KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Two Smith County residents have been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Clinton Daniel McCaa, 32, of Whitehouse, pleaded guilty on January 9 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced yesterday to 80 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis. Tara McDonald, 40, of Tyler, pleaded guilty on January 9, 2013, to maintaining a place for the distribution and use of methamphetamine and was sentenced yesterday to 38 months in federal prison by Judge Davis. Continue reading Smith County Residents Sentenced for Methamphetamine Violations

ATHENS — A Henderson County Jury has handed down four life sentences and one 20-year sentence to Danny Ray Lusk, 37, of Kemp. Jurors earlier convicted Lusk of four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child by contact before sentencing Lusk to the maximum time available on each count. KETK reports Lusk was arrested in April of 2011 for the aggravated sexual assaults of two family members under the age of 14. Evidence revealed that Lusk began assaulting the two victims when they were three and four years old. Both victims testified that Lusk assaulted them for years before they finally came forward to other family members.

TYLER – The East Texas Food Bank is saddened by the tragedy that has struck Oklahoma and is responding, according to a food bank news release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and those who lost their home in this disaster,” according to food bank officials. The news release continues, “The East Texas Food Bank is working within a coordinated effort of emergency response organizations and the Feeding America network of food banks, including the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, to help meet the needs of those impacted by the tornado.” Continue reading Food Bank’s Response to Oklahoma Tornado

TYLER — The 17th season of The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center will feature world-renowned performances and speakers, Susan Thomae-Morphew, Cowan Center executive director, announced. Top draws include the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Cirque Dreams Rocks, and distinguished lecturer Charles Krauthammer. Continue reading UT Tyler Cowan Center Announces 2013-14 Season

TYLER – A 55-year-old Longview lawyer has been sentenced to federal prison for mail fraud. Steven Rushing pleaded guilty February 15 He as sentenced in Tyler to 41 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Rushing was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $929,076.29. Continue reading Gregg County Lawyer Sentenced for Mail Fraud

WILLS POINT (AP) – One driver has been killed and three students injured when a car drifted into oncoming traffic and struck a school bus in East Texas. Trooper Jean Dark says the Wills Point Independent School District bus came to rest atop a portion of a Toyota Camry following the collision about 7:30 Wednesday morning in Van Zandt County. She says the bus was traveling south when the northbound Camry crossed into its lane. Both drivers attempted to avoid the accident but ended up colliding in the northbound lane. A third vehicle also was involved in the wreck. Dark says a man driving the Camry died at the scene. The bus driver and three students on the bus were taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.

LUFKIN (AP/Staff) – An East Texas restaurant worker standing outside the eatery and holding an umbrella during a storm has died after being hit by lightning. Lufkin police say the lightning strike happened Tuesday night. KETK reports the woman’s been identified as Meshell Foxworth, 30. She was struck outside the IHOP restaurant and died at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin. Lt. Ronny LaRue says medical personnel attempted to transport Foxworth to a trauma center but the helicopter could not fly in the bad weather.

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Angel Fuentes Salgado, 24. On March 19, Salgado was terminated as an employee from Servpro, located on Farm Road 2493. On March 30, Salgado was captured on surveillance video at that location while breaking into a vehicle and stealing a gas card, according to authorities. Salgado then allegedly tried to use the gas card, which had been deactivated, at a gas station in Bullard. According to officials, he then returned to Servpro and unsuccessfully attempted to break into another company vehicle. The attempt damaged the vehicle. Continue reading Law Officers Seek Public’s Help Finding Suspect

TYLER — A lightning strike is to blame for a house fire in Tyler. According to KETK, the lightning struck a home in the 500 block of Patton Lane just before 8:00 Tuesday night. Firemen were able to catch the blaze quickly and it was extinguished in about 15 minutes. Officials said a closet and air conditioner were damaged. No injuries were reported.

EAST TEXAS — East Texans encountered widespread severe weather beginning early Tuesday evening. No tornadoes were reported. But because of straight line winds, some as high as 70 miles an hour, there have been reports of downed trees and power lines. Among the hardest-hit areas were Upshur County, Rusk County, Gregg County, Jacksonville, the Hallsville and Nesbitt areas of Harrison County, and Pittsburg. In Lufkin, a woman was killed when struck by lightning. In the Mixon area, in northern Cherokee County, a lightning strike started an oil tank fire. A roof was peeled back on a barn in the Troup area. There were also reports of hail and numerous power outages in East Texas. A tornado watch was posted late Tuesday afternoon and expired at 10:00 Tuesday night.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama opposes a House bill that would speed approval of the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to Texas. The route takes the pipeline through eastern Smith County. The White House said Tuesday that the bill “seeks to circumvent longstanding and proven processes” by removing a requirement for a presidential permit. The legislation also says no new environmental studies are needed. Continue reading Obama Opposes GOP Bill on Keystone XL Oil Pipeline

AUSTIN (AP) — A Republican lawmaker has resurrected a radioactive waste bill that would allow a West Texas site to store more hazardous materials. San Angelo Representative Drew Darby on Tuesday incorporated the measure into another bill governing a radioactive storage site in Anderson County. Continue reading Lawmaker Resurrects Radioactive Waste Bill

AUSTIN (AP) — More than an hour of delaying tactics from House Democrats has blocked a vote on a hotly debated bill that would have mandated drug testing for some welfare applicants. Lawmakers earlier Tuesday night approved a measure requiring some people seeking unemployment insurance to undergo drug screening. But a proposal requiring such testing for people enrolled in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families wasn’t voted on before a key midnight deadline. It had already passed the Senate and was backed by Governor Rick Perry. The measure would have required applicants to answer questions to see if they are at risk of abusing drugs. If they failed the screening, they would have been required to take a drug test. If the person tests positive, state officials could have suspended the person’s benefits.

LAKEPORT — Fire has destroyed a mobile home near Lakeport. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report that firefighters from the Lakeport and Elderville volunteer fire departments responded to the blaze sometime around 7:00 Tuesday morning off Texas 149. Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department Chief Pat Owens said the building had burned to the ground when firefighters arrived. The Gregg County Fire Marshal is investigating.

TYLER — With severe weather conditions moving through the area Tuesday evening, Smith County Judge Joel Baker issued an advisory to residents. As the county’s statutory Emergency Management Director, Baker has advised all citizens to closely monitor weather conditions, as they can change rapidly, and to heed any watches and warnings. “I strongly encourage citizens to ensure that they have an emergency plan for themselves and their families,” said Judge Baker. Continue reading Emergency Weather Notification

TYLER – A 39-year-old Center man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations Danny Len Lindsey pleaded guilty on March 1 to possession with intent to manufacture methamphetamine. He was sentenced in Tyler yesterday to 48 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis. According to prosecutors, from at least August 14, 2011, Lindsey possessed and distributed methamphetamine in East Texas. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on November 7, 2012, charging Lindsey with drug trafficking violations. Lindsey also admitted to possessing two firearms during his drug trafficking activities and must forfeit both firearms.

TYLER – A Tyler building contractor has been sentenced for federal arson-related charges. Daniel Kubisty, 55, pleaded guilty January 9 to attempted arson. He was sentenced in Tyler yesterday to 16 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis. Kubisty was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,824. Continue reading Smith County Man Sentenced for Attempted Arson of Methadone Clinic

EAST TEXAS — Due to the threat of severe weather, many East Texas school districts canceled events that had been scheduled for Tuesday evening. KETK reports most districts notified parents and students of the changes, and will announce rescheduling. Continue reading East Texas Schools Cancel Events due to Weather

KAUFMAN — Investigators working on the murder case against a former Kaufman County justice of the peace have apparently made an important connection. Sources say ballistics experts have been able to match shell casings found at the home of former DA Mike McLelland to unfired bullets found in the storage locker Eric Williams rented in Seagoville. Ballistics expert Daniel Jackson says, “It sounds like it’s entirely plausible that unfired cartridges that were cycled through the weapon were compared microscopically by firearms examiners.” Microscopic scratches help investigators match bullets. Williams (pictured) and his wife are being held on capital murder charges for the deaths of McLelland, his wife, and Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse.

LONGVIEW – A man who led Longview Police on a car chase Monday night, has died as a result of a shooting by police. He is identified as Jose SiFuentes, 28, of Longview. The officer who was injured in the incident was also the officer who shot SiFuentes. He is now on administrative leave with pay. Continue reading Man Dies after Longview Shooting and Chase

CANTON — Expanding beyond the traditional anonymous telephone tip, Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers now makes it possible to submit anonymous tips online, from mobile devices or computers. The revamped Crime Stoppers website — http://www.vanzandtcrimestoppers.org — now offers a special tip submission form that gives tipsters more choice in how they let Crime Stoppers know about wanted criminals. The new option is designed to be entirely anonymous, just as the telephone calls have always been. Continue reading Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers Tips Can Now Be Submitted Online

GILMER — Upshur County officials say Judy Langford, a now-former substitute teacher at Harmony ISD, has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted sexual assault of a minor. KETK reports the plea was entered on May 17. Langford also pleaded guilty to attempted online solicitation of a minor. She gave up her substitute teacher certification and upon release from prison must register as a sex offender. Langford has no prior criminal history.

TYLER — Tyler police are again preparing for a couple of safety efforts set for the Memorial Day holiday: Click It or Ticket and the “No Refusal” DWI campaign. Officers will be stopping violators for not wearing their seat belts from May 20 through June 2. Texas law requires every person sitting in the front or rear seat of a vehicle to wear a safety belt. A child less than eight years old and less than four feet, nine inches tall must be secured in a child safety seat. Drivers can be stopped and ticketed for a safety belt violation if they, or any of their passengers under the age of 15, are not buckled up or properly restrained. Traffic fines for failing to use a seat belt or secure a child in a safety seat can run from $25 to $200, plus court costs. Continue reading Tyler Police Gear Up for Memorial Day Holiday

SMITH COUNTY — A shooting off Highway 64 West in Smith County has left one man dead in the 100 block of Patton. Officials tell KETK the shooting involved two men. One is in custody for questioning but has not been arrested. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. We will update information as it becomes available.

CADDO LAKE — A Marshall man drowned following a canoe accident on Caddo Lake. He has been identified as Wildrick Lamon Jenkins, 21. According to Harrison County game wardens, the accident happened just east of Johnson’s Ranch on the Big Cypress Bayou portion of the lake. KETK reports Harrison County 9-1-1 operators received a call for assistance at around 12:30 Sunday afternoon. Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens were notified and Harrison County Deputies were dispatched to the general area of the accident. The Deputies and Game Wardens were advised that two men had rented a canoe at nearby Johnson’s Ranch, in Uncertain, Texas, and were paddling down the river. The canoe apparently turned over, throwing the two into the water. Continue reading Caddo Lake Drowning Victim Identified

PRICE — Authorities with the Carlisle Independent School District made the decision to hold classes on Memorial Day so the supporters of their baseball team can attend the playoffs in Austin, should the team continue to qualify. Our news partner KETK has been contacted by parents of CISD students who were concerned about the district’s decision, so the district’s superintendent, Michael Payne, was asked to respond. Payne says the decision was made “not as a slight to anyone who may be trying to observe Memorial Day with their family,” but in order to ensure that attendance on the last day of school would be as high as possible. “If the baseball team advances in the playoffs, many students will be making the trip to Austin to show their support,” Payne says. Continue reading Carlisle Superintendent Responds to Concerns about Memorial Day Classes

LONGVIEW — According to the Gregg County Sheriff’s office, the sexual misconduct trial for Jesse Smith, 33, and Cassandra Stone, 32, has been postponed until an unspecified later time. The trial was to have begun at 9:00 Monday morning. KETK reports the 188th District Court is meeting again today. Smith and Stone, both of Kilgore, are being held in the Gregg County Jail on multiple charges of sexual misconduct with a child. Court records show they were indicted in December.

PAYNE SPRINGS — Authorities continue to investigate a fatal accident in Henderson County — and allegations that the driver left the scene. The DPS says the accident was reported just before 8:40 Friday night on State Highway 198, a quarter-mile north of Leisureland Road in Payne Springs. Officials say a southbound 2002 Lincoln LS hit and killed Sandy Gay Patterson, 49, of Mabank, as she walked on the edge of the highway. She was pronounced dead at an area hospital. Continue reading Fatal Payne Springs Accident under Investigation

TROUP — One person was killed in an accident involving two motorcycles and an 18-wheeler. The accident was reported at shortly before 10:15 Sunday morning on County Road 2142 at County Road 2152, north of Troup. The DPS says the tractor-trailer was southbound on 2142, turning left onto 2152. The motorcycles were northbound on 2142. One of the bikes ran into the 18-wheeler, while the other slid underneath. The bike that hit the rig was driven by Michael Keith Berry, 35, of Arp, who was pronounced dead later at ETMC. Authorities say Berry was wearing a helmet. The other drivers were not injured.

ANGELINA COUNTY — Angelina County DPS officials say a pickup truck and passenger car were involved in a fatal wreck on Highway 59 South around 6:00 Monday morning. According to KETK, one of the vehicles was pushed into a nearby house, but authorities could not confirm which vehicle. Officials did confirm that there was another injury involved. That person has been hospitalized and taken to surgery.