KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER– Our news partner, KETK, reports that the potential ban of TikTok is set to fade nearly 170 million users to black in the United States. Content creator and Tyler local, Bridgette Hartt, says that the app not only transformed the quality of her life, but also her families.

“You feel silly, in a sense of crying over an app, but it’s so much more than that,” Hartt said. Hartt began her TikTok account by sharing funny videos with her family, but through the years, she has gravitated toward body positivity. “I started sharing clothing and just how to dress your body if you’re midsize. That’s kind of how I grew my community. Continue reading Local content creators react to looming TikTok ban

LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Angelina County Commissioner’s Court has approved a contract to extend the Angelina County Airport’s longest runway to 6,000 feet.
The updated plan was unanimously approved by the court.

The $7,800 contract with KSA Engineers will use money from the COVID Cares Fund to extend Runway 725 by 600 feet from 5,400 feet to 6,000 feet. At the Angelina County Commissioner’s Court meeting on Wednesday, Angelina County Airport manager, Gary Letney explained they had originally planned to extend the runway by 1,600 feet but they now want to update that plan to do the extension in sections. This shorter, 600-foot extension is still long enough to allow the airport to start accommodating larger airplanes like military planes.

“Planes that we do get in now, they can’t take full loads of people or fuel. So, on some very hot summer days, some of the jets do have to find an alternate airport and this would prevent that from happening…even just the 600 feet would do that for us.” said Gary Letney.

TYLER – Family and friends of Harley Morris were in downtown Tyler on Saturday to hand out new missing flyers ahead of Wednesday which marks one year since his disappearance. According to our news partner KETK, Morris was last seen in north Tyler at 3 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2024. He was heading north after leaving the 50 Grand Club in the 2100 block of North Grand Avenue. Morris was wearing a black jacket with grey sleeves, black pants and a black Prime 102 baseball style hat when he was last seen.

Taylor Attaway, Harley’s brother, spoke with KETK on Saturday about their family’s hope that someone will come forward to claim the $10,000 reward for info on his brother’s disappearance. Continue reading Harley Morris’ family hands out new missing flyers

EAST TEXAS – As more winter weather hits East Texas, several local school districts have announced that they will be closing on Tuesday. Our news partner KETK has the complete up to date list here.

TYLER – As East Texas prepares for more cold weather, several East Texas locations are opening their doors as warming centers and shelters. Our news partner KETK has compiled a list of locations opening to the public. This list will be updated whenever any additional warming centers open. You can view the list here.

To let us know about any other warming centers and shelters, please email [email protected].

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Mall was recently listed for sale on a real estate website for an unlisted price. The massive 586,450 square foot shopping mall is located at 3500 McCann Rd in Longview and according to the website, it brings in around $5.74 million in net operating income.

The mall was built in 1978 and received $12.5 million in capital investments from 2019 to 2023. More than 70 retail, dining and entertainment businesses currently occupy 98% of the mall’s space, according to the mall’s online listing. In February, 2024, the National Weather Service declared the Longview Mall as “StormReady,” meaning it’s a safe place to go during severe whether events.

To learn more, visit the Longview Mall’s listing on Crexi or contact Edge Capital Markets.

MARSHALL — An East Texas woman has been arrested after threatening a coworker with a gun on Friday, according to our news partner KETK. Officers were dispatched to a business in the 5900 block of E. End Boulevard South at around 11 a.m. after receiving a report of a person armed with a weapon. When officers arrived, they learned that a bystander was able to disarm the woman, identified as 34-year-old Krystle Johnson. However, Johnson was able to retrieve the firearm and pointed it at bystanders. She allegedly attempted to flee the area but was apprehended by MPD officers. The police department said no one was injured during the incident and officers ensured the safety of all employees and customers at the scene.

She was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawfully carrying a weapon and deadly conduct. Johnson is now being held at the Harrison County Jail on a $54,000 bond.

“MPD commends the quick response of our officers and the courageous actions of the bystander, which contributed to the safe resolution of this dangerous situation,” a spokesperson for the Marshall Police Department said. “We remind the public to report any suspicious or dangerous activity to law enforcement immediately.”

POLK COUNTY – The Polk County District Attorney’s Office said that Don Steven McDougal has pleaded guilty to the Feb. 2024 kidnapping and murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. According to our news partner KETK, McDougal’s plea agreement means he will spend the rest of his life in prison and will never be eligible for parole. The district attorney’s office had originally asked for the death penalty back in August but they explained that McDougal has a documented history of intellectual and developmental disabilities that legally limit him from being executed.

“After intense and diligent review of the law and medical records, the determination was made that Don Steven McDougal was not eligible for a death penalty sentence under the existing law. This resolution ensures that Don Steven McDougal is being punished to the fullest extent available under the existing law and spares the family the emotional toll of a prolonged trial and appeal process.”
Shelly Bush Sitton, Polk County District Attorney

Audrii was the subject of a Feb. 15, 2024 Amber Alert after she never showed up to school at Creekside Elementary. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Trinity River Authority then found Audrii’s body in the Trinity River on Feb. 20 near the Polk and San Jacinto county line under State Highway 59 south. Her body was found rope tied to a large rock after the Trinity River Authority lowered the output on the reservoir which lowered the river level, according to Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons. Continue reading Man pleads guilty to killing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is investigating a Friday evening shooting that injured a teenager. According to our news partner KETK, officials were dispatched to the 900 block of Blackwell Avenue at around 5:30 p.m. According to Tyler Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, the 15-year-old victim was shot in the leg and was treated by EMS.

“It was determined that the suspect is a black male who is reportedly driving a white Kia Sorento with Texas Licenses plate number VNN7221, said Erbaugh.” “He and anyone in that vehicle should be considered armed and dangerous. This is not a random shooting.”

If anyone has any information, contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. This case is still under investigation.

HENDERSON COUNTY – The Henderson County District Attorney’s Office said a man was sentenced to 24 years in prison for burglary of a home in Eustace in 2022. According to our news partner KETK, Christopher Thomas Powell was found guilty in district court Wednesday by a jury. Powell was charged with burglary of that home and he also set it on fire.

According to the district attorney’s office, a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office deputy was called to a home on Allen Ranch Road after a report seeing of a man with a gas can loading items into a truck. When the deputy arrived, they reported seeing smoke from the burning residence. Video recovered at the scene showed a person identified as Powell, .

The district attorney’s office mentioned several other convictions that Powell had including one at the same victim’s home in 2020. Powell was sentenced to 24 years in state prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

Tyler – The National Weather Service has forecasted a chance of snow showers on Monday night into Tuesday, with snow accumulations of less than half an inch possible. That chance of snow could be combined with below-freezing temperatures.  City of Tyler Fire Department and Emergency Management officials will keep a close eye on developing weather conditions for for these two days.

Fire, Police, Streets and Tyler Water Utilities crews are prepared for the weather and have placed personnel on standby if needed and will respond when needed. The Tyler/Smith County’s Cold Weather Response Plan is now available at Cold Weather Response Plan Tyler, TX. 
Continue reading Tyler officials eyeing winter weather conditions

TYLER – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will begin applying brine to major State roadways such as Interstate 20, US Highway 271, and State Highway 110 according to our news partner KETK. Although the process should have minimal impact on traffic, drivers should still allow a safe driving distance between their vehicles and convoys distributing the pre-treatment materials. Crews have readied their equipment and materials to treat other roadways as warranted. Coordination efforts have also begun with local municipalities and law enforcement.

Additionally, TxDOT works closely with the National Weather Service to best prepare for a potential winter weather storm.

TxDOT personnel will monitor the forecast and weather conditions, responding as needed to ensure roadways remain open and safe for travel. To get information on statewide conditions, call 800-452-9292 or visit their website. Continue reading TxDOT prepares roads ahead of forecast cold weather

TYLER– Martin Luther King Jr. Day is this Monday, Jan. 20 and people all across East Texas are getting together to celebrate the holiday. Events being held in honor of the great American civil rights leader will start on Friday and are being held throughout this weekend heading into Monday.To help East Texans find the event closest to them, our news partner, KETK, has put together the following list of MLK Jr. Day events and celebrations. You can find the updated list of events by clicking here.

LUFKIN— Our news partner, KETK, reports that a 22-year-old from Lufkin is creating a sobriety group for young adults, and it has already reached over 100,000 people on social media. Natalee Bates is kicking off her initiative Young, Wild & Sober next month. She created a Facebook page less than a week ago and nearly 150 thousand people have already visited her page.

Bates said she started drinking heavily as a teenager, and quickly realized she needed help. However, when she joined local support groups, she noticed there was no one her age attending the meetings. She decided to create her own group for young adults who struggle with alcohol or other challenges, such as substance abuse or eating disorders.

“It’s uncomfortable sometimes to go in a room and everybody be 20 to 30 to 40 years older than you and to feel alone because they’re not going through the same things you’re going through in that point in time,” Bates explained. “So I wanted to create this group so that we have just a support group within the community.”

Young, Wild & Sober’s first meeting is Feb.10, and anyone between the ages of 16 and 28 is welcome. Bates will host meetings on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Those interested in attending her meetings or helping in any way can go to her Facebook page by clicking here. Bates asks that those wanting to attend let her know, and she will decide the location once there is a head count.

TYLER – Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) will conduct a series of community meetings to address concerns regarding water billing, discuss the water meter replacement program, and highlight other ongoing infrastructure improvements to our water system. Each Council member will host a meeting in their respective district. The meetings will feature several information stations, including Water Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) to assist with individual account questions. Residents will be asked to give their feedback and sign up to receive electronic updates on these topics. Customers are encouraged to attend the meeting in their district to learn more about TWU, utility billing, improvement projects, and to voice questions or concerns. Residents should bring a copy of their water bill for specific billing questions. District meeting schedule is as follows: Continue reading Tyler Water Utilities to host district meetings

MOUNT PLEASANT– Our news partner, KETK, reports that Former Mount Pleasant City Manager Ed Thatcher was indicted by a Titus County Grand Jury on Wednesday after he allegedly made a false entry in a government record.

Thatcher served as the Mount Pleasant’s city manager from 2019 until he resigned last May. An indictment alleges that on May 7, 2022, Thatcher made a false travel request form that said former city council member Tim Dale had driven 870 miles around the county for council purposes and was requesting reimbursement.

A Mount Pleasant city employee released this statement:
“On Jan. 15, 2025, the City of Mount Pleasant was made aware that former City Manager, Ed Thatcher, was indicted by a Titus County grand jury for making a false entry in a governmental record. The indictment stems from an investigation by the Texas Rangers into travel reimbursements issued to city council members. Mr. Thatcher served as city manager from 2019 until his resignation in May 2024. During the investigation of this matter, the City fully cooperated with the Texas Rangers. As this is an ongoing legal matter, the City cannot further comment at this time. Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to the Titus County District Attorney’s Office.” Continue reading Former Mount Pleasant city manager indicted for making false record

MARSHALL – The Marshall Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire at approximately 5:00 AM on January 15th in the 2200 block of Pinecrest Drive, successfully rescuing three occupants including a 22-month-old infant. Upon arrival, firefighters found a single-story wood frame house with flames visible from the front windows and heavy smoke throughout the structure. Marshall Police Department officers, who arrived first, had already removed a double window after hearing screams from inside. Fire Department crews immediately initiated rescue operations and located an unconscious 23-year-old female trapped under a fallen dresser. The victim was quickly rescued and taken to emergency medical personnel. The homeowner had safely evacuated through a bedroom door prior to firefighters’ arrival and told crews that a 22-month-old infant remained inside. Fire crews conducted an extensive search and located the infant in a void space between furniture in another bedroom. Both the 23-year-old victim and infant were taken to Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center – Marshall for treatment. Continue reading Three rescued from house fire in Marshall

TYLER– Our news partner, KETK, reports that Texans On Mission has boots on the ground in fire ravaged southern California. In times of crisis, the nonprofit tries to be there when people need their help the most. Right now, their focus is on the devastating wildfires that have ravaged parts of California. Four volunteers returned from California on Wednesday, and 10 to 12 volunteers left Wednesday morning to bring laundry and shower trailers. Rand Jenkins, Texans on Mission chief strategic officer, has been out west for days getting a first hand look at the damage on the frontlines.

“The first emotion is just that heaviness that even once we got here, we saw and could experience, it’s not out yet and so people are still kind of wondering what is next,” Jenkins said. “What we did the past few days is being with churches and beginning to build their capacity for wrapping their arms around their community from a distribution standpoint, from a management standpoint.” Continue reading Texans On Mission helping California recover from wildfires

LONGVIEW– According to our news partner, KETK, on Wednesday, CHRISTUS Health broke ground on a new $36 million Cancer Center in Longview. Construction begins soon and should be finished by the fall of 2026. There’s one goal in mind for the state-of-the-art, 35-thousand-square-foot facility.

“We are going to reduce the incidence of cancer in northeast Texas and we’re going to improve mortality rates,” CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic physician vice president of operations John DiPasquale said. In 2024, across the United States, an estimated two million new cancer cases were reported. Nearly one hundred and fifty thousand of them here in Texas. The American Cancer Society reports that a new clinic of this type will provide access to treatment at home, reducing the financial burden of traveling to larger cities for care. Continue reading CHRISTUS Health breaks ground on new Cancer Center in Longview

TYLER — Our news partner KETK reports that Tyler Fire Department responded to a popular barbecue restaurant on Sunday night after it caught on fire. at around 10:30 p.m., Tyler firefighters were dispatched to the scene on 1410 SSW Loop 323 at Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q. When units arrived to the scene, they found the restaurant in flames. The firefighters were on scene for approximately 40 minutes extinguishing the fire, however Tyler officials said no one was injured.

The possible cause of the fire, officials said, was discarded ash and amber from cooking meat had accidently fallen over and caught a wall on fire.

Tyler Fire said that Rudy’s is already working to reopen.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department said an arrest has been made after multiple shots were fired at a Longview Amtrak station on Wednesday Afternoon. Longview Public Information Officer La’Darian Brown said that a man walked into the Amtrak station and fired multiple shots. It is unclear to Brown what caused the suspect to open fire. Longview PD has not identified the suspect at this time.

Brown confirmed that nobody inside the building was harmed. The suspect fled however officers were able to detain him, and he has since been arrested.

HAWKINS — Hawkins Police Chief Paul Holland has resigned, according to a member of the Hawkins Police Department and our news partner KETK.

This marks the third chief to resign at the police department in recent years. A member of the police department told KETK News over the phone that Holland stepped on Tuesday. Holland was appointed to the position back in June of 2024. Back in March 2024, the Hawkins City Council accepted the resignation of Chief of Police Guy McKee. In 2022, Manfred Gilow also resigned as chief of police. KETK spoke to Gilow back in 2022, who cited budget issues and a shortage of police staff as reasons that led to his resignation.

“The fact that we are understaffed in this police department. I have two openings in the last seven months. We cannot fill them. Nobody wants to do this job anymore and sure enough, not for 15-16 dollars an hour. Target has 25-dollar minimum wage,” Gilow said back in 2022. “Therefore, I think right now, it’s a time to make a decision.”

UPSHUR COUNTY — An East Texas man has plead guilty to murdering his wife with an axe. The Upshur County Criminal District Attorney’s Office said a Gilmer citizen called 911 to report a man attempting to get into their vehicle on Feb. 26, 2024 at around 1:43 a.m. Police were on the scene within two minutes of the call and located the suspect. The suspect “was soaking wet on the front of his clothes and dry on the back.”

When officers questioned who he was, he reportedly lied before telling them his real name, Craig Allen Smith, and admitted to lying. He told officers he did not want to reveal his identity because “his wife was dead and he did not want to get caught up in it.” According to our news partner KETK, Smith reportedly told police his wife had been dead for a few hours and that she was at a home on Walnut Street in Gilmer. He was booked into the Upshur County Jail for an outstanding warrant. Continue reading Man sentenced after brutally killing wife with axe

SMITH COUNTY – All non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed for business on Monday, January 20, 2025, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, January 21, and Commissioners Court will be held at its normal time, at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Smith County Annex Building, located at 200 E. Ferguson St. in Tyler. City offices will observe the following schedule on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Continue reading Tyler and Smith County offices closed for MLK Day

LONGVIEW  — Longview Police arrested a 25-year-old Longview ISD employee on Tuesday for sexual assault of a child. The police department said officers were dispatched to a residence on Saturday at around 3:49 p.m. in reference to a sexual assault. According to our news partner KETK, officials said during the course of the investigation, officers learned that a 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by D’Marjai Dearion, of Longview.

On Tuesday, Longview detectives obtained a warrant and Darion was arrested the same day for sexual assault of a child. He is being held on a $150,000 bond at the Gregg County Jail.

Longview ISD said Dearion was employed as a physical education teacher and coach since August 2023. He served at Judson Middle School during the 2023-2024 school year and at East Texas Montessori Prep Academy and Forest Park Middle School during the 2024–2025 school year. Continue reading Longview ISD teacher arrested for sexual assault of child

TYLER – A former Texas hospital chief executive officer has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Jeffrey Paul Madison, 49, of Burnet, Texas; Susan L. Hertzberg, 66, of New York, New York; Matthew John Theiler, 58, of Pinehurst, North Carolina; David Weldon Kraus, 66, of Maryville, Tennessee; and Thomas Gray Hardaway, 52, of San Antonio, Texas, were found guilty by a jury on November 30, 2023, following a seven-week-long trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle. Madison was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison by Judge Kernodle on January 15, 2025. Madison also agreed to pay $5,343,630 to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act involving illegal payments to physicians for laboratory referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Continue reading Former hospital CEO headed to prison