KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of April 5. Schedules are subject to change due to weather or equipment related issues.

SMITH COUNTY – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance crews in Tyler continue to perform base repairs on State Highway 135 between Troup and Arp with the roadway reduced to one travel lane and flaggers conducting traffic. The same work is being conducted on Farm Road 2015 from Farm Road 16 to Farm Road 14 Expect lane closures. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

CAMP COUNTY – A body has been recovered following a drowning in Camp County. The drowning occurred around 3:30 Saturday afternoon at Barefoot Marina on Lake Bob Sandlin. Camp County Sheriff Alan McCandless tells KETK the body of Dante Thomson, 18, of Cason, was pulled from the water about an hour later. Witnesses tell investigators Thomason had been jumping into the water off of a nearby bridge before the incident. The drowning remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW – A member of the Longview Police Department K9 team has died. According to the Departments Face Book page, K9 Vestos died Friday due to kidney disease. Vestos served with LPD Officer Anthony Minyard for several years. The department said “Vestos was an asset to the team and will be greatly missed.

CANTON – A three vehicle accident in Van Zandt County has killed one person. The accident happened around 10:15 Saturday morning on State Highway 19, about 3½ miles south of Canton. Killed was Clayton Cleaver, 77, of Canton. The Department of Public Safety says his southbound pickup failed to yield the right of way and turned into the path of a pickup driven by John Forrester, 21, of Frankston. When they crashed, a pickup driven by Sharilyn Moore, 60, of Fairfield, who driving behind Cleaver, hit the other vehicles.

TYLER (AP/STAFF) – Some in East Texas were able to witness a lunar eclipse Saturday morning. Clouds cleared out in the Tyler area so the eclipse was visible in Smith County. The total eclipse of the moon lasted only a short time, but it still dazzled. Early risers in the western U.S. and Canada should have been able to catch a glimpse before dawn Saturday. The moment when the moon was completely obscured by Earth’s shadow lasted several minutes, making it the shortest lunar eclipse of the century. The total eclipse was unusually brief because the moon passed through the upper part of Earth’s shadow. Longer eclipses occur when the moon passes through the middle of the shadow. The next total lunar eclipse occurs in September.

JACKSONVILLE – One person has been killed and one injured in a two vehicle accident in Cherokee County. It happened just before 6:15 Friday night on U.S. Highway 175, about 3½ miles northwest of Jacksonville. Dead at the scene was Larry Hinton, 63, of Jacksonville. Injured was Jerry Houser, 56, of Jacksonville. He was flown to Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center for treatment. The Department of Public Safety reports Houser was traveling northwest when he left the road and lost control. He is said to have overcorrected and came back on the road, ending back up in the opposite lane of traffic when he collided with Hinton’s vehicle.

SMITH COUNTY – A 70 year old woman has been flown to a Tyler hospital following a stabbing. Her daughter has been charged in the case. Injured was Sue Neely. She received multiple stab wounds to her upper body and is expected to recover. Her daughter, Stephanie Cable, 55, has been charged with aggravated assault against a family member. State District Judge Jack Skeen set her bond at $750,000. Sheriff Larry Smith says the stabbing occurred on Scenic Drive off of Farm Road 344 near Lake Palestine, where the two women lived. No word on what caused the argument that led up to the stabbing.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a stabbing on Scenic Drive off FM 344 near Lake Palestine. The victim, a female in her 70s, was life flighted to a Tyler hospital late Friday afternoon. Responding patrol deputies have a female believed to be in her fifties in custody, according to information from the sheriff’s office. Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit were dispatched to the scene. Sheriff Larry Smith said more information will be provided as it becomes available.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks Department is ready to celebrate the completion of the new Bergfeld Park playground. Everyone is welcome to meet at South College Avenue and West 2nd Street this afternoon at 1:00, according to a city news release. Several area churches donated funds for a portion of the new playground through Gospel Village, along with other donors from the neighborhood and local businesses. Officials say the event is an opportunity for church members, neighbors, and citizens to celebrate completion of this phase of the Bergfeld Master Plan. Continue reading Bergfeld Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Set for Saturday

LUFKIN — Officials say Catherine Grove, 28, has left the Church of Wells and is reunited with her family in Arkansas. According to KETK, Angelina County Sheriff’s Office Captain Alton Lenderman says Catherine left Lufkin for Fayetteville, Arkansas, with her father, Andy, around 2:00 a.m. Friday. Grove left Wells around 9:30 p.m. and was spotted by a passerby, a woman, walking on U.S. 69 toward Angelina County. The woman stopped to talk to her and recognized Catherine from past media reports. Continue reading Catherine Grove Leaves Church of Wells, Reunites with Family

TYLER — The Kappa Sigma fraternity at the University of Texas at Tyler has been suspended as part of an investigation. According to KETK, the initial report appeared in the university’s student newspaper, the Patriot Talon. UTT Director of Marketing and Communications Beverly Golden says both the the university and the national fraternity are investigating the case and both have suspended the UTT fraternity. The newspaper reports that in recent days, multiple statements have shown up on Yik Yak, an anonymous social media app, concerning reported allegations of rape and sexual assault occurring during frat functions or by a Kappa Sigma member. But the university denies any allegations or discovery of sexual assault. The app allows users to anonymously post and view “Yaks” within a 10-mile radius. Continue reading UT Tyler Fraternity Suspended while under Investigation

TYLER — An East Texas woman who stopped driving due to deteriorating vision seven years ago is back behind the wheel. Meghan Dodd, 27, noticed a blind spot in the center of her vision when she was 18. It grew and a year later she was declared legally blind. She’s starting to drive again with the help of bioptics. It’s a rectangular box attached to the front of her frames which acts like a magnifier. Now Meghan, who works at the East Texas Light House for the blind, is about to get her license again and she’s thrilled. There are some restrictions. She can drive only during the day and go no faster than 45mph.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) — An Upshur County State Trooper, who agreed to a photo with Snoop Dogg at the South by Southwest music festival, has issued a statement after he was reprimanded by his superiors. They reportedly told him that he shouldn’t have posed with a public figure who has a well-known criminal background. Billy Spears was working security when the rapper asked for a picture with him. The artist posted it to Instagram, which Department of Public Safety and Transportation officials saw. Spears’ attorney says his client wasn’t aware the rapper has been convicted several times of drug possession. Spears can’t appeal the citation, because it wasn’t a formal disciplinary action. A department spokesman says the agency doesn’t typically discuss or release specifics of personnel issues unless they result in disciplinary action. Continue reading DPS Trooper Cited for Snoop Dogg Photo Issues Statement

LONGVIEW – A new K9 has officially joined the Longview Police Department. Named Indio, the dog was purchased with money donated by Ray Shelby of Longview. He gave the money late last year and it was used to buy the dog in February. Officer David Ceal and Indio trained for several weeks in San Antonio. Last week Indio started riding with the officer on his evening patrols.

TYLER — They had to go out of state to do it, but detectives with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Tyler Police Department have made two arrests in two recent aggravated robberies. One occurred in Smith County at the Food Fast, 11812 Hwy. 64 West on March 13. The second happened at the Valero, 2211 WSW Loop 323 in Tyler on March 14. KETK reports the suspects are identified as Alexander Wahl and Stephanie Morelos. According to information received during the investigation, both suspects were believed to be in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area. It was also determined that both had warrants for their arrest for violation of probation out of Smith County stemming from a previous charge of possession of a controlled substance, according to Sheriff Larry Smith. Continue reading Robbery Suspects Caught in Alabama

SMITH COUNTY — An East Texas grandmother has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of intoxication manslaughter for causing a wreck that killed her grandchild. According to KETK, it happened July 31, 2014. Officials said Glynda Denise Morrow, 54, of Chandler, was traveling on County Road 1113, also known as Lake Placid Road, with her 5-year-old granddaughter, Lydia Sykes. Morrow’s SUV ran off the road and hit a tree. Both Morrow and Sykes were taken to the hospital, the child died from her injuries. Troopers reported Morrow’s blood alcohol content was over the state’s legal limit of .08. On Wednesday, she was found guilty in the 114th District Court of Judge Christi Kennedy. Her sentencing was handed down Thursday.

TYLER — A DPS report obtained by our news partner KETK reveals Carl Crabtree’s blood alcohol content level (BAC) was twice the legal limit during a recent fatal accident. In a report filed on March 4, Crabtree’s BAC returned at .16. The legal limit is .08. There was also a traceable amount of an unknown drug within his system. Continue reading Crabtree’s BAC Twice Legal Limit in Fatal Flint Crash

TYLER — More glowing reports were heard Thursday at the 26th Annual Tyler Economic Development Council Investors and Contributors Appreciation Luncheon. Guest speaker Carlton Schwab, executive director of the Texas Economic Development Council, addressed Tyler as well as the Longview/Kilgore area. Schwab commented, “This region’s strong, and it’s a testament to the economic development efforts around here.” Schwab added that economic development is important in any community because of “incredible” competition from the regional to the global level — and he noted the importance of economic diversification. Schwab also expressed faith that the state’s current House speaker and governor will lead Texas down the right road economically. Continue reading TEDC Celebrates 26 Years

OVERTON — Overton police and school officials are following up after a possible threat prompted an evacuation in the Overton Independent School District. According to school officials, at approximately 9:15 Thursday morning, Overton High School principal Kendall Smith received an email, apparently from a student, that he perceived as a potential bomb threat to the high school building. Smith contacted OISD superintendent Stephen DuBose and then proceeded to call the Overton Police Department and begin the evacuation of the high school building. Continue reading Possible Bomb Threat Investigated in Overton ISD

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Canton Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a man who is considered a person of interest in the scamming of a 97-year-old. According to KETK, on March 25th, the victim was reportedly tricked into a home repair scam. Authorities said a white male in a reflective vest spoke with the homeowner and said the smart electric meter had reported electrical problems in the home. The victim wrote the suspect a check for the fake repairs. The Canton Police Department described the person of interest as a white male, 35-45 years of age, approximately 6’0” tall and weighing 165-180 pounds. Continue reading Canton Police Searching for Scammer

TYLER – Freedom for a Smith County jail inmate was brief last night. Shortly after 6:45, the inmate escaped custody as he was being transferred from the central jail facility on East Elm Street in downtown Tyler to the low risk facility. The inmate, identified as Rexorlandus Jackson, was being held on charges of driving while intoxicated, assault, violation of a protective order and evading arrest. He was recaptured and will now be charged with assault as a result of the attempted escape and will be housed at the maximum security jail downtown. Bond will be set on Jackson this morning regarding the new escape charges. Continue reading Smith County Jail Escapee Recaptured

GILMER – An instructional aide in the Gilmer school system has been arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. The Longview News-Journal identified the employee as Orlandos Lugene Johnson, 46. He has been an employee of the school system over 20 years. He was arrested after a former student made allegations of sexual abuse. School Superintendent Rick Albritton says Johnson was immediately placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

LONGVIEW – A Titus County man has been found guilty by a Gregg County jury of indecency with a child by exposure. The jury deliberated around 45 minutes Wednesday before returning the verdict against Diego Mena, 52, of Mount Pleasant. He had been accused of trying to get into bed naked with his girlfriend’s granddaughter. The incident occurred in a Longview motel June 20, 2014. He will be sentenced at a later date, following a pre-sentence report.

GREGG COUNTY — An access road off Interstate 20 in Gregg County was closed for several hours due to a fuel leak that emerged Wednesday morning. According to the Longview Police Department, the access road on the off-ramp of exit 595-A was shut off to traffic. TxDOT said the road reopened later Wednesday. KETK reports that the cause of the leak was not immediately announced but police said the ramp had to remain shut down until the fuel was cleaned up.

CEDAR PARK — Law enforcement agencies teamed up around noon Tuesday in an effort to find for more evidence in the Katie Eager case. According to KETK, Cedar Park Police in conjunction with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team searched a retention pond near the scene of Eager’s murder. The victim, a former Pine Tree student, was found shot to death on February 27. Her boyfriend, 31-year-old Adam Solis, is held in the shooting. A spokesperson with the CPP said the search was not related to a tip, but rather a thorough investigation. The gun used in the murder has not yet been found, according to police.

TYLER – Two men, including one from Tyler, have appeared in federal court in Tyler for sentencing on drug charges. Juan Gutierrez-Mojica, 44, of Tyler, was sentenced to 180 months for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and money laundering. He appeared before United States District Judge Michael H. Schneider. His co-conspirator, Norberto Pineda, 41, of Houston, was sentenced to 70 months for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and money laundering. Continue reading Two Men Sentenced in Federal Drug Case

TROUP — Smith County Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 James Meredith and Constable Pct. 3 Jimmie Blackmon shut down their offices early Wednesday afternoon because of an electricity outage in Troup. Meredith reported closing the office, at 313 E. Duval St. in Troup, for the rest of the day.

JACKSONVILLE – Authorities have begun rounding up suspects charged with distributing methamphetamine in Cherokee County. The suspects are among 27 indicted following a lengthy investigation into a drug trafficking organization dealing methamphetamine. At last report, 17 of the 27 suspects have been arrested. U.S. Attorney John Bales announced a combined task force of federal, state and local law enforcement began executing federal arrest warrants and search warrants this week as a result of the investigation. If convicted, the defendants each face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. Continue reading U.S. Attorney: 27 Charged in East Texas Drug Trafficking Organization

TYLER — Smith County authorities say they’ve arrested a man who was carrying a gun as he ran along a roadside. At around 9:30 Wednesday morning, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the incident in the 10800 block of Spur 164. Deputies responded and located the suspect walking along the roadway with what appeared to be a rifle or shotgun, according to a news release. Deputies made contact with the suspect, who reportedly refused to put the gun down and also allegedly refused to cooperate with the deputies in identifying himself. Continue reading Authorities: Man Arrested after Running along Roadside Carrying Gun

NACOGDOCHES – Two people were injured Monday night during an officer-involved shooting. According to KETK, the Nacogdoches Police Department reports that at 9:52 p.m. authorities were dispatched to a disturbance call with weapons in the 4700 block of Warr Circle. When an officer made it to the scene, a man was seen reportedly forcing a woman into a vehicle. As the policeman approached the vehicle, a shot rang out and the woman fell to the ground. The suspect, who was holding a .357 magnum, tried to go back inside, but was shot by the officer in his arm and lower body. Both of the injured were taken to a local hospital. Continue reading Two Wounded in Officer-Involved Shooting in Nacogdoches