KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is warning of a new scam. Officials say the department has received a few phone calls reporting that someone has been calling residences and soliciting money for the Tyler police Department. According to a police department news release, “The police department does not solicit citizens by phone, so we ask that you please do not donate funds.”

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Monday to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 balanced budget and the unchanged tax rate, according to information from the county. Officials say the budget addressed adequate funding for law enforcement and jail operations; improvements to county roads and infrastructure; hiring and retaining qualified, motivated employees; and continued improvements to facilities and technology. The tax rate remains at 33 cents per $100 valuation. There will be an increase of $974,665 in tax revenue added to the tax roll this year due to new construction. The Court also voted unanimously to adopt the FY2016 Salary Plan. Continue reading Smith County Budget, Tax Rate Adopted

LUFKIN (AP) — A company has announced plans to close a historic foundry located downtown in the East Texas city of Lufkin and further reducepositions at a facility south of the town. The Lufkin News reports that officials with General Electric/Lufkin Industries announced the plans Monday, citing increasingly challenging market conditions. Laura Bauer, a GE Oil and Gas spokeswoman, said 262 positions will be eliminated across the foundry and the Buck Creek facility. Monday’s announcement puts an end to speculation about the foundry’s future since GE purchased Lufkin Industries in a $3.3 billiondeal in 2013. The Lufkin foundry originally began operating in 1902. Company officials had said earlier this year that market conditions could result in the closure of the downtown Lufkin foundry.

WHITE OAK — Last week’s rain continues to have an effect as the city of White Oak becomes the latest area community to lift its ban on outdoor burning. KETK reports the fire marshal is again issuing permits. Smith and Gregg counties were among the jurisdictions removing burn bans within the past week.

LONGVIEW — Beginning Tuesday, Longview’s Fenton Road will be reduced to one-way travel and one lane of traffic. The closure will be intermittent and is expected to continue for an extended period, according to a news release from the city. Through traffic will be allowed to travel along Fenton Road beginning at George Richey to the south, then will turn east towards Gilmer Road. The project, which involves the widening of Fenton Road and replacing the utilities, was approved by voters in the 2011 bond election. It’s being constructed by East Texas Bridge of Longview. If you have any questions related to construction, call the Project Manager, Kevin Jaeger, at 903-237-1112.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County authorities are seeking the public’s help in finding three home invasion and robbery suspects. Deputies got the call around 5:30 Sunday afternoon from the 12000 block of Hwy. 64 West. The victim said he was home alone when three unidentified Hispanic males, all wearing ski masks, forced their way into the residence. At least one was armed with a handgun. The three confronted the victim, tied him up, ransacked the home, and took money and other items of value before leaving in an unknown direction. No other information was immediately available. If you have any information on the incident, contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

TYLER — The court date for Carl Crabtree, originally set for Monday morning, has been moved to October 12 at 10 a.m. KETK reports the suspect briefly appeared in the 241st District Court before the trial was re-scheduled. The case involves the deaths of two people stemming from an alleged drunk driving crash March 4. That’s when Crabtree, 31, of Tyler, was driving south on Old Jacksonville Highway and his vehicle crossed the center line, colliding head-on with an SUV. Continue reading Intoxication Manslaughter Court Date Moved to October

VAN (AP/Staff) — Students at Van ISD started back to school Monday morning after a tornado destroyed much of the district’s property in May. About 30 percent of the school district’s buildings were destroyed or damaged in the twister. Superintendent Don Dunn says neighboring districts and businesses have been pitching in and supplies, especially for the teachers, have been donated from across the state. Tyler ISD have provided 26 portable buildings at a charge of $1 each per year. Dunn says the district’s insurance company is set to cover at least part of the rebuilding The school board will be looking at putting a bond package together. Continue reading Van ISD Students Back at School

LUFKIN (AP) – The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office announced they are investigating the death of a 3-year old. Searchers found the body of the missing East Texas boy in a pond near his family’s home. Authorities say Mason Cuttler was located before dawn last Tuesday east of his residence near Lufkin. Angelina County Sheriff Greg Sanches says a deputy walking the property and searching for the boy spotted the body near the surface of the pond. Mason was last seen the afternoon of August 17th playing outside his home. Authorities believe the child wandered away while his parents were cleaning the residence. The father, Kevin Cuttler, says his son was allergic to some cleaning products so the boy had been playing outside.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is focusing on safety, with local public schools back in session as of Monday — and most private school students already several days into the academic year. Police have issued a number of safety tips and advisories:

School Zones: Last school year officers with the Tyler Police Department stopped 3,862 violators for speeding in a school zone and 466 violators for cell phone usage in a school zone.

– Be alert for the school zone signs posted near schools.
– Keep alert for the children and the crossing guards as they make their way across the street.
– Slow down and prepare to stop if the crossing guard so indicates.
– Tyler motorcycle officers will be monitoring school zones throughout the City when school starts.
– It is illegal to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. Continue reading Back to School Safety Tips

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University held its opening convocation Monday in the S. E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center. School president Dr. Dale A. Lunsford was the featured speaker, welcoming incoming and returning students. In his address, Dr. Lunsford reminded the students of the mission of the university and challenged them to write their own mission as they seek to find meaning in their future careers. This school year opens with a new Remotely Piloted Aircraft major in aviation, new dual-credit partnerships with Pine Tree and Longview school districts, and a new field house being constructed on campus.

Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of August 24. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

The district wide Seal Coat Operations are expected to resume in several counties this week. The schedule starts in Rusk County on Monday and then moves down the list throughout the week.
*SH 43 in Rusk County from FM 1716/FM 1251 southwest to the Traffic Star in Henderson
*SH 43 in Rusk County from 4 miles south of FM 2658 (CR2136) going SW to FM 1761/FM 1251
*US 259 in Gregg County from the Upshur County line south to FM 1844
*FM 757 in Smith County from 2.2 miles south of I-20 (end of new project) south to SH 31

Striping operations continue on previously sealed roadways in Anderson, Cherokee, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. Expect lane closures. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is focusing on safety as local public schools prepare to go back in session Monday — with most private school students already back in class. Police have issued a number of safety tips and advisories:

School Zones: Last school year officers with the Tyler Police Department stopped 3,862 violators for speeding in a school zone and 466 violators for cell phone usage in a school zone.

– Be alert for the school zone signs posted near schools.
– Keep alert for the children and the crossing guards as they make their way across the street.
– Slow down and prepare to stop if the crossing guard so indicates. Continue reading Back to School Safety Tips

TYLER — The ongoing controversy about Planned Parenthood included a Tyler rally this weekend. In a news release, the Pro-Life Action League says its goal is “to defund Planned Parenthood and to bring attention to pro-life in East Texas.” Hundreds of people demonstrated against Planned Parenthood in Tyler on Saturday as part of a national protest going on in cities around the country. Continue reading Protesters Gather at Tyler Planned Parenthood

EAST TEXAS — In the wake of last week’s rain, Smith and Gregg County officials have lifted their bans on outdoor burning. But according to KETK, county leaders advise you to continue using caution when conducting outdoor burning. They remind you never to leave a fire unattended and always have good means of extinguishing the fire if the need arises. Residents who live inside city limits should check to see if they are still under a burn ban before conducting outdoor burning. Anyone needing more information related to burning regulations in Smith County is asked to call the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office at 903-590-2655.

TYLER — The United Way of Smith County is celebrating 75 years of activity August 27 at Cascades Country Club in Tyler from 5:30-8:30 p.m. as it kicks off its 2015-2016 campaign. The Denim and Diamonds themed event is to honor companies, individuals, and past board chairmen who have played a significant role in the organization, according to a news release. Families of past chairmen are attending the event to receive their family members’ recognition. United Way’s first board chairman, E. P. McKenna, will be represented by his grandson, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter. The first woman to lead the organization was Mrs. L. A. Grelling, whose daughter, Mary John Spence, will receive her medal. Past chairmen and their families from every decade are coming to receive their service medals. Continue reading United Way of Smith County Marks 75 Years

TYLER — Tyler firefighters quickly extinguished a blaze Friday morning at 3321 Sandalwood Lane, but an occupant was injured and had to be taken to Dallas, according to information from the fire department. The initial call for help came in at 1:52 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire and smoke visible in the structure. Investigators have determined that the fire originated in the garage. They say an occupant noticed the smell of smoke and discovered that a container of hot grease had been left on the stove, causing smoke to travel throughout the house. While the occupant tried to carry the grease outside, it splashed and burned the victim. A flash fire occurred and the victim dropped the container, allowing the fire to spread. The victim was transferred to a Dallas hospital after being taken to a local hospital due to burns and smoke inhalation. Continue reading Resident Injured in Early Morning Fire, Hospitalized in Dallas

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man wanted in connection to a Smith County robbery has been arrested in Las Vegas. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Justin Lamar Tave, 25, was arrested Thursday night in Nevada. Tave was wanted for a robbery at a home on Highway 69, August 6th. Two other suspects, Ammad Kentrail Williams and Sidarius Gene Alexander, were arrested a short time after the robbery. The three suspects are accused of ransacking the home, macing and tying up the female resident and stealing a safe along with other items. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Rangers and the US Marshal’s Task Force in Tyler and Las Vegas worked together to apprehend the fugitive.

LONGVIEW — A second East Texas man is being held in connection with the death of an Oklahoma man after what police say was a drug deal gone bad. According to the Longview News-Journal, William Earl Garrett II, 26, Longview, was held in an Arizona jail before being extradited to Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to police there. Garrett was wanted on a first-degree murder warrant in the July death of Chazz Holly, 28, Talala, Oklahoma, according to Tulsa police. Continue reading 2nd Oklahoma Murder Suspect Arrested in Arizona

TYLER — With the new school year starting on Monday, area schools held their convocations Friday. The University of Texas at Tyler kicked off the new academic year with a convocation Friday morning at the UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center Vaughn Auditorium. President Mabry gave the state of the university address. Officials also introduced 49 new faculty members and presented academic and service awards. Continue reading Convocations for Tyler Schools

BATON ROUGE, LA. (AP) — A fugitive with a history of evading sex offender registration in Texas and Louisiana has been captured. Attorney General James Caldwell, in a news release Thursday, said Kentrell Debose, 27, was arrested Tuesday in Shreveport. He was booked into the Caddo Parish Jail and is awaiting extradition to Harrison County, Texas, where he’s wanted for failure to comply with the Texas sex offender registry. Debose also is wanted by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for a parole violation after being convicted in 2011 of failing to comply with Louisiana sex offender registry laws, as well as for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing a stolen firearm.

WHITEHOUSE — Former Whitehouse Police Officer Shawn Johnson reveals he’s demanding at least $100,000 in a lawsuit against the city and wants his old job back. According to KETK, the lawsuit says Johnson lost money from jobs he couldn’t take during his suspension as well as money from the city. Johnson was fired about a month ago following an investigation stemming from an incident in May. That incident involved his estranged wife claiming she was assaulted by former Police Chief Craig Shelton. Charges were later dropped against Shelton when it was reported the woman had lied to a grand jury.

TYLER — The Christmas parade that takes place in downtown Tyler is a tradition that East Texans look forward to every year. For a fear of being what officials term “inappropriate,” the city has opted to no longer host the event. However, KETK reports another group is stepping up to sponsor the event instead. Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman-Elect Bob Westbrook, says, “There are federal, national, state, and even local organizations that really don’t like for government of any kind to be involved in the sponsoring or the holding of religious events.” Now multiple Rotary clubs in Tyler will sponsor the time-honored tradition. Continue reading Rotary Clubs Take Over Tyler Christmas Parade

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Road and Bridge crews worked fast this week to replace a concrete box culvert so County Road 3107 could reopen before school starts, according to a county news release. The road is in the northeast part of the county, close to Gladewater schools. After announcing the closure Monday to replace the culvert undermined by May flooding, the road was reopened Wednesday afternoon.

TYLER — A Mineola man accused of burglarizing a Lindale building several times over a two week period has been indicted by a Smith County grand jury. KETK reports Trae Hanson, 30, is charged with two counts of burglary of a building and one count of possession of a controlled substance. Hanson and his girlfriend, Krista McLemore, were arrested June 5 at a location off County Road 450. Authorities say a search of a building in which the couple was found led to the recovery of stolen property. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were able to catch the alleged thieves after the property owner placed a game camera at the location of the burglaries.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College is welcoming back a pair of special visitors as it kicks off the school year Friday. According to a news release, former TJC presidents Dr. Raymond Hawkins and Dr. Bill Crowe will join current TJC President Dr. Mike Metke in leading opening convocation activities, beginning 9 a.m. Friday in Wise Auditorium. Metke says the two guests’ impact “is still felt to this day,” according to the release. Hawkins served as TJC president from 1981 until 1994. Crowe was TJC president from 1994 until 2007. Metke has been president of TJC since 2007. Continue reading Former TJC Presidents to Participate in Convocation

EAST TEXAS — A suspected robber who was shot in his rear end while trying to hold up a Terrell convenience store has been identified. According to Terrell Police Captain A.D. Sansom, he’s Matthew Colby Johnson, 22, Mineola. Investigators say he pulled out a gun on the store owner and his wife and as Johnson was leaving the store, the owner shot him in his buttocks. Despite being shot, he was able to get into his car and leave the store, leading law enforcement agencies through Kaufman and Van Zandt Counties before he rolled his car and was thrown from it. He’s listed in serious condition at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.

TULSA, OKLAHOMA — Two East Texans are wanted in connection with an Oklahoma murder. Arrested in Gregg County on Wednesday was William Earl Garrett II, 26, of Longview. (pictured) Still at large is Sidney Aaron Randall, 19, of Gilmer. The men are accused in the death of Chazz Holly, 28, of Tulsa. His body was found along a highway in July. According to the Longview News Journal, Garrett, Randall, Vernon Lee-Mountel Smith, 27, of Tulsa, who has been arrested, and another man bound, gagged and placed Holly in the covered bed of his father’s pickup after a deal to sell the truck for drugs went bad. Holly, who suffered from cerebral palsy, was reported missing in June.

TYLER — The Tyler Junior College TRIO program has been awarded a U.S. Department of Education grant that will provide critical funding for the next five years. The grant provides $230,393 annually to serve 200 at-risk students each year through 2020, for a total of $1,151,965. TJC has received the TRIO grant since 1997. Continue reading TJC TRIO Program Receives Federal Grant

TYLER — The next adviser of the Patriot Talon at The University of Texas at Tyler, effective September 1, will be Lorri Allen. She begins her new duties the first of next month. She follows Kevin Dilley, who accepted a position at Kent State University. As the Patriot Talon adviser, Allen will provide professional guidance, training and support to Talon editors and staff. She also will serve as a senior lecturer in journalism at the university. Continue reading Advisor Named for U-T Tyler Patriot Talon