KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — Authorities Monday issued updated information on a fatal Smith County wreck. KETK reports one person was killed and two were injured. Friday, at 6:22 p.m., DPS Troopers were notified of a multiple vehicle crash on IH-20 in Smith County, West of US 271. An SUV, driven by Jennifer Nelson of Longview, was westbound on I-20. Traffic was stopped due to a previously occurring crash. Authorities say Nelson struck the back end of a car driven by Vincent Joseph Chao, 39, of Monroe, Louisiana, who was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Chao’s passenger, Yong S. Chao, 71, also of Monroe, was killed. Another passenger in the vehicle, Shiu-Fang Chao, 65, was injured and was also taken to a local hospital. Continue reading Updated Information on Fatal Wreck on I-20

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department has announced a temporary road closure. KETK reports the 500 Block of Baxter Street will be closed until late afternoon or early evening for repairs. Officials urge drivers to find a detour while this area is being worked on.

HARRISON COUNTY — A theft suspect was taken to a local hospital Sunday after receiving electrical burns at a Harrison County well site. KETK reports that according to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Kenneth Bolyer, 47, was treated for electrical burns on his hand, chest, and neck after he apparently touched very high voltage wiring. Upon discussing the incident with Bolyer, the medical staff told a Harrison County deputy Bolyer had been at a well site near Waskom and did not have permission to be removing electrical equipment and wiring. Continue reading Theft Suspect Hospitalized with Electrical Burns

CHAPEL HILL – The death of a one year old Smith County child remains under investigation. It happened on County Road 290 in the Chapel Hill community. According to authorities, around 6:45 Saturday evening, EMS and a Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a 911 call reporting that a child had been injured after a family member allegedly backed over the youngster with a vehicle in the driveway. The child was transported to a Dallas hospital and later died there.

RUSK — Cherokee County authorities are asking for any information about a burglary that happened in early September. Sometime during the week of September 2nd, a burglar reportedly broke into a house on Farm Road 1248, just south of Rusk, and stole several guns and tools. The homeowner was in the process of moving and had last been at his house on September 2nd. He returned to the house on September 8th to retrieve the last of his personal items. However, upon his arrival, he discovered that many items had been stolen. There did not appear to be any forced entry into the house. It’s believed that the burglars entered through an unlocked window. Numerous guns, an air compressor and multiple tools were reported stolen. The total value of the stolen items is estimated at more than $2,000. Call Cherokee County Crimestoppers at 903-586-7878 with any information.

CHAPEL HILL — Two garbage trucks have been destroyed in a Smith County fire. It was reported around 3:45 Sunday afternoon at the Garbage Pick-up Service parking lot, off of Farm Road 848. KETK reports the fire started in the front end of one truck and spread to a second one. There were no injuries. No word on how the fire started.

TYLER — It’s time for Tyler’s bi-annual Free Bulky Item Cleanup Week. For areas whose trash is picked up on Monday and Thursday, your bulky items will be picked up from today through Friday. For areas whose trash is picked up on Tuesday and Fridays, your bulky items will be picked up from September 30th through October 4th. During these weeks, 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.

QUITMAN – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews were back in Quitman Monday and are scheduled to return Tuesday to make remedial repairs to East Goode Street between the courthouse and the SH 154/SH 37 split. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin approximately two weeks of resurfacing operations on State Highway 204 between Jacksonville and Ponta. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

TYLER — For the people who pumped gas at A&W Grocery on Bow Street in Tyler Saturday morning, what should have been a quick stop, turned into a nightmare. According to KETK, Friday night, a valve leading to the gas tanks was left open making it easy for the rain we saw Friday to make it’s way into the gas supply. And while the new mixture consisted of about only five percent gas, no one knew. It wasn’t until someone took their car to the mechanic that they found out the gas really wasn’t gas. So from 5:00 to 8:30, which is when the manager was notified of what was happening, whoever stopped to get gas, filled their tank with water. And the fix is not easy or quick. The tank needs to be removed, emptied, cleaned, and refilled. A&W Grocery is footing all bills associated with the damage.

NEW BOSTON (AP) — A northeast Texas jury has sentenced a Texarkana, Texas, man to life imprisonment for murder in the fatal beating of a 2-year-old neighbor boy. The Bowie County jury gave Jimmy Paul Mahone, 33, the maximum sentence on Friday, one day after finding him guilty of murder in the death of Dalton Wayne Slaton. A medical examiner determined the boy had a skull fracture and numerous other broken bones. Prosecutors told jurors that Mahone apparently had picked the boy up by his leg and swung him repeatedly into the hard back of a sofa in his apartment. According to the Texarkana Gazette, witnesses testified that Mahone appeared to be obsessed with the child.

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has received warrants for the arrest of three Nacogdoches men for an aggravated robbery in 2009. According to KETK, the robbery occurred in June of 2009 as three men robbed an armored car at Regions Bank in the 300 block of East Main Street. The investigation had been ongoing since that time. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has had a series of drug investigations in Nacogdoches County. While conducting these investigations, investigators had received information of drugs being distributed in the 3000 block of North Pecan Street. Continue reading Two Arrested, One Sought, in 2009 Armored Car Robbery

TYLER — Tyler Police search for an armed robbery suspect. It happened just after 10:45 Friday night at the Speedy Trak gas station, 1811 South Broadway. The clerk said she noticed the suspect in the parking lot moments before the robbery and saw that his face was covered with a light blue bandana. The clerk immediately turned and headed toward the back of the store. The suspect entered through the front door and walked around the counter. He then displayed what appeared to be a handgun covered with a black rag and demanded money from the cashier. An undisclosed amount of money was taken. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. The clerk was not harmed during the robbery. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’9”, 150-175lbs, wearing a black hoodie and black sweat pants. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tyler Police.

LONGVIEW — Longview police say they’ve solved several graffiti cases thanks to a tip from a local resident. Police say they’ve been investigating numerous complaints about graffiti on local buildings, including the downtown area. Officers encourage you to be aware of suspicious activity, and report it immediately if you see it. Such activity might include skateboarders in areas posted with “No Trespassing” signs, people on top of the roofs of buildings, and cars parked at closed businesses or people walking around those businesses

RUSK COUNTY — One East Texas landowner claims an energy company misled him about a project near his house. But according to KETK, the company disagrees. In 2010 Edwin Davidson was notified that Luminant was purchasing nearby land along Rusk County Road 2144 to run a railway for a future coal loading station that would be placed down the road. But a few weeks ago Davidson says he learned that the station was being built right across the street from him. Davidson says he feels he has been kept in the dark by the company about its plans. Davidson says, “They didn’t tell us before we were going to have a loading station in our front yard, which is a lot different than having a train that goes beside your house that comes by once an hour at the most.” Continue reading Landowner, Luminant at Odds over Project

TYLER — 42-year-old Muhammad Sarfraz Ashraf of Tyler pleaded guilty Thursday in Tyler federal court to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit mail fraud. According to information presented in court, from Nov. 2010 to June 2011, Ashraf, who owned and operated an automobile repair and maintenance shop in Tyler, conspired with others to cause the Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office to mail false certificate of title application packages to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Continue reading Smith County Man Guilty in Mail Fraud Conspiracy

EAST TEXAS — It’s what East Texans have been waiting for in the midst of an extended drought, but the rain has been causing its share of problems too. The Tyler Fire Department responded to numerous weather-related incidents throughout the City. These include responses to stranded motorists, high water, and flooding in some homes. Multiple high water rescues have been performed by firefighters in several locations around the City of Tyler. Tyler Police responded to numerous wrecks throughout the city.

TYLER — There’s a new candidate for Smith County judge. KETK reports Republican John Furlow made his announcement Thursday. Furlow is a CPA, with more than 30 years of operational experience. The military veteran doesn’t think the current leadership is preparing Smith County for the future. According to Furlow, “Judge (Joel) Baker has a record of taking several pay raises while laying people off. He has a record of closed sessions and those are the things that he has to address to the citizens of Smith County.” Furlow said he’s not motivated by money. and if elected he plans to take a pay cut. Baker, also a Republican, wasn’t immediately available for comment and hasn’t announced his future plans. Continue reading Smith County Election Picture Begins to Take Shape

TYLER — The East Texas State Fair got underway Friday and runs through September 29. There’s a variety of events on tap. Also, drivers need to know about major traffic changes on Front Street adjacent to the fairgrounds.

Here’s a rundown of ticket availabilities:

Gate Admission Tickets
Child 5 & Under: Free
Youth 6-12: $5.00
Adult 13 & Up: $8.00

Gate Carnival Tickets
Weekday (M-F) Unlimited Ride Armbands: $25.00
Sheet of 22 Tickets: $25.00
Sheet of 50 Tickets: $60.00
Individual Ticket: $1.25

Continue reading East Texas State Fair Begins

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to ask the public to keep their eyes open for a suspicious man hanging around a school bus stop. According to KETK, a man was seen two days in a row hanging around the bus stop at Smith County Road 2228 and 110 South. Continue reading Suspicious Man Reported at Bus Stop Again

CARTHAGE — Doctors in East Texas think they’ve solved a medical mystery. A man was getting drunk without having a single alcoholic drink. Dr. Barbara Cordell at Panola College says they diagnosed him with a super-rare disease called the “auto-brewery syndrome.” Cordell says, “Somehow, alcohol was showing up in his bloodstream, and they think it was due to this overgrowth of yeast.” So, basically, his stomach turns starchy food like bread and pasta into beer — and that beer was getting him wasted. He’s been put on an anti-fungal medication while they try to find a long-term treatment.

TYLER — The investigation continues after the Tyler Fire Department responded to the Plaza Tower at 110 N. College Avenue Thursday in the wake of a bomb threat. Authorities say a tenant on the 10th floor received a call at approximately 10:40 a.m. which indicated that there were multiple explosive devices located throughout the building. The caller also suggested that they evacuate. Building occupants voluntarily self-evacuated and representatives with the Tyler Fire Department and the building management conducted a search of the building, including areas on the 10th floor. No devices were found and occupants were allowed to return to their workplaces. Continue reading Tyler Fire Department Responds to Explosives Scare

TALCO — A man is being held in the Titus County jail after police say he confessed to stabbing his sister to death after a heated argument. That’s according to KETK and the Longiew News-Journal, which cite a press release from the Titus County Sheriff’s Office. At about 9 p.m. Wednesday night Titus County deputies found 56-year-old Theresa Collins stabbed to death in a house in the 100 block of Lillienstern in Talco after they were dispatched to a call about a stabbing, the release said. Investigators found out her brother, Steven Lee Neugent, 50, lived in the house where Collins was found dead and that he and the victim’s car were missing, according to the release. Authorities issued an alert, and Neugent was found at a Pittsburg convenience store by the Pittsburg Police Department. Continue reading Authorities: Man Confesses to Stabbing Sister to Death after Argument

TYLER — As of Thursday, September 19, anyone going to the City of Tyler’s website — http://www.CityofTyler.org — via a mobile phone will automatically be redirected to the new mobile adaptation of the site. According to a news release, The mobile website is a streamlined version of the full Tyler website and makes accessing the most commonly sought after pages even easier. Continue reading City’s Mobile Website Goes Live

NACOGDOCHES — Two Nacogdoches men were arrested Tuesday, the result of two separate drug investigations. According to KETK, deputies reportedly found cocaine,marijuana, and three pistols inside 32-year-old Damion Yarbrough’s bedroom. They also arrested 43-year-old Rhonald Palmer for possesion of crystal meth and Xanax.

GILMER — A Gilmer man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and two counts of sexual assault of a child. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Benjamin Lee Powers, 21, received two 14-year sentences and one 15-year sentence from 115th District Court Judge Lauren Parish of Gilmer. The sentences will run concurrently. Powers was originally placed on 10 years deferred adjudication on the manslaughter charge and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, complete 400 hours of community service, participate in a victim impact panel and receive counseling. Continue reading Gilmer Man Sentenced to Prison for Manslaughter, Child Sex Assault

PANOLA COUNTY — Two people are dead and another is airlifted to a Tyler hospital after a wreck in Panola County. The wreck happened around 1:00 a.m. Thursday on Highway 59 near the FM 1974 intersection. State Troopers on scene tell KETK an El Expreso tour bus was traveling north when the driver got word a passenger was left behind at a truck stop. Continue reading Fatal Wreck Involving Tour Bus and 18 Wheeler

LONGVIEW — A Longview ISD bus driver was fired Wednesday after district officials confirmed she dropped more than 20 students off at a busy Longview intersection, forcing them to walk home. According to the Longview News-Journal, the employee, whose name was not released, was a first-year bus driver who had been through training with the district, spokesman Adam Holland said. He said district policy prohibits a bus driver doing such an act.

On Friday, the bus No. 27 driver collected 56 students from Forest Park Middle School. Around 4:45, she dropped more than 20 students off near the Boys and Girls Club of Gregg County at the intersection of Garfield and High streets. Holland said the bus 27 route is now being driven by a substitute driver.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Street Department will be repairing and overlaying Bellwood Lake Road from the railroad bridge to the dead end at the lake. For the safety of employees, the road will be closed to the public from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday during construction. Work is underway and is expected to be completed by Oct. 11.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for an older model minivan, possibly a 2002 or 2003 silver or gray vehicle, occupied by a Hispanic male wearing a ball cap pulled down over his face. Authorities say in the early morning hours, the person has been frequenting areas with school bus stops occupied by young females. Earlier, officials say, he approached a young female and fled the area at a high rate of speed when adults attempted to make contact with him. That incident occurred at Highway 110 South and County Road 2228. If you see this vehicle and suspect, call 911 or the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

SMITH COUNTY — A former Gladewater high school and Baylor football star died Wednesday morning after his car drove under an 18-wheeler. KETK reports the accident happened around 10:30 a.m. at Loop 323 and Highway 14 in Smith County. DPS names the victim as Tommie Minter, 74, of Austin. According to pro-football-reference.com and databasefootball.com, Minter spent the 1962 season with Denver and Buffalo in the American Football League, appearing in 12 games. Details on how the accident happened weren’t immediately available.