KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of September 28. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

Interstate Highway20 concrete repair work continues Monday with work moving to the eastbound outside lane at Mile Markers 546 to 548 in Smith County. Crews will be working from 6:30am to 7:00pm. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention when driving through these work zones. Lane closures and brief delays with traffic stopped are possible so look for signage and other traffic control devices to assist you through the work zone. Law enforcement is also providing assistance at these locations. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

LONGVIEW — Three teens have been arrested in an East Texas crime spree including a variety of offenses. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office says on Saturday at about 3:00 a.m. it began investigating a criminal episode that involved a stolen ATV, criminal mischief to a residence, four vehicle burglaries, two residence burglaries, the theft of a firearm, an arson of a residence, and three stolen vehicles. The ATV theft occurred in the Diana area of Upshur County, and all other offenses were at residences in northern Gregg County. Continue reading Three Arrested, Others Sought in Multiple Crimes

SCURRY (AP/Staff) — An assistant football coach for Scurry-Rosser High School has been critically injured after striking his head when a play went out of bounds during Friday night’s game against Malakoff. Mark Bachtel was airlifted to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, where he remained in critical condition at last report, according to a spokesman for the hospital. Bachtel was injured on the sidelines. Scurry-Rosser ISD board member Nancy Duggan says the play knocked Bachtel off his feet, and he struck his head on the ground, resulting in multiple skull fractures and severe head trauma, according to The Dallas Morning News, which quotes inForney.com. The game was called in the fourth quarter after Bachtel’s injury with Malakoff leading 73-27. Scurry-Rosser High School is about 30 miles south of Dallas.

TYLER — The Texas Transportation Commission has voted to award the city of Tyler more than $3.5 million in grant funds for the construction of a multi-use trail that will eventually extend from Grande Boulevard down to Gresham. According to a news release, Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin calls the project the first regional trail project in East Texas. The plan had been underway since Mayor Martin Heines came into office. Heines says expanding the local trail system has been one of his priorities, and he lauded Austin’s support. Continue reading Tyler Wins Grant for Legacy Trail

TYLER – The Better Business Bureau Education Foundation of Central East Texas is now accepting applications for the Kay Robinson Student of Integrity Video Scholarship program. According to a BBB news release, the program recognizes two college-bound seniors who personify high ethics as demonstrated through their creative talents in creation of a 30- to 60-second video, as well as their overall personal integrity and academic history. The award is named after Kay Robinson, who served as CEO for BBB Serving Central East Texas from 1985-2009. Mrs. Robinson died in January 2014. Continue reading BBB Accepting Applications for Kay Robinson Scholarship

HAWKINS — The controversial “Jesus Welcomes You to Hawkins” Sign” is now getting some extra protection. On Monday, the city of Hawkins voted in a closed meeting to remove the sign, though disagreement continues over whether it’s on public or private property. The issue began drawing attention after the Freedom from Religion Foundation voiced objections to the display. Meanwhile, Mayor Will Rogers tells KETK there have been threats of vandalism to the sign. That’s why the local chapter of the Oath Keepers began standing guard starting Friday afternoon. Continue reading Oath Keepers Stand Guard at Jesus Sign

TYLER — Two men have been arrested after breaking into a Tyler home and the two started fighting. The incident was reported just after 3:00 Friday afternoon in the 700 block of Mockingbird Lane. KETK identifies the two as Cody Jackson, 28, (pictured) and Clayton Cheney, 22, of Tyler. One was charged with was charged with public intoxication, and the other was arrested for outstanding warrants. It started as the men cut through a back yard and entered a home through a rear door. When one decided he didn’t want to be in the house, the two started fighting. The homeowners were no injured in the incident.

MARSHALL — A Longview man indicted earlier this year has been indicted again for child sex crimes. Indicted by the Harrison County Grand Jury was Edwin Craig Volcik, 45. He is accused of two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child and six counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Following a lengthy investigation, which was led by federal officials, Volcik was arrested in January at his home on Quail Lane. The arrest followed an investigation of child pornography, but authorities say it turned into something more.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a man accused of sexual assault of a child. He is Ruben Velazquez Bolanos, a Mexican national. Bolanos is a previous resident of Gregg County and is believed to have fled to Mexico when the warrant was issued for his arrest earlier this month. Bolanos has family and friends in the area and he will likely return here at some point. Due to the nature of the offense and the age of the victim, no further case information has been released. Anyone with information about the location of Bolanos are asked to contact Investigator Craig Harrington at 903-237-2529 or Crime Stoppers at 903-236 STOP.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County has been included on the list of Texas counties affected by drought that are eligible for emergency disaster loans. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designated 12 Texas counties as primary natural disaster areas, as well as 22 Texas contiguous counties, including Smith County, that are eligible to apply for low-interest, emergency disaster loans due to recent drought. Eligible family farmers in these counties may qualify for the Farm Service Agency loan assistance. Continue reading Smith County Eligible For Drought Assistance

LONGVIEW — One person has been arrested on multiple charges after Longview police served a search warrant Thursday morning on an apartment in the 300 Block of Lake Lamond Road. According to a news release, Longview PD utilized the SWAT team based on information received and the potential for danger due to the location and the safety of the many men, women, and children who also live in the complex. The suspect was identified as Frank Gray, Jr, 28, of Longview. Charges include possession of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of marijuana. Gray was transported to the Gregg County Jail without incident.

SMITH COUNTY — A Shreveport man was sentenced to 14 years in prison Thursday for the death of a Tyler Veteran. According to KETK, Adam Hotaling, 28, of Shreveport, accepted a plea deal on one count of intoxication assault and one count of intoxication manslaughter. Hotaling killed a Jerry Howell during a drunk driving crash in December 2014. The wreck happened on Highway 31 when Hotaling’s truck, which was traveling eastbound, crossed into the westbound lane and collided with Howell’s vehicle head-on. Hotaling received a 10 year prison sentence for the intoxication assault charge and 14 years for the manslaughter charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

SMITH COUNTY — One person has died and one critically injured following a wreck on Interstate Highway 20. Killed was Emma Owers, 74, of Hornbeck, Louisana. The DPS says the crash between a car and gas tanker truck occurred around 11:45am Thursday morning southeast of Van at mile marker 544. Owers was a passenger in a car driven by Sandra Krizen, 49, also from of Hornbeck. The DPS says their car hit the rear of the truck which had been stopped in traffic.

TROUP — One person has been killed in an accident near Troup. It happened around 4:15 Thursday afternoon on State Highway 135. According to KETK, a tractor truck driven by Cary McIntosh, 33, was traveling southbound when he hit a cow in the roadway. He then lost control of the vehicle, crossed the median and ran into another truck. The driver of that vehicle, Deanna Tofte, 42, Flint, was killed. McIntosh was taken to a local hospital where he was later released.

TYLER — It’s a special year as the East Texas State Fair gets underway Friday in Tyler, with the big event celebrating its 100th anniversary. The fair runs through October 4th. From the exhibits to the carnival, free concerts, and of course the fair food, there is something for all the family. Tickets are still $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for children under 12. Go to http://www.etstatefair.com for more information, including a schedule of activities. Continue reading East Texas State Fair Started Friday; Traffic Advisory Issued

HENDERSON — An East Texas man who devoted his life to teaching and sharing tales from the classroom and the battlefield was buried Thursday after dying last week at age 109. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Elmer Everett “E.E.” Hill was the second-oldest World War II veteran when he was honored by more than 100 friends during a 2014 ceremony in his hometown of Henderson. “Elmer Hill was an inspiration to me and so many others,” U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Longview, wrote of the late educator Wednesday. “East Texas would be a darker place today without him if he had not illuminated so many lights that would follow behind him.” Continue reading East Texan Who Was Second-Oldest WWII Vet Dies at 109

TYLER — Republican Smith County Commissioner Precinct 1 Jeff Warr is running for his third term, and he says it will be his last if he’s sent back to office. Warr says he’s been encouraged to seek re-election. In an email distributed to media, he adds, “I am very proud of what I have accomplished during my tenure as a commissioner such as completion of the jail project, hiring department heads with private sector experience, and employing a conservative and effective financial approach to local government.” Warr has no announced opposition thus far.

HAWKINS — Leaders in Hawkins have decided a controversial sign has to come down, but some residents are disputing that decision. The sign, which has stood since 2011, says, “Jesus Welcomes You to Hawkins.” The Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation claims the sign is on Hawkins city property, making it unconstitutional. Mayor Will Rogers says no one knows for sure if the sign is on public or private property, but this week the city council voted to remove it. Since the decision, some Hawkins residents have been camping out by the sign, saying they will not give up the fight to keep it.

TYLER — Nearly $526,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society at last June’s Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala. The announcement was made Wednesday evening at Tyler’s ACS headquarters. The cancer society’s Mauri douglas says attendees responded very well to changes in this year’s event. Those included a switch from outdoors to indoors, at Harvey Convention Center, and the addition of a mobile bidding app. Next year’s gala is set for August 20, again at Harvey Convention Center. Douglas says August falls during a time of year when more entertainment is available.

SMITH COUNTY — Authorities have released the name of a man killed in a motorcycle wreck in Smith County. He is Barry Mayo, 64, of Tyler. He died around 8:30 Tuesday night on Highway 14 near Interstate Highway 20. The Department of Public Safety says a vehicle pulling a utility trailer pulled onto the highway from a private drive. The driver failed to yield the right of way to the motorcycle. To avoid a collision, Mayo is said to have laid down the motorcycle and it skidded on its side.

TYLER — Officials are inviting the public to an open house to provide input toward the Old Jacksonville Highway (FM 2493) Corridor Study. The gathering is set for today from 5:30 to 7:00pm at Southside Baptist Church, at 8875 Old Jacksonville Hwy. in Tyler. The portion of road being studied is bounded by Loop 323 in Tyler and Highway 69 in Bullard. The study will analyze the current conditions of traffic, travel lanes, and signals and make recommendations for upgrades as the corridor grows, according to information from the Tyler Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Continue reading Open House Today on Old Jacksonville Highway Corridor

TYLER — Smith County sheriff’s deputies turned up drugs and a large amount of money during a recent bust, according to Sheriff Larry Smith. On September 15 at approximately 12:04 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted on a Toyota Tacoma headed south on Front Street near the Beckham intersection. Both the driver and passenger were identified as Mexican Nationals. Both individuals indicated they could not understand or speak English and were acting in a suspicious manner, according to Smith. Continue reading Mexican Nationals Arrested with Kilo of Meth

TYLER — At a Wednesday afternoon press conference, U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced the arrest of 12 people in connection with a major Medicare fraud scheme. KETK reports that a federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment September 16 charging the suspects in connection with Three Angels Home Health Inc. Officials say the scheme sought to defraud Medicare by recruiting East Texas Medicare recipients who were not eligible, or did not necessitate the need, for home health care services. Authorities took the defendants into custody Wednesday. Continue reading 12 East Texans Arrested in Medicare Fraud Scheme

LONGVIEW — The intersection of Hawkins Parkway at Fourth Street in Longview is getting signal work today. Officials say the purpose of the work is to change the signals for the new intersection’s improvements. Drivers wishing to travel through this intersection may want to consider using alternate routes. The work will last until 2:00 p.m. The improvements are in conjunction with the extension of Fourth Street. The project is being constructed by East Texas Bridge of Longview. If you have any questions related to construction, call City Engineer Alton Bradley at 903-237-1067.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a man who is wanted for indecency with a child. KETK reports authorities are searching for Larry Don Morgan. He is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 190 pounds. A felony warrant of indecency with a child by contact has been issued for Morgan. If you know anything about Morgan’s whereabouts, you’re asked ti contact police. Tips can be made via contacting Detective Kay Lynn Newbill at kay.newbill@cityofkilgore.com or 903 218 6907. Tipsters may also contact Gregg County CrimeStoppers at 903-236-STOP, or you can text your anonymous tip to 847411 + KILGORE + your tip.

HENDERSON COUNTY — An Athens man is sentenced to prison for evading arrest. James Sean Ricks, 45, pleaded guilty Monday morning in a Henderson County courtroom and was sentenced to 14 years. According to KETK, the incident happened March 17 when an Athens police officer was attempting to make a traffic stop Ricks for failure to signal a turn. The officer said the vehicle did not reach a high rate of speed but did refuse to pull over. The vehicle came to a dead-end street and Ricks fled on foot. He was caught after a brief manhunt and charged with evading arrest and outstanding parole warrant.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is expected to reach a settlement with the family of a man who was killed in an officer-involved shooting. In a letter to the Tyler City Council, Chief Gary Swindle recommended the family of Victor Fuentes, who sued the police department, be paid $325,000. Back in January 2013, Tyler Police Officer Matt Riggle shot and killed Victor Fuentes, 22, in his home on the 600 block of East Queen Street. Riggle was later no billed by a Grand Jury. Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham said the decision meant the jury found Riggle was justified in using deadly force and there was no probable cause to believe his actions were criminal. Police said Fuentes had a gun in his hand at the time of the incident.

SMITH COUNTY — Authorities are investigating a fatal motorcycle wreck in Smith County Tuesday night. It happened on Highway 14 near I-20 around 8:30. According to DPS, one man was killed. His name and details of the wreck have not been released.

TYLER — Smith County is close to finalizing a settlement with the family of Jason Mosley of White Oak. Authorities say Mosley hanged himself in his jail cell in May. According to KETK, the state determined jailers were four minutes late in checking his jail cell. The Smith County DA’s Office says no lawsuit was ever filed by Mosley’s family, but the county will pay out $1.25 million once the settlement is finalized. The sheriff’s office says it plans to issue a statement later this week.