KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — In a study from the Hibbs Institute Family Index at UT Tyler, Tyler and Wichita Falls are ranked as the top two metropolitan areas in Texas for raising a family. According to our news partner KETK, factors impacting the study are access to health care, education, recreation, social environment and job stability.

The top 25 cities in Texas are as follows:
1. Tyler
2. Wichita Falls
3. Abilene
4. Amarillo
5. Midland
6. Sherman-Denison
7. San Angelo
8. Texarkana
9. Lubbock
10. Victoria
Continue reading Study ranks Tyler as top Texas city for raising a family

UPDATE: The Gilmer Police Department confirmed that the individuals have been identified, though they did not disclose whether any arrested have been made.

GILMER — The Gilmer Police Department is seeking the public’s help identifying a man involved in break-ins at fast food restaurants. According to our news partner KETK, investigators want a man on two counts of mischief. In a release, police said, “he broke the doors of Whataburger and the drive through window of Jack in the Box.”

In the picture shown, you’ll the suspect on the right, he vehicle, with the license plate showing on the left.

Anyone with information on the person’s identity or whereabouts is asked to contact the Gilmer Police Department at 903-843-5545.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police have released footage of a burglary at Kilgore’s H&L Liquor Mart that occurred on Friday afternoon Dec. 20 about 1:30 p.m. Investigators need your help in identifying suspects. Our news partner KETK, has posted the video, you can see it here.

A release from KDP stated, “The suspects fled the scene on foot to the back of Kilgore Bowling Center where a dark colored passenger car was waiting in the area. Kilgore PD said. “There appeared to be possibly two other subjects in the waiting get away car. The vehicle left the scene south on US 259 BUS.”

Police ask if you have information on the identities of the persons involved, contact Detective Justin Murphy at 903-218-6904 or email him at [email protected].

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for suspects in an armed robbery late Friday morning near Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, a sheriff’s office release said they received a call about 10:30 a.m, from a business on State Highway 31 East near Dauphin Plumbing, outside Loop 323 in Tyler. Deputies were told by the caller at this business location, they were robbed at gunpoint of an undisclosed amount of cash from their register.

Officers said the robbery suspect, “fled out of the front door of the business. The suspect allegedly entered a black car being driven by another black male and fled eastbound on State Highway 31 East.” Initial investigation shows the suspect was, a man armed with a handgun, dressed in all black clothing, a black ski mask, gloves and shoe coverings.

Authorities are investigating the case with further details released as it becomes available. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

JASPER COUNTY — The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said 24-year-old Deputy Lesley Wade of Zavalla, died from injuries received in a two-vehicle crash in Angelina County on Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, a release from the sheriff’s said Wade leaves behind her husband, Jasper County Deputy Chris Wade(in picture) and their two children.

Wade joined JCSO with her husband, at first providing courthouse security as a bailiff, before joining the sheriff’s office patrol division.

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen said this about Lesley Wade, “She led by example and made her mark in the history books of Jasper County as one of our best sheriff’s deputies. Please pray for Chris and their family, as well as their fellow law enforcement officers, during this time. Go with God, Lesley. We will miss you, but are thankful you were part of our Jasper County family. You’ll always be our Hero. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

EAST TEXAS – Are you going to be celebrating New Years Eve? Our news partner KETK, has list of business’s open on Dec. 31, that will keep you entertained. You can see it be clicking here.

TRINITY COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, an East Texas man has been charged with animal cruelty after deputies reportedly found several dogs severely malnourished at his property.

The Trinity County Sheriff’s office said deputies were dispatched to 204 Elephant Walk St. for multiple dogs at large. When deputies arrived, they reportedly found two dogs in the roadway in front of the house and observed several dogs on chains that were severely malnourished. Another dog could be seen in a small kennel without any shelter, officials said.

“Call history showed that the owner who later identified as, Christopher James Rode, was warned previously about having the animals improperly on chains, how to provide proper shelter and care for the dogs,” the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office said. Continue reading Man arrested after deputies find malnourished dogs

PALESTINE — Our news partner KETK is reporting that four people have been arrested in connection to an armed robbery that occurred on Monday in Palestine. Officers were dispatched to the Scorpion Smoke Shop at 4222 W. Oak at around 9 p.m. in reference to a robbery. A man and woman entered the store and the man reportedly displayed a handgun demanding money from the employee. Officials said the woman then sprayed mace/pepper spray into the business as they fled in a red Nissan SUV.

Following an investigation, authorities identified the man as Charles Blake DeFore, of Elkhart,and obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 400 block of Highway 287. Officials then located the red SUV located outside of the residence.

Officers made contact with Tammy DeFore, who confirmed that Charles was inside. Tammy refused to exit the residence and did not say anything else to officials. Officials also confirmed that a second person of interest in the robbery, Abril Espinosa, was inside the residence. Continue reading Four arrested in Palestine armed robbery

CENTER – Center police arrested a man and woman on Tuesday in connection to the death of the woman’s boyfriend, 36-year-old Cordero Wyatt, after police found his body in a field. According to our news partner KETK, the Center Police Department received a call regarding a welfare check on Wyatt. The caller stated that her son had been at his girlfriend’s home in Center and was no longer answering his phone or had returned back home. Officers then contacted the girlfriend, 40-year-old Alicia Petite.

“Petite informed officers that Wyatt had been at her residence earlier and friends had picked him up, but he was no longer at her house. Officers responded to Petites’ residence, and she allowed them to look in the home for Wyatt,” Center PD said.

According to officials, some of Wyatt’s belongings were located in the home including his cell phone. Responding officers contacted the Criminal Investigation Division, and detectives began investigating a possible missing person. Continue reading Four arrested after police find boyfriend’s body in field

RUSK — The Rusk Police Department is offering a reward for information leading to the identification of a person accused of robbing a pharmacy on Dec. 11. According to our news partner KETK, a person broke into Chapman Pharmacy’s drive-thru that Wednesday morning around 4 a.m. to reportedly steal narcotics. Officials said the store video shows a person appearingto used a black handled ax with white cloth wrapped around the handle and red tape.

Rusk Police ask if you know of anyone in connection to this incident, to call them at 903-683-2677. They said any information provided will be kept confidential.

LONGVIEW – A pedestrian was killed in a Thursday morning crash while attempting to cross the road, according to our news partners at KETK. Longview police officers responded to the 2000 block of North Eastman Road for a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. According to officials, the pickup truck was traveling southbound and hit the woman while she was attempting to cross Eastman Road. Longview PD said the woman reportedly failed to yield the right of way to the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Longview Police Department said the investigation is ongoing with no further information being released at this time.

TYLER – Recycle your real, unflocked and undecorated Christmas tree with Keep Tyler Beautiful and Tyler Solid Waste from Thursday, Dec. 26 through Wednesday, Jan. 15. Natural Christmas trees can be dropped off in designated areas at Golden Road Park, 2300 McDonald Rd, and Fun Forest Park, 2000 N. Forest Ave. There will be “Christmas Tree Recycling” signs at each location.

This eco-friendly initiative provides an opportunity to recycle live trees and support local wildlife. Local fishermen are encouraged to repurpose the trees and use them to create new fish habitats in nearby lakes and ponds, contributing to the preservation of local aquatic life. Keep Tyler Beautiful is also collecting unwanted or broken string lights regardless of the condition. The copper wire will be recycled, and the proceeds will go toward the conservation organization Lion Guardians. The collected lights can be dropped off at the Christmas Tree Recycling locations or the upper parking lot at Caldwell Zoo, 2203 Martin Luther King Blvd.

For more information, visit KeepTylerBeautiful.com or contact Casey Williams, Keep Tyler Beautiful Coordinator, at (903) 531-1335 or [email protected].

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a home on Van Zandt County Road 1203 near Wentworth was burned in a Christmas morning fire, according to officials. Grand Saline Fire Department public information officer Caden Mosher said that several 911 calls came into the South Van Zandt Volunteer Fire Department at around 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday.

Mosher said that Canton Fire Department was automatically sent out to the scene and that Grand Saline Fire Department was called in at around 9:20 a.m. for mutual aid.

According to Mosher, no one was at home or injured during the fire. Mosher added that the Van Zandt County Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the fire’s cause.

TROUP – The East Texas Agriculture Foundation presented Cooper Reid of Troup a check for $75,000 this week to assist in his recovery from a head injury. According to our news partner KETK, the foundation raised the money through their “Birdies for Coop” golfing event in November.

Cooper suffered his head injury while playing in the Troup homecoming football game in 2022. The nonprofit raised the money through their “Birdies for Coop” golf outing in November. This event was to support Cooper who experienced a life-altering injury while playing in the Troup homecoming football game in 2022.

“Throughout the last few weeks it has been extremely hard to come up with the words to express our sincere thoughts to any and everyone that had a hand in this. This event was a heartfelt gathering that showcased the power of community and generosity,” The East Texas Agriculture Foundation said.

“Birdies for Coop”, featured live music, auctions, food trucks, a cornhole tournament and a 4-man golf scramble.

LONGVIEW – Just in time for the Christmas break, Longview ISD had a very special gift for their teachers. Cash! According to our news partner KETK, LISD Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard handed out $3.5 million in LISD incentive bonuses for Teachers (LIFT) to all 13 campuses. The district said in press a release, the bonuses are based on several performance criteria by the Texas Education Agency’s accountability standard and campus-specific performance distinctions.

“The eligible campuses received bonuses on the number of distinctions in various academic areas, with additional recognition for campuses contributing to the district’s overall postsecondary readiness rating, awarded by TEA,” Longview ISD said.

PALESTINE – The Palestine Police Department is seeking information in a robbery that occurred at a smoke shop last night. According to our news partner KETK, Palestine PD officers responded to an aggravated robbery around 9 p.m. that occurred at the Scorpion Smoke Shop in Palestine. A light complected female suspect allegedly stood watch at the door and then Palestine PD said they sprayed pepper spray or mace into the business as they fled with an undisclosed amount of money. The male who reportedly presented a handgun and demanded the money appeared to have a tattoo on his left wrist, officials said.

The suspects reportedly fled in a maroon Nissan Armanda or Pathfinder, believed to be older than a 2016 model, according to Palestine PD. Continue reading Palestine police search for suspects in armed robbery

TYLER – Although his season is over because of a knee injury, Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was back in East Texas doing something special for the holidays. According to our news partner KETK, the Arp ISD graduate, gave out bicycles and accessories to children in need Monday afternoon.

“I want to inspire, whether that’s on or off the field and give back, whether that’s on or off the field and coming home, especially doing it at home, it feels even more and more special,” said Overshown. “Then around this year, just giving back whatever I can to help a family or to make a child smile, that’s what I’m all about.”

Arp ISD said in the release that Overshown gave away 20 new bikes. Each had a new helmet, tennis shoes and water bottle, for 10 boys and 10 girls in need.
Continue reading Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown gives back to ET kids

LONGVIEW – Longview ISD is grieving the loss of a student who was a junior at Longview High School. According to our news partner KETK, district official said that 17-year-old, Ulises Coreas died on Sunday following a sudden illness.

“Our hearts are broken for Ulises’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him,” said Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard. “We hold them close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Longview ISD said that when students and staff return from Christmas break, counseling and support services will be available. The viewing will be on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wilson Royalty Funeral Services. The service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Rosewood Memorial Park.

TYLER – As Christmas day approaches our news partner KETK has compiled a list of local restaurants, stores and entertainment open on Christmas 2024. Please visit the KETK website for the regularly updated list.

UPDATE: The City of Troup said on Tuesday that Optimum restored full internet service to Troup. City officials apologized to any residents who’ve gotten duplicate trash service rescheduling calls that were set out because of the loss in connection. Troup said their trash service will be on Thursday for this week and next week.

TROUP – The City of Troup said many of their residents are currently without VOIP phone service, internet and cellphone service after Optimum’s fiber optic line was cut on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, a third party contractor cut the Optimum fiber optic cable that supplies internet service to the town and two of the major cell phone companies that cover Troup.

Troup city manager Gene Cottle said that Optimum is working to repair the cut cable and to return cell service to the area. City of Troup employee’s are currently monitoring their water tower and the water wells which rely on cellular connections to communicate.

The city was only able to share this information because of a fallback cellular modem that uses three different cell phone service providers.

TYLER – In the midst of the usual uptick in recycling and waste during the holidays, their workload is only increasing, because everything’s now going to the landfill together. Every day, dozens of trucks sit in line at the Greenwood Farms Landfill in Tyler waiting to dump their trash. East Texas landfill and sanitation workers are still feeling the impact of a major recycling center catching fire in Kilgore six months ago and halting services for many local cities.

“About 300 trucks come through here every day and unload about a thousand tons per day,” said manager of municipal services at Greenwood Farms Landfill, Gene Keenon. Towards the end of the year, Keenon said that number doubles.

It’s not just the holiday rush they’re facing. Since River’s Recycling Center shut down in Kilgore, recyclables are also coming to the landfill. “It’s about 300 tons a week that we used to be diverting out of the landfill. It’s now coming back into the landfill,” Keenon explained. That’s an extra 300 tons per week his workers have to deal with. Continue reading Landfill workers feeling impact of Kilgore fire

MALAKOFF – According to our news partner KETK, a Monday morning house fire has left one person dead in Malakoff. Malakoff Police Department Chief Floyd Thomas said the deceased was identified as Gloria Aruizu and that the fire happened at 803 W. Mitcham St. in Malakoff. Tool Fire Rescue said they were called to the fully-involved structure fire at around 2 a.m. on Monday along with fire departments from Seven Points, Gun Barrel City, Trinidad and Malakoff.

The home was reportedly a total loss and now Tool Fire Rescue is asking the community for donations to help the residents affected. Continue reading One dead after Malakoff home destroyed in fire

TYLER – Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Gregory Kelly, the current Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas, as the new Bishop of Tyler on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Kelly will be the fifth bishop to ever be appointed to lead the Tyler Diocese since it was founded in 1986 by Pope St. John Paul II. Kelly’s appointment comes after Bishop Joseph Strickland was removed as Bishop of Tyler in November of 2023, following a months-long investigation by the Vatican.

Bishop Strickland’s removal by the pope sparked widespread criticism, and the question of politics in religion has become a hot topic. However, Kelly said there will also be a back-and-forth between the two.

“The church always has to stay out of partisan politics, endorsing candidates or doing anything like that,” Kelly said. Continue reading Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Tyler

TYLER – Sign up for the Tyler Girls Softball League’s (TGSL) third season! Registration is open until Friday, Jan. 24, and costs $50 per player. TGSL is a community-focused softball program for girls ages five to 14 who want to learn fundamental skills in a competitive atmosphere. “Our mission is to inspire players and coaches, foster teamwork, enhance communication skills and boost the confidence of all participants,” said Athletic Coordinator Allan Piedra. League games begin in April. All home games will be played at Faulkner Park or Golden Road Softball Fields during the season. For more information, contact Athletic Coordinator Allan Piedra at (903) 595-7271 or email [email protected].

HUNTINGTON – Our news partners at KETK report the Huntington ISD School Board has named Dr. Carolyn Fiaschetti as their lone finalist to be the district’s new superintendent. Fiaschetti was voted in as the lone finalist at the school board’s meeting on Monday. She currently serves as the regional assistant superintendent for the Region 6 Education Service Center. Continue reading Huntington ISD names lone finalist for superintendent