KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District of the state highway department.

GREGG COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews Sunday night started to perform pavement texturing operations on Interstate Highway 20 between State Highway 42 and the Harrison County Line. The work will be conducted by a slow-moving convoy between 9:00pm to 5:00am through Wednesday. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the convoy work area. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler Bookstore offers a multi-channel textbook rental program designed to deliver maximum savings and convenience for UT Tyler students, Jesse Acosta, vice president for administration, announced. Officials say the program, which began three years ago, allows UT Tyler students to rent their textbooks for less than the cost of purchasing a new printed textbook. Students may rent books online at http://uttyler.bncollege.com or at the store located in the UT Tyler University Center. Officials report UT Tyler saved students $563,694 last year through the program. Continue reading Students Save Money Through Textbook Rental Program

TYLER — Roadwork on South Fleishel Avenue from Dawson to Fifth Street in Tyler will continue for an estimated ten days beginning yesterday. The existing asphalt surface is to be removed and replaced with new asphalt. To minimize inconvenience to the public, all work will be done at night between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to a news release. During this time, the road will be closed to through traffic. Officials say all work is expected to be complete before July 24, weather permitting.

TYLER – The Tyler Museum of Art is bringing it all back home. Culminating more than four decades since the Junior League of Tyler, Inc. spearheaded community efforts to establish the Museum, the TMA is celebrating its ongoing partnership with JLT in Goodnight Rose City. According to a news release, the new exhibition runs Sunday, July 13, through Sunday, Oct. 19 at the TMA, 1300 S. Mahon Ave. Admission is free. Continue reading TMA, JLT Join Forces in Goodnight Rose City

LONGVIEW — The Gregg Sheriff’s Office arrested a Kilgore man early Friday morning for the alleged sexual assault of a 4-year-old girl. At around 4 a.m., investigators took into custody Brandon Lee Marshall, 20, for aggravated sexual assault of a child. KETK reports he was booked into the Gregg County Jail. His bail was set at $500,000. The arrest stems from reported sexual contact with a child on July 10 on the 300 block of Tami Street in Liberty City.

HENDERSON — A Carlisle man was booked into the Rusk County Jail after he was caught with about $2,000 in crystal methamphetamine, officials say. KETK reports that according to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a report on a suspicious man at the intersection of Highway 79 and County Road 407. Further investigation reportedly determined Jerry Hurtado, 34, was in possession of 23 grams of meth. He was charged with manufacture and delivery, a first degree felony. He was released on $100,000 bond. Investigators anticipate additional arrests to occur as a result of the investigation.

TYLER — The Committee for Economic Growth Friday turned in signed petitions calling for a local option election this November to allow limited alcohol sales. In order to call an election, state law required the group to collect approximately 2,574 signatures of registered voters in Justice Precinct 5, which includes northwestern Smith County and the cities of Hideaway and Lindale. The petitions were circulated beginning June 12. Smith County Elections officials now have 30 days to verify the signatures. If enough signatures are gathered calling for the election, the Smith County Commissioners Court must order the election for November 2014. Continue reading Petitions Turned in for Alcohol Vote in JP 5

TYLER — According to the Smith County Department of Public Safety, troopers are seeking the public’s help in identifying a vehicle that may have been involved in a fatal hit-and-run July 3. KETK reports troopers responded to a crash scene on County Road 384 just west of County Road 378, where they discovered a vehicle had run off the road. The driver, 48-year-old Jubal Bledsoe, was found injured just south of the roadway and taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. According to medical reports, Bledsoe’s injuries were consistent with a person being struck by a vehicle. Investigators believe that Bledsoe left his vehicle and was hit by another vehicle. Troopers are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the DPS office in Tyler at (903) 939-6001.

ATHENS — Two East Texans are behind bars, accused of robbery. KETK reports Manuel Hernandez and Erika Guill were arrested Wednesday in Henderson County. Authorities believe they were the ones who held up a business off Highway 175 in Eustace. Deputies were able to track the pair down and found them hiding at a home near Cedar Creek Lake, officials say. When confronted, Hernandez jumped out of a window, according to authorities. They say he was later found flailing in the nearby lake.

LONGVIEW — State Representative David Simpson of Longview has returned from a visit to our southern border. He tells KETK the immigration crisis is getting worse every day. According to Simpson, “It was overwhelming seeing children, mothers crying in really basically what amounted to a jail.” At a senate hearing Wednesday, immigration officials told Congress 57,000 unaccompanied children have been picked up at the border since October. “Some of the people, when they described the unaccompanied children and why they were coming, they said three reasons: hope, hope, hope,” added Simpson. Continue reading Simpson Offers Comments after Visit to Border

LONGVIEW – A man wanted by Tyler authorities has been arrested following a traffic stop in Longview. John Blake London, 39, of Arlington, was wanted for credit card abuse. When he was arrested, authorities found drugs, a firearm and personal information of over nine persons. London was booked into the Gregg County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and fraudulent possession of identifying information. His bonds total $45,000.

WOOD COUNTY — Wood County Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in finding the person or people responsible for killing livestock. According to KETK, authorities said two goats were killed in the 1200 block of CR 1540. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000, and an additional $500 is being offered by the owner. Contact Wood County Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH or call the Wood County Sheriff’s Department at 903-763-2201 Ext. 7375 and speak with Sgt. O’Grady.

TYLER — Wreckage was reported cleared about two hours after Tyler police reported a six-car-pileup on Spur 364 between Loop 323 and Lindsey Park. The wreck happened around noon Thursday, snarling traffic on that stretch. KETK reports there were only minor injuries. The Dixie Fire Department also responded. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance in locating 27-year-old Ashley Elizabeth Harrell and her daughter, four-year-old Maddison McKay Harrell. KETK reports Ashley Harrell allegedly took the girl in violation of a court order. The woman is charged with a felony offense of interference with child custody after a Gregg County court awarded custody of Maddison to another family. Ashley and Maddison’s location is unknown at this time. Ashley is 4’11”, 125 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. Maddison is 3’2”, about 40 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. Continue reading Authorities Seek Mother Who Allegedly Took Daughter against Court Order

TYLER — Tyler’s first public compressed natural gas fueling station opened up Wednesday morning. KETK reports the station is located on North Bois d’Arc in downtown Tyler. Officals say while the project has taken nearly three years to cross the finish line, they hope drivers will think it was well worth the wait. They point out that the station is open 24-7, unmanned, accepts major credit cards, and is a fast fill station. CNG only costs $1.99 per gallon right now. But if you’re thinking about converting your vehicle to run on the alternative fuel, just know it can be pretty pricey. And the Clean Air Act requires that only a certified mechanic do the job.

RUSK COUNTY — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office says a woman who went missing on Tuesday is now home safe. According to KETK, Rosalyn Barns was seen around 8:45 Tuesday morning. She was said to be getting into a silver car on Highway 43 East. The car then turned onto Farm to Market Road 1716. Officials said she then took a bus to Houston and returned home around 6:30 Thursday morning.

GREGG COUNTY — Alcohol and drug paraphernalia were found at the scene of a wreck that injured two Longview sanitation workers last week. According to the Longview News-Journal, the information was contained in a search warrant obtained Wednesday in the case, in which an automobile ran into the back of a sanitation truck. Longview police officer Jeremy Higginbotham said Susan Michelle Skinner, 46, had open cans of Bud Light beer in her sedan when she collided with the back of a sanitation truck at 3 p.m. June 30 on Alpine Road. When Skinner was treated for a head injury suffered in the wreck, a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine was found in her possession, according to Higginbotham. Continue reading Police Find Alcohol, Drug Pipe after Trash Truck Wreck

WINNSBORO – The father of an abducted Arkansas girl rescued in Winnsboro, Texas on Tuesday has been arrested. The U.S. Marshall’s Office reports that agents have taken into custody Thomas Bunievatz, 31. He was arrested at his home in Pottsboro, Texas. He has been booked into the Grayson County Jail on interference with child custody. Authorities say the man had visitation rights, but did not return his daughter to her mother in an agreed upon time. An arrest warrant is out for Bunievatz’s fiance, Tobie Phillips, 38. She is said to have been involved in the abduction. Continue reading Father of Abducted Girl Arrested

MARSHALL — The Harrison County District Clerk is free on bond of $8,000 following her arrest Wednesday. Mellinda Craig is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, assault causing bodily injury to a family member, deadly conduct and criminal trespass. The investigation is being handled by the Texas Rangers.

TYLER – A Smith County man has been arrested in his daughter’s death. Taken into custody was Russell Lindstrom, 33, of Flint. Last month, a 911 call was received about two unresponsive youngsters inside a hot pickup with the windows rolled up in the 18000 block of County Road 1100 near Flint. Bella Lindstrom, 4, was taken to a hospital where she died. Her three year old sister Zoey was hospitalized and released the next day. Lindstrom was arrested Wednesday at a mobile home park in the 17000 block of Highway 155 South. He has been charged with manslaughter and injury to a child. His bonds total $200,000.

JERUSALEM — Rabbi Neal Katz of Tyler’s Congregation Beth El was in Israel when rockets struck Tuesday during that country’s ongoing violence. KETK reports Katz has been in Jerusalem helping lead a guided tour and doing a 10-day study program. On Tuesday as he left class, sirens went off, causing him to take shelter. Katz said, “I’m not fearful…there’s…100,000 tourists here right now, and there’s a highly skilled military response to all the stuff that’s going on with the rockets.” Katz says there’s just a different sense of normalcy over there, and that is why he feels safe.

LINDALE — A lot of people in Lindale are expressing their opinions about the sale of beer and wine. KETK reports one of them is Pastor Tom Buck of Lindale’s First Baptist Church. Buck says he opposes the sales not because alcohol is evil, but because the Bible condemns being drunk. According to Buck, one of the things that make Lindale unique is being dry. He remarks, “I had my discussion open. I hope other people will do that, and I would never do anything that would…to say my opinion in a way that hurts someone.” A citizen group is trying to get beer and wine sales on the November ballot in Justice Precinct 5, which includes Lindale. The group, citing potential economic impact, is also trying to legalize mixed drink sales in restaurants by certificate holders in the precinct.

TYLER — Historically, more vehicle thefts and burglaries occur in Texas during summer months, which is why the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) has declared July “Watch Your Car Month.” And Tyler police are doing their part to help draw it to your attention. Police note that in 2012, reported vehicle thefts in Texas totaled 64,982, which means a car was stolen every eight minutes. Any vehicle is a potential target, and those most stolen are at least four years old. In 2013, the most targeted makes/models in Texas included: 1) Ford Pickup 2) Chevrolet Pickup 3) Dodge Pickup 4) Chevrolet Tahoe and 5) Honda Civic. Continue reading July Is “Watch Your Car Month” for Auto Theft/Burglary

LONGVIEW — Gregg County’s East Texas Regional Airport will be on the receiving end of almost $30 million in renovations. KETK reports county commissioners gave approval for the facelift Monday. Most renovations will be funded by grants from the FAA. The renovations will include upgrades to taxiway lighting, airfield drainage improvements, and the design and overlay of a runway. Renovations should be complete within five years.

TYLER — July 4th is a memorable day in our Nation’s history. This last holiday was an Independence Day Gary and Aaron Buster will never forget. Their plane crashed into Lake Palestine around 2 p.m. on Friday. According to KETK, he plane crash may not be a good memory, but it is a day that will be unforgettable. Gary Buster is recovering at East Texas Medical Center. He had a fractured leg and lots of cuts and bruises, but his spirits were high. The day of the crash started as a father and son day of bonding. Continue reading Father and Son Recovering from Plane Crash

TYLER — It’s been three years in the making, and construction is in high gear for The Village at Cumberland Park shopping center. It’s an 80 acre property that’s going have shopping and dining. Tom Mullins of the Tyler Economic Development Council says the effort may be “the largest retail development project in the whole state of Texas.” The Villages at Cumberland Park in Tyler, located on South Broadway near Toll 49, provides close to 7,000 feet of retail space. According to KETK, the new shopping center will make a major economic impact on not only Tyler, but East Texas by creating more jobs. Continue reading Mega East Texas Shopping Center Under Construction

WINNSBORO – A young girl kidnapped in Arkansas has been rescued by Winnsboro, Texas policemen. Benton, Arkansas authorities tipped off Winnsboro officers that the six year old and her abductors may be heading to their area. When the youngster got out of a car matching the description of a vehicle provided by Arkansas authorities, Winnsboro officers were able to rescue her. She was turned over to her maternal grandmother who was in Winnsboro Tuesday. A woman from Dennison, who was driving the vehicle, was taken into custody. She told officers two persons had asked her to swap vehicles and to take the girl to Winnsboro. The woman, termed a person of interest, was later released. The two suspects remain at large.

AUSTIN — If University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers has his job after this week, he might have state lawmakers to thank — including a Republican from Van Zandt County. Outgoing UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa issued his first statement, calling his relationship with President Powers fractured and difficult — and he still plans to move forward with his plan for the Regents to decide Powers’s fate at their Thursday meeting. One problem is that state lawmakers are calling for Powers to stay — at least temporarily. House Transparency Committee co-chair Dan Flynn of Van says, “We’re still investigating it, we’re still working on issues, and we would still ask them not to make any major changes. The university has always worked with the Legislature, and I have no reason to believe that they won’t.”

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a man who reportedly spied on a juvenile girl through the window of her bathroom as she showered. Officials tell KETK the reported incident happened around 3:30 Monday afternoon in the 6600 block of Goforth Road in Kilgore. The alleged “peeping tom” is thought to be around 5’9″ and was wearing tan-colored pants, white gloves, and a denim shirt. He is reported to be driving a gold four-door passenger car, thought to be a 90s model. If you have any information on the location or identity of the man, call Gregg County Investigator David Falco at (903) 236-8438 or CrimeStoppers at (903) 236-STOP.

BULLARD — Bullard ISD Superintendent Keith Bryant was named the lone superintendent finalist Monday night by the Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District. 21 days must pass before Lubbock-Cooper ISD can officially hire the East Texas administrator. KETK reports the Bullard ISD Board of Trustees also gathered Monday night in a special called meeting. The board voted to move forward with the appointment of an interim superintendent. In addition, the board voted to hire an independent search firm to facilitate the process of hiring an interim, as well as a permanent, replacement. Bryant has been with Bullard ISD for six years.