KTBB News, Weather, Talk

EAST TEXAS — Two East Texas reservoirs, Lake Sam Rayburn and Lake o’ the Pines, are affected by the federal government shutdown. That’s according to KETK. Rhonda Paige, spokeswoman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said campers in public park areas of Lake O’ the Pines would have to leave the grounds by 8:00pm Wednesday, and neither reservations nor people in public recreation areas will be allowed until the government reopens. A spokeswoman for the Jasper Chamber of Commerce confirmed the closure of Lake Sam Rayburn until the shutdown is over.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has voted unanimously to set a curfew at P.T. Cole Park after a 20-year-old Tyler woman was killed there July 30. KETK reports that the park, on Vine Avenue, will now be closed to the public from sunset to sunrise. Briana Raquel Young (pictured) was shot in the park after gunfire erupted from within the park and also from a vehicle on Mockingbird Lane, adjacent to the park. Ke’Avier Jarrod Wilson-Hurd, Dennis Bendy, Rakheem Goldstein, and Elisha “EJ” Williams were all arrested in connection with the shooting. Council members also said at yesterday’s meeting they are looking to implement curfews at other parks in the city.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce honored the community’s leading citizens at its annual meeting Tuesday night. The T.B. Butler Award for Tyler’s top citizen went to Brookshire Grocery Company. The W.C. Windsor Award for top citizen under age 40 was handed to small business owner and community volunteer Eleno Licea. Jim Toman Insurance captured Small Business of the Year honors, with John Soules Foods earning the nod as Large Business of the Year.

TYLER — As open enrollment continues for the new healthcare exchanges, a growing number of Americans are trying to plan for the extra cost. KETK reports East Texans are turning to financial advisors to point them in the right direction. Feliciano Financial Group in Tyler has been getting an onslaught of callers asking about Obamacare. The biggest concerns for those callers: if they do choose to enroll, how will that affect their tax bracket and their subsidies? Company President/CEO Jose Feliciano says “all in all,” it will cost them a bit more “for everybody as a group, and…people just need to understand what their options are.” Feliciano also says some people are finding out they’re not getting a tax break under the new exchanges.

TYLER — Authorities are investigating a reported robbery at a southeast Tyler business. ZipCash at 5111 Troup Highway was robbed around 4:15 yesterday afternoon. The suspect escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported. Witnesses described the suspect as a black male, about 5’05”, thin build, wearing a green flannel shirt, dark pants, and a dark toboggan style hat. He used a white shirt to cover his face. He was last seen running south beside the business.

TYLER – Members of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division served an arrest warrant Tuesday charging Christopher Eugene Meador, 44, with the felony offense of theft in conjunction with a 4-month-long investigation related to tree-cutting. “I want to clear up some confusion relating to statements that some individuals outside of the Sheriff’s Office are making regarding this investigation,” said Sheriff Larry Smith. “This investigation has been focused on an individual who happened to be employed by Hideaway and was by no means an all-encompassing investigation into Hideaway.” Continue reading Arrest Made in Hideway Theft Probe

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court announced Tuesday that the County has received more than $100,000 after applying for a state grant to supplement the rising costs of indigent defense. The Smith County Commissioners Court thanked the Auditor’s Office Tuesday for applying for funds through the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) after a costly trial in fiscal year 2013. Smith County is one of just five counties in the state of Texas to receive reimbursement funds for indigent defense. “Indigent defense is a required function of county government and we are very excited to receive additional funds to support the rising costs of this mandate,” County Judge Joel Baker said. Continue reading Smith County Receives $100,000 for Indigent Defense

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert of Tyler is refusing to take a subsidy under the Affordable Care Act. Gohmert released the following statement as the battle over Obamacare continued:

“On January 1st, when millions of Americans will likely lose their employers’ contribution to their health insurance, I will refuse to receive that same subsidy. It also means I will have to pay a substantial penalty or ‘tax,’ but I cannot in good conscience accept the subsidy when so many Americans have lost their insurance altogether because of ObamaCare. We are supposed to be the servants of the American people, not the masters. Continue reading Gohmert Refuses to Take Healthcare Subsidy

MT. PLEASANT — A Mount Pleasant man was sentenced to eight years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to a string of thefts at Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation. Rickey Alton Wright, 39, was a maintenance worker at the plant when he stole more than $225,000 worth of equipment, according to the Titus County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s officials said Wright was selling the equipment for much less than it was worth. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report that he had been held in the Titus County Jail since December 11 under $500,000 bond. Continue reading Man Gets Eight Years in Pilgrim’s Pride Thefts

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. — In January 2010, ten area churches were torched in a span of just over a month. The fires sparked the largest criminal investigation in East Texas history. Now, according to KETK, a documentary plans to shed light into the string of arson cases. The film premieres at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis October 19. You can visit http://www.littlehopewasarson.com to learn more.

CANTON — Van Zandt County Sheriff Michael Lindsey Ray is taking time to explain his office’s newest crimefighting tool, an armored car nicknamed “The Beast.” Ray said, “I have made a promise to the law abiding citizens of Van Zandt County to try to do more with less and try to make our communities safer places to live. When you get in the fight in the ‘war against drugs’ some of the necessary safety equipment can get to be very expensive. I recently received a call from Sheriff Ray Nutt, in Henderson County, asking if our deputies could benefit from the use of a Brinks armored car. These vehicles have become increasingly more valuable to law enforcement agencies because the environment we work in has become increasingly more dangerous.” Continue reading Armored Car, “The Beast,” Comes to Van Zandt County

TYLER — Traffic will be reduced to one lane while crews work on repairing a sewer main that crosses under the bridge on South Donnybrook and Victory Drive. The road will be closed one lane at a time until all repairs can be made, which could last until 5 p.m. today, according to city officials. Traffic will be detoured east on Victory Drive and loop back on Victory to Donnybrook. Or traffic can detour east on Victory Drive to Turtle Creek, south to Frazier and west back to Donnybrook.

CANTON (AP/Staff) – The Van Zandt County Courthouse in Canton is back in business after it was closed Monday due to a weekend water leak that caused flooding. A spokeswoman for the county judge’s office said the basement remained partially closed pending further assessment and repair of damage. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reported that the situation developed after a water line broke. County Judge Rhita Koches says that on Sunday afternoon, about three inches of water stood in some of the offices, and several feet of water flooded the inside of the elevator shaft and the building’s boiler room. Water was shut off to the building while repairs were being made so the county decided to close for the day on Monday.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce holds its annual meeting tonight at Harvey Convention Center. The Chamber will review the past year, look ahead to the coming year, and welcome new leadership. There will also be awards handed out, including the two top honors, the T.B. Butler and W.C. Windsor Awards.

TYLER — Smith County Deputies are on the look-out for two armed robbery suspects. Authorities said around 5:50 Tuesday morning, multiple patrol deputies and other Smith County Sheriff’s Office officials responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Valero Minute Stop, located at 11874 Highway 64 West. Early information indicates that two white males in their 20′s entered the Valero with a gun and took money from the register. Continue reading Sheriff’s Deputies Searching for Armed Robbery Suspects

SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County deputy, who was arrested in July for drug trafficking, has accepted a plea agreement. Kimbrick Bernard Jones, 38, was on duty when he committed the alleged crimes, which included selling drugs from his patrol unit. He was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of a substance containing meth. Officials said that Jones also had drugs in his patrol car. According to KETK, Jones was arrested following a lengthy investigation. In August, he entered a not guilty plea. Documents for a new plea deal were filed Monday. Details have not yet been released.

GREGG COUNTY — A man who was facing a felony DWI charge when he crashed into a couple, killing the husband, pleaded guilty Monday to manslaughter and aggravated assault arising from the February 2010 wreck. According to the Longview News-Journal, the two eight-year terms handed to Benjamin Chase Capps, 31, will run at the same time, and at the same time as the 20-year sentence he is now serving for an unrelated driving while intoxicated conviction. Since 1999, Capps has been found guilty of numerous felonies, including vehicle burglary, theft, assault and DWI-third or greater. He still has at least one drug possession charge pending.

WINONA — It was school as usual in the Winona ISD Tuesday. Monday the school district’s classes were let out at 12 noon due to a power outage. It was caused when a tree fell on a power line. The power was restored early Monday afternoon. KETK reported that at one point late Monday morning, over 50,000 SWEPCO customers in Gregg County and a few hundred in Smith County were without power. All the power had been restored by 2:00 Monday afternoon.

LONGVIEW — The eastbound right lane of Longview’s Hollybrook Drive will be closed between Laney Street and Dogwood Lane Wednesday until Friday, October 11, from 7:00am to 5:00pm. The closure is to allow for construction at Parkview Assisted Living, 601 Hollybrook Drive. This project is being performed by Sper-Con.

RUSK — As of September 10, Rusk State Hospital had 23 unauthorized releases this year. According to KETK, that means 23 psychiatric patients had left the premises without permission. That’s an increase of six unauthorized releases from the year before. State health officials say patients usually return on their own, or are returned, within an hour and a half after they leave. But due to this year’s increase, the state is reviewing its policies and procedures to minimize the chance of this happening in the future. Officials want to remind East Texans these people are psychiatric patients, not criminals. If you’re afraid or see somebody who appears suspicious, just call police.

HENDERSON — Rusk County Crime Stoppers is thanking the tipster who provided information that led to the arrest of Lyndon Jaye Hughes. According to KETK, Hughes had been on the Rusk County “Top 10 Most Wanted” list for the past six months. On Tuesday, September 24th, members of the United States Marshal’s Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force acted on a tip to the Rusk County Crime Stoppers Hot-line and executed seven arrest warrants on Hughes in the Sherman area. Hughes was taken into custody and transported to the Cooke County Jail pending transfer to the Rusk County Jail. The charges related to the arrest are burglary of a building, possession of a controlled substance, and indecency with a child. Continue reading “Most Wanted Fugitive’” Captured, $2,000 Reward Paid Out

PALESTINE (AP/Staff) – More details have emerged as officials continue to investigate a fire that left two people dead in a downtown Palestine building. Capt. Jeff Croft of the Palestine Fire Department tells the Tyler Morning Telegraph that a man and a woman died in the fire, reported early Saturday morning. He says another person was reportedly able to escape the blaze. The building was a total loss. A news release from Wendy Ellis, interim city manager, says crews encountered heavy fire conditions and heavy smoke throughout when they arrived on scene. The news release says that within minutes of firefighters’ arrival, the building began to collapse. The building housed a thrift store. Surrounding buildings received minimal damage

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler College of Business and Technology and Hibbs Institute for Business and Economic Research will hold the fourth annual Economic Forecast Summit 11:00am to 1:00pm on Thursday, October 10 at Rose Heights Church (2120 Old Omen Road in Tyler). The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, dean of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University. “With a Ph.D. and M.A. in economics from Stanford University, Dr. Johnson will provide valuable insight into the concerns of regional citizens and business owners,” said Dr. Jerry Gilley, College of Business and Technology interim dean. Continue reading UT Tyler to Hold Fourth Annual Economic Forecast Summit

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – Former Texas quarterback and Longview native James Street has died at 65. Street took over the Longhorns’ wishbone offense and led them to the 1969 national championship. Serena Fitchard of the James Street Group said Street died early Monday but that no other details were immediately available. Continue reading Former Longhorn Quarterback, Longview Native James Street Dies

TYLER — The Tyler Public Library will change its hours of operation beginning October 1. The new hours are:
* Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
* Monday through Thursday from 10:00am to 7:00pm
* Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and
* Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm. Continue reading Changes to Tyler Library Hours

EMORY — According to the Rains County Sheriff’s Office, an inmate who escaped from the Rains County Jail is back in custody. They report that Crystal Marie Robinson, 31, has been arrested south of Lubbock in Garza County. Robinson escaped from the Rains County Courthouse last Tuesday morning. She was being held on charges of probation violation, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, and probation violation of theft greater than $20 but under $500.

TYLER — This is the final week of Tyler’s bi-annual Free Bulky Item Cleanup Week. For areas whose trash is picked up on Tuesday and Fridays, your bulky items will be picked up through Friday. During the week, residential customers may get rid of bulky items such as unwanted furniture, appliances, carpet, fence material, up to four noncommercial vehicle tires, old toys and other large items that would normally require a special fee for free. Paint must be dried out with oil dry or kitty litter. Items not accepted are brush, limbs and liquid waste. You can go to http://www.tylersolidwaste or http://www.keeptylerbeautiful.com to get more information.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Farm Road 15 between Troup and Wright City. A second crew is scheduled to resume base and pavement repairs on State Highway 155 in Winona, and on State Highway 135 between Troup and Arp. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

LONGVIEW — A fire has extensively damaged the O’Reilly Auto Parts store in the 500 block of West Marshall Avenue. KETK reports the fire was reported around 12:45 Sunday afternoon. Products inside the store could be heard exploding. It appears as if the building and its contents are a total loss. There were employees and customers in the store when the fire started, but none were injured. A firefighter was treated for minor burns. The fire is thought to have started in an area used for storage and parts on the west side of the building. No word on how the fire started.

LUFKIN — On two separate incidences, Lufkin police have arrested men on charges of possession drug paraphernalia. Around 12:15 Saturday morning, Lufkin police found George E. Denman, 60, in the 900 block of Weaver Avenue. On him they found drug paraphernalia and a crack pipe. Then, just before 2:00 Saturday morning, a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Jacob P. Castanon, 17. Found on him was a small amount of marijuana and a pipe.