KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips has filed lawsuits with her son and a family friend alleging that a Smith County deputy infringed on Voss’s right to travel, assaulted him and used coercion to obtain his ID. According to our news partner KETK, she is referring to an incident March 28 when Cody Voss, a friend of the family, was pulled over by Smith County deputies with a tail light out. The officer asked Voss for his drivers license. On bodycam, Voss can be heard saying “I’m not driving. This is the county commissioner’s house and the county clerk.” Officials with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said both Phillips were arrested for interfering with the traffic stop, and they can be heard shouting at deputies on the bodycam footage. Karen Phillips is suing for $10 million while Cody Voss and Derek Phillips are suing for $150.5 million. Full story

TYLER – Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) is pleased to announce that its 2022 drinking water quality report is now available for all customers to read. The report shows that TWU consistently provides safe, high-quality drinking water that safeguards public health.

TWU meets and exceeds all safety guidelines set by state and federal regulations. The utility tests drinking water throughout the treatment process and at locations throughout the City, ensuring the water they deliver to their customers is under the maximum contamination level (MCL) for all national primary drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, 26 water experts with a combined 259 years of experience and a variety of degrees and TCEQ-issued licenses performed over 252,000 water quality tests in 2022.

Tyler is also fully compliant with the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Program. This is a program the EPA uses to collect data for contaminants suspected to be present in drinking water but that do not have health-based standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Residents can find the water quality report on TWU’s website. It will be sent to every customer’s home or business and emailed to residents who signed up for electronic billing. Residents who live in an apartment, condo, or rental property in Tyler can view the report online or request a copy from your property manager or owner.

Customers can contact TWU at (903) 531-1238 if they have any questions or concerns.

HENDERSON COUNTY – The Henderson County Fire Department and the Emergency Management team said they are now stepping up enforcement. Our news partner KETK spoke with Henderson County Fire Marshal Shane Renberg who said he believes his county is growing exponentially. He said with more people living in the county, it’s limiting space for concerned folks and junk just builds up on their property. “Basically keeping out trash, debris, junk, tires, old appliances, couches furniture,” said Renberg. “If it doesn’t belong outside in your yard, it needs to be inside or in your property.” Continue reading Henderson stepping up health, safety code violations

SHREVEPORT — According to our news partner KETK, the National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Ozone Action Day Wednesday June 7. Counties included are Smith, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Rusk and Upshur counties. An Ozone Action Day is posted when weather conditions in combination with pollution emissions to form high levels of ozone close to the ground and it could cause harmful health effects. People with breathing conditions should be mindful of this.

TYLER – A portion of the South Tyler Trail system will be closed for almost two weeks later this month. The trail segment between Rieck Road and South Donnybrook Avenue will be closed for tree maintenance and cleanup starting next Monday June 12 through June 23. Out of concern for public safety, that part of the trail will not be accessible to the public during that time. The South Tyler Trail is four miles of looped concrete trail. All city trails are open daily from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more information on Tyler trails you can visit their website.

SMITH COUNTY — One person is dead and three were injured after a crash in Smith County on I-20 on Tuesday evening. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened around 8 p.m. near mile marker 549 going westbound toward Lindale. Sgt. Adam Albritton with the Texas Department of Public Safety said a semi-truck tractor with a trailer was traveling westbound in the right lane while a pickup truck was traveling at a “high rate of speed” behind the trailer. The pickup truck reportedly struck the left side of the trailer, went into the center median and rolled across the lanes of traffic. All four occupants were ejected from the pickup truck, Albritton said. Three persons are hospitalized in critical condition. DPS continues with their investigation.

LONGVIEW – In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the owner of Dudley’s Cajun Cafe announced it’s permanent closure after years of health battles. Dudley’s Cajun Cafe has been a staple in Longview for the past 30 years, being voted the best Cajun food for 28 years in a row. The restaurant has also been in Texas Monthly four separate times and owners Dudley and Sheryl Lang it is, “all thanks to our loyal customers.”

According to our news partner KETK the restaurant will be closing its doors permanently on June 10 at 8 p.m. due to the owners personal health reasons.

TYLER — Special session one is still in progress with Gov. Greg Abbott’s two top priorities being property tax relief and immigration.

Monday, our news partner KETK was able to talk with State Sen. Bryan Hughes about the 88th Legislative Session and his thoughts on the current special session. “So, we’ll be coming back in the special session, in the regular session, a whole lot of good stuff got accomplished, sometimes that gets overshadowed when we have to come back for a special,” Hughes said. He mentioned that he’s particularly proud of House Bill 4 passing. He also shared the progress on property tax relief, saying the details are still being worked out.

Another potential change from the state capitol could be the end of requiring vehicle state inspections. “The evidence has shown it doesn’t do much for safety, most traffic accidents are based on other factors, alcohol, drugs, distracted driving,” Hughes said. “We don’t see the elements covered by the inspection process, so we’re excited about getting rid of that process in the state of Texas.”

According to the Legislative Texas Library website, the limit to special sessions is a maximum of 30 days but imposes no minimum. The 88th Legislature’s special session was called on May 29, and June 28 will mark 30 days out.

JACKSONVILLE – A Jacksonville girl is reported missing by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office, and they are asking for the public’s help. Madison Clark has not been seen since May 27th and was last spotted at 6:30pm that evening getting into a white, four-door sedan.
She is described as 5’3″, 112 pounds and was last seen wearing a yellow t-shirt, black pants and red/black/white Nike high top shoes. She has dyed red hair and has two studs in her nose and is wearing earrings.

The release says she also goes by the nicknames “Madi,” “Royalty” or “Jersey.” If you have any information on Madison Clark please call the Cherokee County Sheriff at 903-683-2271 or simply call the local police.

GILMER – Hawkins ISD announced services for Jaykob Dodd who died in a car accident last weekend. According to our news partner KETK, there will be a visitation Thursday night from 6 to 8 at the Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer. The funeral is Friday morning starting at 10, with the burial afterwards at Enoch Cemetery. A candlelight service will be held Saturday night at 8:30 in the Hawkins ISD parking lot. An obituary for Jaykob Dodd can be view here.

MARSHALL – A person who calls the city of Marshall “home”, recently bought a lottery ticket and won a million dollars. According to our news partner KETK, the winner, who is a Marshall native has elected to remain anonymous. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $31 billion to the Foundation School Fund. This fund helps support Texas public education.

TYLER – A Tatum man was arrested for murder on Monday after the missing person case of a 51-year-old Tyler woman was reclassified as a homicide. According to our news partner KETK, Paula Belonga was last seen on April 7 leaving her apartment complex, her Chevrolet Impalla was found on April 12 in Zavalla. Tyler police said after obtaining evidence, the case was classified from a missing person to a homicide, and an arrest warrant was issued for Jesse Williams, 40 of Tatum, for murder. Williams was arrested on Monday by the U.S. Marshal’s Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force and was booked into the Smith County Jail. His bond was set at $750,000.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank introduced its sixth Chief Executive Officer, David Emerson. According to our news partner KETK, Emerson has more than 20 years of leadership in Arkansas where he served as the Executive Director at the Midwest Food Bank. With financial struggles and high inflation making it harder for people to afford the prices at the grocery store, he plans to utilize his experience to address food insecurity in rural areas. David Emerson said he wants to try and find a solution to the higher costs. A Federal Reserve report showed that only 63% of adults can cover an unexpected $400 expense. Continue reading With high food prices New food bank CEO is looking for solutions

TYLER – A 22-year-old Tyler man has been indicted for intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle in connection to a September 2022 fatal crash. According to our news partner KETK Darrell Lewis, 22 of Tyler, was indicted for driving while intoxicated on Sept. 24, 2022, and caused the crash that killed 53-year-old Eric Elitel.

The wreck took place on State Highway 155 North one mile north of Winona, and DPS reported at the time that Lewis was driving south on the road when his car moved onto the wrong side of the road and crashed head-on into another car. Elitel was pronounced dead at the scene, and Lewis was taken to a Louisiana hospital for treatment. He was indicted for intoxication manslaughter on April 20.

ANGELINA COUNTY — Angelina County authorities make a wellness check, instead find about 271 marijuana plants. According to our news partner KETK, Angelina County Deputies and EMS found an unconscious white male in the same place where the plants were growing. Deputies then arrested a woman because she wouldn’t identify herself, while another was released. The man who was found unconscious was hospitalized briefly, but charges are expected to be filed.

JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville’s 39th annual Tomato Fest is Saturday June 10. According to our news partner KETK, Jacksonville Mayor Randy Gorman issued a proclamation officially changing Jacksonville’s name to “Tomatoville”, through this Saturday. The Tomato Fest is when the Jacksonville tomato takes center stage each year. On the schedule in Tomato Fest; a dodgeball tournament, salsa contest and, as you would expect a tomato growing contest. Festival planners expect a record number of vendors and attendees.

TYLER – Senator Ted Cruz was in Tyler on Monday touring the University of Texas Health Science Center. KTBB’s Paul Gleiser caught up with the senator for a conversation on the debt ceiling fight in Washington. The bill that avoided a default on the US debt passed, but Cruz was not happy with the version that was agreed upon.

“I think the spending and the debt we’ve seen from Washington is wildly irresponsible and we are bankrupting this country,” Cruz said. “Historically the most effective lever point to reign in spending has been the debt ceiling. So I was a proponent from day one, let’s use this debt ceiling as leverage to force some kind of reasonable spending restraint.”

Cruz is of the opinion that the White House “rolled the Republican leadership.” He feels the spending restraints in the deal were very modest.

“They (the White House) got Republicans to fund virtually the entire Biden political agenda,” Cruz said, “and it was a real missed opportunity.”

Cruz feels the agreement will only fuel continued inflation that will be felt due to the accumulated debt.

When asked why the Congress hasn’t passed a budget in regular orders since 1996, Cruz was pessimistic.

“I don’t think that will be fixed,” he replied.”The incentives right now in Washington is for both sides to go right up to the edge of the cliff, threaten either a government shutdown or a default on the debt because what happens then is a giant omnibus budget bill gets negotiated behind closed doors…and it’s Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer who negotiate it and then roll out a giant bill that inevitably funds all the Democratic priorities.”

Cruz also discussed the charges of politicization of the FBI and Justice Department. You can hear the entire conversation here…
Ted Cruz Interview

TYLER – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) Monday toured the University of Texas Tyler Health Science Center in Tyler, Texas. Sen. Cruz toured the Public Health Lab of East Texas and participated in a roundtable with UT Tyler leadership.

About the tour, Sen. Cruz said, “Texas is the home of innovators, and I’m proud to see UT Tyler Health Science Center leading the way on the cutting edge of innovative healthcare, and the new medical school training our next generation of leaders in the healthcare industry. In the Senate, I’m fighting for Texas healthcare and innovation, and I will continue to champion the good work being done here at UT Tyler Health Science Center.”

UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP, said, “We appreciate Senator Cruz for visiting our campus today to learn more about what UT Tyler is doing to address health care and workforce needs in East Texas. As we prepare to welcome the first class of medical students at the UT Tyler School of Medicine, I want to thank all of our elected representatives, the UT System and our East Texas community for the continued support of our health care education and research advancements.”

HENDERSON COUNTY – A woman was arrested on Sunday in Henderson County after officials found she had an outstanding felony arrest warrant and suspected drugs in her backpack. According to our news partner KETK, she was at the jail visiting an inmate when they made the discovery. Tiffany Karavites, 35 of Colorad, Colo., was arrested on the outstanding warrant and while searching a backpack she had with her at the jail, officials said they found suspected meth. Karavites was booked for one charge of possession of a controlled substance in addition to the outstanding warrant.

HAWKINS – Hawkins ISD is mourning the loss of student Jaykob Dodd, who died over the weekend in a two car collision, according to our news partner KETK. Hawkins ISD shared the following statement on Facebook:

“We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Jaykob Dodd. We stand by you during this difficult time, and our hearts go out to everyone in his family and our HISD school family. HISD will have counselors on hand tomorrow for any student and staff in need. Whether you need someone to talk to or just someone to listen, we are here for you. The Middle/High School will postpone summer school tomorrow. We will resume our summer learning program on Tuesday. Once again, our thoughts and prayers go out to you.”
Hawkins ISD

The district said that Middle School and High School summer school will resume on Tuesday. They added that Region 7 crisis counselors will be on campus from 9:00 a.m. to noon Tuesday for students and staff.

The Department of Public Safety says the accident happened around 1pm Saturday on FM 14. The couple in the other vehicle were taken to the hospital, but their conditions are unknown.

TRINITY COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace is asking for the public’s help identifying the truck used to allegedly steal a RV trailer in Trinity County on Friday. According to authorities, the truck is a white late model Ford Super Duty 4D FX4 and the trailer is a 2015 Keystone Outback 33’ Bumper-Pull with the license plate number: 8198894. Officials said that a 6.5 Savage Bolt Action Rifle with a scope and synthetic black stock was stolen as well.

Anyone with information can call Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 936-642-1424.

TYLER – Our news partner KETK reports that UPDATE: 105 power outages were still listed as active by East Texas electricity companies and cooperatives on Sunday morning after storms moved through the area on Saturday. Tyler Police Department confirmed that officers are conducting traffic at multiple intersections that are down because of power outages. Officials said the intersections are being worked while crews try to restore power.

Below is a partial list of customers without power from ONCOR, SWEPCO and various electric cooperatives. Full list on KETK’s website
Smith County – 17
Cherokee County – 4
Gregg County – 6
Henderson County – 4
Rusk County – 7
Upshur County – Fewer than 5

TYLER – A Tyler man was sentenced to 18 years in state prison on Friday in relation to a 2022 crash that killed David Lewandowski of Hewitt, judicial records show. According to our news partner KETK Nicholas Ray Agustin, 20 of Tyler, pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and intoxication assault with a vehicle on Friday, according to judicial records.

Agustin’s judicial records show he was sentenced to 10 years for possession of a controlled substance and intoxication assault. His ten year sentences will be served concurrently with his 18 year sentence which will start immediately. In 2022, DPS reported that Agustin was heading south on Highway 110 when his Ford Crown Victoria lost control and entered the northbound lane and hit the 2012 Honda Civic carrying Lewandowski. After the crash Agustin, who was allegedly not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to a local hospital with non-incapacitating injuries. The driver of the Civic was taken to a different local hospital with incapacitating injuries. Lewandowski was pronounced dead at the scene.

TYLER – A man in Smith County was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Hunter Tadlock-Bearden, 25, pleaded guilty on April 27 and was sentenced to prison on Thursday.

In October 2020, he was wanted by the United States Marshal’s Service and Smith County District Attorney’s Office in connection to an aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to Smith County Judicial Records, the offense took place in March of 2016. Tadlock-Bearden was indicted on February 27, 2020. He has 376 days of jail credit that will be applied to the 10 year sentence.

TYLER – Tyler Police Department identified the man who was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in downtown Tyler as Randy Daniels, 61. Officials said that Daniels and the victim knew each other and that this was an isolated incident.

Our news partner KETK reports that a man was cut with a box cutter in downtown Tyler on Friday afternoon according to Tyler Police Department officials. The victim’s arm was treated with a tourniquet and the alleged attacker was arrested for aggravated assault. Identities have not been released but officials said that the attack did not seem random.

TYLER- U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran was back home in East Texas for a fundraising event in Tyler. Our new partner KETK caught up with Moran before the event and he had a lot to say about the recent debt ceiling deal and his priorities for East Texas moving forward. After only five months in D.C., Congressman Nathaniel Moran believes major policies have already been tackled on Capitol Hill to further improve life in East Texas.

“We’ve heard that without question that border security and spending were the two largest issues, so we dealt with that border security issue and passed that out of the house. We hope we will get support in the Senate and from the president,” said Moran. “I know that bipartisanship is hard and unity is hard, but we can never stop trying. There’s no other way. No matter how tough our politics gets, we see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans,” said Biden. Moran was not for the deal, and said he voted no. He said while there are some good parts to the plan, he ultimately believes East Texans needed more from the deal that would benefit them.

He says one of the best ways as far as reducing spending and reducing our deficit is to become more energy independent. “We need to unleash oil and gas industries across this nation and become more independent so that we can be a world leader not just economically, but with foreign policy and a military standpoint,” said Moran. He added that his work in D.C. is just getting started.

COFFEE CITY – The city of Coffee City is grieving over the death of one of their police officers. According to our news partner KETK, Officer Shaun Jackson died Thursday night. Jackson had not been with the department long. In a facebook post Police Chief JohnJay Portillo said that “Though Officer Jackson had only been with us a short time he quickly demonstrated the commitment to the public safety of the citizens, visitors and business owners of the city of Coffee City.” The cause of death has not been reported.

TYLER — Three cheetah cubs were born to mother, Orchid, and father, Flap, at the Caldwell Zoo. Their birth is a significant milestone for the zoo and for the conservation of the species. The first cub of the litter was born around 7:38 p.m. and the third arrived just before midnight on May 31. The Caldwell Zoo said that the mother is being very attentive and the cubs are nursing comfortably as they would hope. Caldwell Zoo is a member of the Cheetah Breeding Coalition and works closely with accredited zoological organizations to breed the felines. Caldwell Zoo says they are dedicated to conservation and education, “striving to instill a sense of awe and respect for the natural world in all who visit.” The birth of the cheetah cubs reinforces their commitment to protecting endangered species and raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.