Dr. Rudy has over 30 years of experience as a urologist, which is a physician and surgeon who treats diseases of the male and female urinary tracts and the male reproductive organs. He is board certified in urology. Continue reading Urologist Joins UT Health Northeast

KILGORE — Three Kilgore College Board of Trustees members have been sworn in after votes were canvassed from the May 11 election. New to the board is Rev. Brian Nutt, (pictured) pastor of Grace Fellowship of Kilgore. Rev. Nutt received 53.63% of the vote, defeating former KC Board member Marion Turner. He will fill the Central Zone seat, representing Kilgore Independent School District, vacated by longtime board member R.E. “Sonny” Spradlin. Continue reading Kilgore College Trustees Take Oath of Office

AUSTIN (AP) — The House has soundly defeated a proposed referendum that would have let voters decide whether to limit statewide elected officials to two consecutive terms. The proposal easily cleared the Senate but failed on a 61 to 88 vote in the lower chamber Wednesday. It would not have applied to state representatives or senators.

Senate Joint Resolution 13, authored by state Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, would have placed a constitutional amendment regarding term limits for all statewide elected officials before Texas voters in November. It would limit officials to two consecutive four-year terms.

AUSTIN — The bill that would authorize the creation of a pharmacy school at The University of Texas at Tyler has been passed by the Texas Senate and House and is now on its way to Gov. Rick Perry for approval. A signature from the governor would be followed by final approval by the UT System Board of Regents. Continue reading Bill for UT Tyler Pharmacy School Awaits Perry’s Signature

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s help in locating a person said to be on the run. Kristopher Jarrod Ford, 25, is wanted on a warrant for allegedly burglarizing the Dairy Queen in Gresham on April 9. According to authorities, Ford is aware that he has a warrant out for his arrest and is hiding. His last known address was on South Englewood in Tyler. Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Ford. If you know of Ford’s whereabouts or have more information about this case, you’re asked to call Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (2833). The Smith County Sheriff’s Office welcomes help from the public in reporting crimes or criminal activity. If you have information, call 903-561-6600.

TYLER — A Smith County jury sentenced a Whitehouse man to life in prison after he pleaded guilty to his third charge of driving while intoxicated. 42-year-old Samuel Gentry faced a punishment range of 25 years to life, and he will be eligible for parole after he serves at least 30 years of that sentence. KETK reports that previous felony convictions bumped Gentry’s charge up to a first-degree felony.

TYLER – A 38-year-old Longview woman has pleaded guilty in Tyler to federal tax violations. Racyna Antoinette Henry pleaded guilty to an information charging her with aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns on May 14 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith A. Guthrie. Continue reading Longview Woman Guilty of Federal Tax Violations

TYLER — Mothers Against Drunk Driving reacts to the government’s recommendation that states lower the legal blood alcohol content to .05. Leslie Watson with MADD in East Texas says the recommendation is all well and good, calling lower BAC levels “one piece of the puzzle.” But she adds, “We feel that with the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, that that really does provide the best opportunity to save the most lives and actually eliminate drunk driving.” Watson says MADD’s campaign deals with keeping the drunk driver off the road — not telling people how much they should drink. According to Watson, MADD will continue to focus on getting legislation passed to support ignition interlocks and sobriety checkpoints. She says MADD believes that presents the best opportunities and possibilities to save lives.

KAUFMAN — No reward money will be paid for the three high-profile murders in Kaufman County. More than $100,000 had been pledged to help solve the murders of assistant prosecutor Mark Hasse, District Attorney Mike McLelland, and his wife, Cynthia. But Tassie Gamble of Kaufman County Crimestoppers says it was police legwork that led to the arrest of Eric Williams (pictured) and his wife, Kim. Gamble says Crimestoppers released the letters of credit that been brought in from pledges back to the people who had pledged the money — which was the lion’s share of that money. A small amount will remain in the Kaufman County Crimestoppers program.

NACOGDOCHES — Nearly a dozen illegal immigrants were arrested in Nacogdoches County Tuesday, according to officials. KETK reports that a little after midnight, Nacogdoches County sheriff’s deputies pulled over a car for a traffic violation on Highway 59 South. Inside, they reportedly found 10 illegal immigrants crammed into the car. They were all taken to the Nacogdoches County Jail.

TYLER — Tyler’s teachers of the year have been named. The announcement came Tuesday night at the annual banquet held at the Harvey Convention Center. The District honored Campus Teachers of the Year before naming Griffin Elementary School Science Lab Teacher Kimberly Whaley as Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Robert E. Lee High School Pre-AP Biology Teacher Elgin Johnson as Secondary Teacher of the Year. Continue reading Tyler’s Teachers of the Year Named

CHANDLER — A home in Chandler has been destroyed by fire. It was reported early Tuesday night in the 600 block of Hamilton Boulevard. No one was at home when the fire was reported and no injures were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

WHITEHOUSE — Votes in the Whitehouse wet/dry election will be canvassed May 21 by the city council. According to KETK, local businesses will be able to apply for permits from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission as soon as May 22. One business owner says the city’s proximity to Lake Tyler should help spur beer and wine sales. Such sales were approved for local stores this past Saturday, by a narrow margin.

GRANBURY (AP/STAFF) — Texas con man Billie Sol Estes, the colorful 1960s swindler whose case became a national sensation, has died. He was 88. County Sheriff Roger Deed says Estes was found dead in his home by a caregiver early Tuesday. Estes’ name was synonymous with Texas-sized schemes, greed and corruption. He became notorious in 1962, when he was accused of looting a federal crop subsidy program in a scam involving phony financial statements and non-existent fertilizer tanks. Several lower level agriculture officials resigned. Along the way he accused fellow Texan Lyndon B. Johnson of numerous crimes. Continue reading ’60s Texas Swindler Billie Sol Estes Dies; Was Tried in Tyler

LONGVIEW — A trial date has been set for a Kilgore man and woman being held in the Gregg County Jail on multiple charges of sexual misconduct with a child. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, court records show Jesse Dale Smith, 33, and Cassandra Stone, 32, were indicted in December. The pair are scheduled to appear before Judge David Brabham at 9 a.m. May 20, in the 188th District Court. Continue reading Sexual Misconduct Trial Date Set

LONGVIEW — Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission officials said Tuesday North and West Longview residents should have a little more than 45 days before beer and wine hit area store shelves. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Longview voters overwhelmingly granted area grocery and convenience stores permission to sell beer and wine Saturday, passing Longview’s Proposition 1 by nearly a 2-1 margin.

Roy Hale, a planner for the TABC, said after the results of the election are canvassed – which will take place at a special Longview City Council meeting Thursday – and an application for beer and wine sales is approved by city and county officials, the turn-around time for an application with the commission is about 45 days. Continue reading Beer, Wine Could Hit North, West Longview Stores in About 45 Days

UPSHUR COUNTY — A new sign outside the Union Grove schools serves as a warning to would-be disrupters: Employees in the Upshur County school district are armed and trained to “use whatever force is necessary” to protect students in the district. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The sign went up last week as the district put into effect the policy approved in January when the Union Grove school board enacted a policy to allow select, licensed and trained teachers and administrators to possess a firearm on campus. Continue reading Warning: Union Grove Staff Armed

TYLER – When students at the University of Texas at Tyler come back to school this fall, they will see some major changes at one off-campus student housing community. Cambridge at Tyler is undergoing major improvements and will be re-branded as “Village At The U,” according to the property owner and manager. It’s largely an effort to address crime problems at the complex, which had come to be known as “Crimebridge” by many. The 588-bed student housing community is located directly across the street from campus at 3088 Old Omen Road.

The new property owner, led by Emet Capital Management, who purchased the community in December 2012 made the decision to spend more than $1 million on improvements to the community and to undertake a complete brand transformation. Continue reading Student Housing to Undergo Improvements, Rebranding

KILGORE — Kilgore Police have released the names of the people involved in a fatal wreck in early May. According to KETK, on Thursday morning, May 2nd, just after 6:00, authorities were called to a crash at the intersection of Farm Road 1252 and State Highway 42. A 2009 Ford truck had been traveling southbound on Highway 42 and a 2005 Chevy car had been heading westbound on FM 1252. They collided at the intersection. The driver of the truck was identified as Robert Hinson, 57, of White Oak. The driver of the car was identified as Felipe Tovar, 74, of Longview. There were also two passengers in the car. One of those passengers, Emelia Tovar, 73, of Longview was taken to a local hospital, where she later died. Kilgore Police are looking for witnesses to the crash. Several people were seen at the convenience store near the intersection at the time. If you have any information regarding this wreck, contact Kilgore Police Traffic Officer Carolyn Wink or Detective John Rowe at 903-983-1559.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin mother and her three children are homeless today after a fire destroyed their home. The fire in the 800 block of Cotton Street was reported just after 11:00 Monday morning. No injuries were reported, but the family’s pet dog died in the fire. The cause remains under investigation. Investigators say it appears as if the fire started on the screened in front porch.

GREGG COUNTY — The registered nurse gunned down by Longview police after an hours-long armed standoff Thursday had been using methamphetamine and assaulted her roommate earlier in the day, according to KETK. As the standoff wore on, police were attempting to arrest Candace Jackson for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon based on a complaint filed earlier Thursday by her roommate, identified as “K. Aldredge.” Jackson, 38, died of multiple gunshot wounds to her head and chest, according to a preliminary autopsy report released Friday by Justice of the Peace B.H. Jameson. Police said she was shot after emerging from a tear-gas filled house and firing toward officers. Continue reading Suspect Killed in Standoff Used Meth, Assaulted Roommate

MARSHALL — Two Longview woman have been arrested in a Harrison County murder-for hire plot. They are said to be involved in a plot to kill Hallsville police officer Jason Smith for his insurance policy. Amanda Denise Smith (pictured) and Sydney Brook Sides have been arrested on charges of solicitation to commit capital murder. The officer had filled for divorce from Amanda two months ago.

A Texas Ranger and a state trooper, acting undercover, are said to have met with the women at a Longview park last week. The meeting was arranged following a informant’s tip. He said he was offered $5,000 to kill Smith’s estranged husband. The woman are said to have told the potential hit man that Jason Smith must be killed before May 14th, when the divorce became final. After that date Amanda Smith would no longer be the beneficiary on his life insurance policy.

The two women remain in the Harrison County Jail. Bond on each is $200,000.

TROUP — A one vehicle accident near Troup has killed a Cherokee County teenager. Killed in the wreck, just before 10:30 Sunday night, was Marcos Antonio Lopez, 19, of Jacksonville. The Department of Public Safety reports his car was southbound when he ran off the road and overcorrected, and then hit several trees. The accident occurred on County Road 2177 near County Road 2180.

JACKSONVILLE — According to KETK, due to conditions which have occurred recently in the water system, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the system, (Craft-Turney Water Supply) to notify all the customers involved in the repair area to boil their water prior to consumption.

The area included in this boil water notice:

Not including but from CR 3135 (Dogwood Circle) off of CR 3108 (Southshore Drive) going back towards the Lake Jacksonville dam on CR 3108 to CR 3111 (Anticoh Road), including all of CR 3111 and all of CR 3113 (Summit Drive), and including the area on fm 747 south from the intersection of 3111 down to 3205.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials will notify you.

CENTRAL (AP) – An East Texas teenager’s prom has led to an unexpected evening with the sailor she plans to marry this fall. Savannah Anthony of Central thought 20-year-old Connor Burleson was out of state during her school prom Saturday night in Nacogdoches. The couple met four years ago at church. Burleson joined the Navy in 2011 and is training in Ballston Spa, N.Y. Anthony and Burleson hadn’t seen each other since January when he proposed. Family and friends arranged for Burleson to surprise Anthony at the dance, where the 17-year-old senior was named prom queen. Anthony said Monday that she had no idea her fiance would be at the prom and he made the whole night amazing. The two plan to marry Nov. 30.